Batu Ferringhi travel guide
Batu Ferringhi Tourism | Batu Ferringhi Guide
You're Going to Love Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is among the most popular havens of Penang, thanks to its alluring white sandy beach and myriad of accommodation and dining options. The legendary Night Market awaits to be explored while its waters offer the thrill and excitement of sports activities like windsurfing and parasailing.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Batu Ferringhi
1. Enticing Malay Cuisine
The wide array of tantalizing delicacies such as satay and laksa is a result of a fusion of diverse cultures in Malaysia.
2. The Night Market
Soak up the lively ambiance of Pasar Malam (Night Market) and buy vintage collectibles, household items, or almost anything you may need.
3. Scenic Beach
The long, smooth, sandy beaches offer you the chance to sunbathe on your beach blanket or partake in water sports like windsurfing and parasailing.
4. Tropical Fruit Farm
There are 250 types of tropical and sub-tropical fruits planted on this 25-acre tropical fruit farm. Savor the attraction at its best when the fruits are in season.
5. Jungle Trekking and Camping
Batu Ferringhi is the starting point for several great hikes. Try out the access route from the Chin Farm Waterfall across the Bayview Beach Resort.
What to do in Batu Ferringhi
1. A Superstar Educational Attraction
The fruit of decades of fund-raising, Entopia is one of southeast Asia's premier nature learning facilities. Once upon a time, it was simply a butterfly farm (well, actually a pretty impressive one). Now, it's all been expanded, with one of the world's biggest "green walls" encasing a cornucopia of natural attractions. From the Cinerama, which shows nature documentaries, to specialist talks on arthropods, bugs, and - of course - the center's huge butterfly community, there's always something related to biology going on.
2. When The Sun Sets, Get Set For Bargain Hunting
Located right next to the seafront, the town's Night Market is exactly as described - a bustling place to buy all sorts of commodities and souvenirs, which only takes place when the sun goes down. Whether you want electronic devices, replica football shirts, artworks by local talents, or just some good old Malay street food, the Night Market delivers. Don't miss the deep-fried chicken skin and rice, or the numerous varieties of satay skewers on offer, or cuttlefish plucked from the Pacific Ocean.
3. Chill With The Chillies In A Tourist Hotspot
Spice has played a huge role in Southeast Asian history and culture, from the arrival of European traders and soldiers in the 15th century, to the integration of world markets and the flowering of Malay, Thai and Vietnamese food. So it makes sense that Batu Ferringhi should celebrate the region's greatest export. The Tropical Spice Garden does so in style. Located about a mile southwest of the resort on an ex-rubber plantation, the gardens stretch over 8 acres, and include 500 spice varieties - all grown organically, by local volunteers.
4. Batu Ferringhi's Chilled Out Cousin
Just a few miles southwest of Batu Ferringhi, you'll come to Teluk Bahang, which is right next door, but very different. Much more laid-back and less intensively developed, Teluk Bahang is the place to come to unwind and escape the beach crowds. It's also a dining hotspot specializing in the freshest possible seafood, hosts Fuan Wong's Art & Garden, and provides a jumping off point to access the Penang National Park, which stretches off into the distance to the west. So, if you fancy a chilled out afternoon, just wander around the headland. Teluk Bahang is right on your doorstep.
5. A Treasure Trove Of Toys
One of Batu Ferringhi's more surprising attractions, the Toy Museum is the largest of its kind in the entire world, which is pretty amazing for a small institution on Penang Island. Hosting more than 110,000 toys, wax models and collectibles, it's like a library of children's popular culture. Some characters will be instantly recognizable (such as Mario), while other toys will be completely new to western eyes. From the Smurfs to Spider Man, the curator Loh Lean Cheng has got the lot.
1. A Superstar Educational Attraction
The fruit of decades of fund-raising, Entopia is one of southeast Asia's premier nature learning facilities. Once upon a time, it was simply a butterfly farm (well, actually a pretty impressive one). Now, it's all been expanded, with one of the world's biggest "green walls" encasing a cornucopia of natural attractions. From the Cinerama, which shows nature documentaries, to specialist talks on arthropods, bugs, and - of course - the center's huge butterfly community, there's always something related to biology going on.
2. When The Sun Sets, Get Set For Bargain Hunting
Located right next to the seafront, the town's Night Market is exactly as described - a bustling place to buy all sorts of commodities and souvenirs, which only takes place when the sun goes down. Whether you want electronic devices, replica football shirts, artworks by local talents, or just some good old Malay street food, the Night Market delivers. Don't miss the deep-fried chicken skin and rice, or the numerous varieties of satay skewers on offer, or cuttlefish plucked from the Pacific Ocean.
3. Chill With The Chillies In A Tourist Hotspot
Spice has played a huge role in Southeast Asian history and culture, from the arrival of European traders and soldiers in the 15th century, to the integration of world markets and the flowering of Malay, Thai and Vietnamese food. So it makes sense that Batu Ferringhi should celebrate the region's greatest export. The Tropical Spice Garden does so in style. Located about a mile southwest of the resort on an ex-rubber plantation, the gardens stretch over 8 acres, and include 500 spice varieties - all grown organically, by local volunteers.
4. Batu Ferringhi's Chilled Out Cousin
Just a few miles southwest of Batu Ferringhi, you'll come to Teluk Bahang, which is right next door, but very different. Much more laid-back and less intensively developed, Teluk Bahang is the place to come to unwind and escape the beach crowds. It's also a dining hotspot specializing in the freshest possible seafood, hosts Fuan Wong's Art & Garden, and provides a jumping off point to access the Penang National Park, which stretches off into the distance to the west. So, if you fancy a chilled out afternoon, just wander around the headland. Teluk Bahang is right on your doorstep.
5. A Treasure Trove Of Toys
One of Batu Ferringhi's more surprising attractions, the Toy Museum is the largest of its kind in the entire world, which is pretty amazing for a small institution on Penang Island. Hosting more than 110,000 toys, wax models and collectibles, it's like a library of children's popular culture. Some characters will be instantly recognizable (such as Mario), while other toys will be completely new to western eyes. From the Smurfs to Spider Man, the curator Loh Lean Cheng has got the lot.
Where to Eat in Batu Ferringhi
Savor an assortment of Malay cuisine at the Night Market. Be sure to also sample fantastic Malay, Western, Chinese, and Indian delicacies at the Long Beach Cafe (food court). Average meal prices hover around RM33.
When to visit Batu Ferringhi
July is the best time to explore Batu Ferringhi; the area receives an average of eight hours of sunshine each day. Also, jellyfish are less prevalent at this time of the year, making the waters favorable for water activities.
How to Get to Batu Ferringhi
Plane
A 45-minute flight will get you to Penang Airport (PEN) from Kuala Lumpur. Upon landing at the airport, you can catch a bus or a taxi to Batu Ferringhi.
Train
Trains arrive at Butterworth Railway Station near the ferry terminal in Butterworth, on Malaysia's mainland. Take a ferry to George Town, and you will have the option of taking a bus or taxi to Batu Ferringhi.
Car
There are several cars rental companies to get you to Batu Ferringhi from George Town and the surrounding neighborhood. A car trip takes 25 minutes via Jalan Batu Ferringhi through Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Route 6 and P4.
Bus
You can take Rapid Penang bus 101 route from the airport, which is a distance of 19 miles and costs RM4. Buses from George Town to Batu Ferringhi are available for RM2.
Airlines serving Batu Ferringhi
Where to stay in Batu Ferringhi
Tanjung Bungah - situated between Gurney and Batu Ferringhi, about a half-hour's drive from George Town. It's famed for water sports activities as well as its world-class resorts and hotels.
Popular Neighborhoods in Batu Ferringhi
Teluk Bahang - located in Southwest Penang Island District, Teluk Bahang is home to Penang National Park, the Tropical Spice Garden, and the beautiful Art and Garden by Fuan Wong.
Tanjung Tokong - found along the northeastern coast of Penang Island. It boasts Straits Quay, a shopping mall-cum-marina.
Where to stay in popular areas of Batu Ferringhi
How to Get Around Batu Ferringhi
Public Transportation
Buses are the most commonly used means of transport. From 7:50 am, Rapid Transit buses ferry people from George Town to Tanjung Bungah and from Batu Ferringhi to Teluk Bahang. Fares range from RM1.40 to RM4.
Taxi
Bargaining for your taxi fare is common place here when moving within and outside Batu Ferringhi. Prices average RM45 for an adult and RM24 for a child.
Car
With an assortment of car rental companies such as Europcar, you can pick one to satisfy your mobility needs. Prices start at RM350 per day.
The Cost of Living in Batu Ferringhi
Shopping Streets
From home decor items to fake designer bags and souvenirs, you can satisfy all your shopping needs at Batu Ferringhi's Night Market. Get quality handmade fabric products as well as handicrafts at Raz Kashmir Crafts.
Groceries and Other
Grocery stores are costly, but the markets are relatively affordable. 35oz of chicken breast costs, for example, RM9.