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Suburb of George Town and district capital in Penang, Malaysia
Photo: arches, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Balik Pulau (Malay: Back Island) is a town in Penang, Malaysia. Along with the surrounding area, Balik Pulau literally makes up the backcountry of the island, offering a laidback kampung lifestyle, with rice paddies and fruit farms scattered throughout, separated from Penang's main urban area by hills.
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Located about 10 min from the Teluk Bahang Dam, the farm offers a durian buffet (early reservation required) and a variety of tropical fruits during the local fruit & durian season (May - Aug).
Billy goats, nanny goats and kids in a raised and shaded enclosure. Clean with no overpowering smell. Free grass is provided to hand feed them and get as close as you want to pat their backs. The kids run around free and will come up close to you to investigate. The goats will have a go at eating anything in range: umbrellas, shoe laces, bags and hats are all fair game to them. Tasty pasteurised goats milk, nutmeg goat yoghurt drink and goat's milk pudding on sale. Fun place for kids and adults. Signage is hard to follow, GPS recommended.
Air Terjun Titi Kerawang
Situated off the side of the road, near a collection of roadside stalls. To reach the falls, follow the trail beside the bridge to the lower falls. The upper falls, which are more impressive, require you to get off the foot bridge climb over rocks, so be careful and take your time. There is a water pool at the base of the upper falls for a dip. It can be busy during the weekends if coming by bus remember that this route come by infrequently.
25-acre farm lies in the scenic hills near Balik Pulau. You can view over 200 types of tropical and sub-tropical fruit trees and samples of fresh fruit are available. Highlights include the cinnamon bark cut from a live tree and the miracle berries that can change a sour lime to a sweet taste. A small stall near the entrance sells fresh fruit juice and fruit dishes. You can also enjoy a great view of the north-western coastline of the island. There is a shuttle bus service that can pick up visitors from some areas around the Penang by prior arrangement.
Hean Boo Suah
A small Chinese temple in Balik Pulau town centre, dedicated to the Taoist deity of the same name. There is a large bell originally cast in 1895.
A guided bicycle tour run by the local visitors centre, offering a glimpse into the towns, fruit farms, rice paddies and fishing villages of Penang. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and water as it can get quite hot during the day. Bike rental without a guide is also available, but the tour is excellent for first timers to Balik Pulau.
This small coffeeshop serves up the well sought after Assam Laksa (also known simply as Balik Pulau laksa), along with the Lemak Laksa variation, which has a touch of coconut milk to cut through the sourness.
A market area to replace the old market of Balik Pulau. The building houses a wet and dry market, selling local produce along with everything under the sun.
Small shop/stall selling nutmeg products. Besides, owner gives free 5-minute speech explaining how nutmegs are grown, and gives you a free welcome nutmeg drink.
Balik Pulau Bus Terminal, on Jl Tun Sardon, serves as the main bus station in Balik Pulau for the Penang's public bus operator, Rapid Penang.
Read in the guideHaving your own form of transport will certainly simplify your journey around Balik Pulau. If you are merely venturing around the town centre of Balik Pulau then walking is perfectly fine.
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Penang · International · PEN
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