Why Penang's Natural Beauty Will Leave You in Awe

Although most tourists head to Penang to enjoy its heritage sites and street food hotspots, there's more to this Malaysian travel hub than its city highlights. Blessed with stunning beaches and natural enclaves, the area's natural splendour is the reason why local nature lovers have been visiting Penang since time immemorial. From its verdant national parks to sprawling butterfly farms, here are the highlights that have made Penang a dream destination for eco-friendly travel pursuits.

Penang National Park

While Pahang's Taman Negara National Park is the oldest rainforest in Malaysia, the lush environs of Penang National Park are no less captivating in spite of its size. Spread out over 23km2,  the pristine landscapes of this idyllic patch of paradise not only include white, sandy beaches but also tropical jungles lined with hiking trails. Often described as a haven for avid hikers, tourists can not only trek along the breezy coastlines of the national park but also enjoy a dip in the ocean now and then. Pantai Kerachut and Monkey Beach or Teluk Duyung is the best places to enjoy a picnic during a hiking tour of Penang National Park  where boating excursions are also accessible.

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Whether one is based at The George Penang by The Crest Collection or any similar heritage hotel in Penang, a trip to the area would not be complete without a stopover at Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm. Home to more than 15,000 butterflies, this massive garden dedicated to winged beauties has become one of the chief attractions for nature lovers exploring Penang. Divided into several zones, Natureland is where a vast majority of the butterflies are on display and where one can take part in the "Release a Butterfly" exercise. As a conservation hub that aims to educate local communities on the lifecycle and preservation of these majestic creatures, those who visit the Penang Butterfly Farm can also head to the Breeding Ground to find hundreds of cocooned caterpillars.

Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang

Active tourists with a passion for thrills and spills in rugged terrains can also venture over to Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang where the beauty of the area's rainforests is on full display. Offering hiking enthusiasts some of the more challenging trails accessible in Penang, this vast wilderness crisscrossed with hiking paths and natural pools is the perfect location to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Encircled by the sounds of the forest, it's also the perfect venue to enjoy a quiet stroll or a group picnic if one's travelling with friends or family.

Penang Hill

Ranked among Penang's best observation hotspots, the spectacular views available from its vaulted height are not the only reason to head up Penang Hill. As a natural enclave that's easily accessible to city dwellers, watching the urban landscapes give way to more natural surroundings is one of the true joys of riding the funicular to the summit.

Boulder Valley

Camping fans, on the other hand, can enjoy an outbound escape in the mesmerizing Boulder Valley where one can rough it out in the wilderness or enjoy glamping in style. Surrounded by nature's bounty at every turn, Boulder Valley is the ideal location to experience Penang's tropical jungles on one's own terms.

The Habitat

Conveniently located a short distance from Penang Hill, The Habitat is situated inside the virgin forests surrounding the popular lookout point. In addition to leaving city life behind, visitors can also sign up for the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk or The Colugo Zip lining adventures during a tour of The Habitat. Tourists often come face to face with rare creepy crawlies only found in rainforest environments when exploring the walking trails in this enclosure.