Penang National Park is Malaysia’s smallest national parks. Despite its size, it’s incredibly impressive. The area boasts a range of fauna and flora and has some stunning views. A trip to Penang National Park is an absolute must if you’re staying in the Penang or Georgetown area. In this guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about how to visit Penang National Park.
Penang National Park is full of epic activities. From jungle hikes to secluded white beaches, wildlife viewing, and scenic boat trips, it is an absolute must on any trip to Malaysia.
Only have a week in Malaysia? Discover how to build a trip to Penang National Park into your 7 day itinerary.
How to get to Penang National Park
The park is about an hour from Georgetown in the Penang area. Georgetown is a common spot to base yourself when exploring the Penang area.
From Georgetown, you can take a taxi, which will cost around RM100 ($21 USD) each way. Alternatively, you can take the 101 public bus, which cost me RM3.50 each way. This is a much more affordable option.
The 101 bus has plenty of stops throughout Georgetown, and Google Maps will help you find the most convenient spot. I went from the start of the line, which was ‘Jetty A’, all the way to the national park. It took me just over one hour.
When I went, the road leading to the park was closed, but the bus driver let everyone know where we needed to get off. From there, it was a 20-minute walk to the entrance (looking online, the bus will normally take you right to the entrance).
Note: You can only pay in cash for the bus, and they don’t give you a change, so make sure you have the correct amount.
How much does it cost to enter Penang National Park?
An entry fee of RM50 ($10USD) has recently been introduced to enter Penang National Park. You’ll also need to share your contact details to enter.
This money goes towards conservation efforts.
Turtle Beach or Monkey Beach
There are two main destinations in Penang National Park: Turtle Beach and Monkey Beach. Both of these can be reached by organised boat or hiking trails.
Turtle Beach is a turtle nesting reserve. There is a centre on the beach that provides more information on the turtles. If you go at the right time of year, you may be able to see baby turtles in the centre. If I’m honest, this was a big turn-off for me, as baby turtles belong in the ocean.
Visiting Monkey Beach is the most popular things to do in Penang National Park. The hike there takes you through the gorgeous rainforest. When you arrive, you are rewarded with stunning white sand and crystal-clear water.
There are a few vendors on the beach selling snacks and cold drinks.
Hiking to Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours each way. They’re on opposite sides of the park, so it’ll be difficult to visit both on foot (unless you’re feeling energetic).
The hikes to both beaches require walking on some unstable and steep ground, so wear suitable shoes.
If you want to visit both Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach, I’d recommend arranging a boat ride between them.
Penang National Park: Boat vs Hike
When you arrive at Penang National Park, you’ll be approached by locals offering you boat rides into the park. This means you won’t need to do any hiking. The boats go to both Turtle Beach and Monkey Beach (and between the two). As of January 2024, a boat ride will set you back RM100 ($21 USD) each way. The more of you in a group, the cheaper it becomes.
The catch with the boats is you need to organise them before entering into the park. For example, if you arrive at Monkey Beach via foot and decide to catch a boat back the entrance of Penang National Park, it’ll be too late to organise.
I hiked both ways, but I’d suggest getting a boat into the park and walking back if you think this will be too much. Once inside the park, you’ll have no way of contacting your driver (there’s no phone signal), so it’s not possible to change times. You could also consider getting a boat to Monkey Beach, hiking to Turtle Beach, and returning by boat.
Is hiking in Penang National Park difficult?
The hike to Monkey Beach is 7.7km and takes approximately 90 minutes. It’s a long hike in the heat, with some unstable ground. While the jungle protects you from the worst of the sun, it’s still very hot and humid. Make sure you have plenty of water with you. You can refill this at Turtle Beach (this will cost money).
The path itself is very up-and-down with the incline, so be prepared for some steep parts in both directions, as well as bridges and old steps.
When I visited, part of the trail had collapsed. I found myself making my way down a very slippery and loose incline, using ropes to help. Make sure you have suitable shoes.
The hike to Turtle Beach is also 7.7km and is similar terrain.
What should you take?
Whether you’re getting the boat or hiking, you’ll likely spend some time on a beach, so make sure you have the basics. If hiking, take plenty of water, especially if you’re going to Turtle Beach, as there are no vendors here to buy water.
Here’s a suggested list of items to bring:
- Water (lots of it – it’s only available to buy at Monkey Beach)
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sun cream
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Snacks (only available at Monkey Beach)
- Comfortable walking shoes (if hiking)
How to see Monkeys in Penang National Park
Monkeys live throughout the park, so if you do one of the hikes, you have a good chance of seeing one.
Monkey Beach itself is home to some very cheeky monkeys who will try and steal your belongings. One tried to join me as I was having a drink. Another monkey tried to steal a coconut from a girl.
They don’t seem to be as naughty as some monkeys I’ve encountered but keep your belongings close to you as if they have the chance, they will no doubt try and take something.
Summary of Penang National Park
If staying in Penang or Georgetown, visiting Penang National Park should certainly be on your list. It has some stunning scenery and is a great way to escape the city for a day with minimal effort.
