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Malaysia : Penang National Park

Batu Feringghi is a tourist area 20 kms outside Georgetown. Many years ago it was popular with hippies, then large hotels were built to serve the mass tourist trade. The tsunami hit this area and although it was not as devastating as in Thailand or Sri Lanka (this coast was protected from the full force of the tsunami by the island of Sumatra. But it appears as if the place has not regained its former glory. late February should be high season for tourists, but they were not to be seen and one very large hotel is completely closed up. the entrance to the park is located at the end of road in the fishing village of Telok Bahang.
http://www.wildlife.gov.my/tnpp/biindex.htm

Taman Negara Pulau Pinang

Penang National Park is apparently an effort by the Malaysian government to revitalise the area. It is adjacent to a small fishing village and although there were already hiking trails here, it has now been more clearly signposted, trails improved and an information centre provided. There are five major trails ; some of them are full day walks.

Something for everyone

The main trail appears to have been designed for Zimmer Frames or wheelchairs, but once you cross the small suspension bridge, this changes drastically and the trail becomes more challenging. There are views of the ocean on one side and the forest on the other. Seating is provided at frequent intervals and there are also picnic tables.

Superior monkeys

There are many monkeys in the park and they seemed to ignore people (at least they ignored me). I am not good at spotting birds but I could certainly hear them. My great regret is that because I only found out about the park after taking a bus out to Batu Feringghi , I was not prepared for serious hiking. i plan to go back and spend a day (or more) at this very interesting park.

The fine print

Date of travel : February 2008
Country information : https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html

What now?