Batu Ferringhi
Southeast Asia · Malaysia
Did you know?
- The international dragon-boat festival uses Teluk Bahang Dam in late May.
- Entopia is a butterfly attraction near a tropical spice garden.
- A coastal forest walk reaches Muka Head Lighthouse.
See also
George Town
Malaysia5.42°N 100.33°E · 4 m
Overview
Batu Ferringhi is a developed beach strip on Penang's northern coast. Botanical attractions and nearby forest trails offer alternatives to the night market and sand.
Languages: English, Malay
Why go?
Batu Ferringhi is a heavily developed tourist strip on Penang's northern coast, but fierce competition keeps hotel prices low and the beaches still offer white sand and palm trees. The western end is less crowded, and the famous night market and hawker centres provide great food and shopping.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Penang Airport (45 min), then take bus #102 to Batu Ferringhi, or go via Komtar in George Town on bus #101. Taxis are available but negotiate the fare first. By car or bus from KL takes several hours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Taxis trawl the coast; fares are negotiable but expect at least RM15. Rapid Penang buses run from Georgetown through Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi to Teluk Bahang until about 11PM. A 7-day Rapid Transit Passport (RM30) gives unlimited travel. Bus stops may be unmarked.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Peak season is Christmas/New Year when hotel rates are highest. Other times offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Jellyfish can be present in the water, especially during certain months.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Sunbathe on the beach, enjoy watersports (jet skiing, parasailing), or get a foot/body massage. Visit Entopia butterfly farm (adult RM49), Tropical Spice Garden (audio tour RM26), Escape Adventureplay (adult RM83), and Penang National Park (entrance RM50). Hike to Muka Head Lighthouse or explore the Forestry Museum. The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is held at Teluk Bahang Dam in late May.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Hawker centres like Viva Food Court, Gerai Makanan, and Khaleel Nasi offer affordable Malaysian dishes (RM8 per person at Khaleel). Seafood restaurants at Teluk Bahang pier are popular. Don't miss fresh fruit juice at the night market hawker centre for RM2. Ferringhi Garden has a wider menu but is pricier.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses around RM50 to luxury resorts over RM500 in peak season. Backpacker favourites include Baba's Guest House (from RM75), EQ Ferringhi Hotel (from RM88), and Fishermans Village (from MYR18).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget: dorm or budget room RM50-100, meals RM8-15 per meal, local bus rides RM2-5, fresh juice RM2. Night market shopping requires haggling.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Beware of jellyfish in the water. If stung, apply vinegar and seek medical attention if chest pain occurs. Otherwise, the area is generally safe but watch for inflated prices at the night market.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Head south to Balik Pulau for kampungs and fruit farms, or visit Air Itam for Penang Hill (funicular) and Kek Lok Si Temple. Cross to the mainland for Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam. Penang National Park is a half-day hike to Monkey Beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Explore more of Penang: Balik Pulau, Air Itam, George Town, or cross to Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam on the mainland.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Ali'sFerringi Guest House
53&54B, Batu Ferringi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Baba's Guest House
Rooms are pretty basic but still nice. Inside the building rooms have shared bathroom on the floor, but the rooms in front of the house have their own bathroom with shower. Air conditioned rooms start RM 85 in the building and RM 100 outside. Walk distance to beach: 25 m. Staff: at least the owner speaks fluent English, and is very friendly. Perfect for backpackers who want to enjoy direct beach access and walk over the vast night-bazar. Very clean.
Recorded price: Rates start RM 75 double w/o air-con, up to RM 100
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bayview Beach Resort Penang
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
By The Sea Suites Apartment
Available for daily, weekly and monthly rental.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang
Located at Tanjung Bungah facing the sea.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
The hotel has 316 guest rooms and suites. There are also 3 dining venues, an outdoor pool, spa and a gym.
Recorded price: RM 240+
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
E.T Budget Guest House
47,Batu Ferringi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
EQ Ferringhi Hotel
Offers standard and triple sharing rooms, all of which are equipped with television, air conditioning, fan, high pressure water heater, bathroom and shower. Free Wi-Fi and satellite TV with ASTRO channels at the lobby.
Recorded price: Best rates on official website start at RM 88
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Food
Hawker centres and seafood restaurants are abundant. A meal costs around RM8.
Money
Local currency is Malaysian Ringgit (RM). ATMs available. Haggling is expected at the night market.
Safety
Jellyfish in the sea; carry vinegar for stings.
Transport
Rapid Penang buses run along the coast. Taxis are negotiable, starting at RM15.