Roundtrip Penang
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 20-05-2021
Route Summary The roads in Malaysia are generally in good condition, but beware; there are also parts where the asphalt is poor and there can be potholes in the road surface. This can be dangerous, so caution is advised.
During the rainy season (September-December) the roads can be slippery. Traffic in Malaysia drives on the left side of the road.
The weather in Malaysia can be unpredictable. Very tropical warm but very wet due to the heavy rain showers. Check the weather forecast before driving and always bring a raincoat. If you have to stop for shelter, never do this under a bridge or on the shoulder as accidents have happened to motorcyclists. Find a safe place such as a cafe, shops, etc. to stop along the routes.
You can rent a motorcycle in Malaysia, but these are usually lighter models and often scooters. You can spend the night in hotels, B & Bs or resorts, which can easily be booked via booking.com.
I rate this route with 5 ***** stars because of the beautiful roads, the beautiful nature, sights and activities that you can undertake.
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Verdict
Duration
10h 17m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
95.24 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review I myself visited the island in 1986 and at the time also discovered the island with a rented motor scooter. Pay close attention because some parts of the island are very busy with traffic. This ride is mainly on good roads. There are several options to deviate from the route and take the very narrow and winding roads, but be careful because the quality of these roads is worse.
Leaving George Town, you'll pass KOMTAR Tower at RP2, which is the state's tallest skyscraper and the eleventh tallest building in Malaysia. KOMTAR is an abbreviation for Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, named after Malaysia's second Prime Minister. The tower was built in 1974 and completed in 1986. The tower also has a Skywalk from where you have a beautiful view.
Visit the Penang-Hill, this is a must, from this hill you have a beautiful view over the island and there are several attractions to visit, such as a Skywalk, animal park, walking routes, a temple and much more.
You can choose to travel up the single track cable car from Air Itam (RP4). This rail line was first opened in 1923 as a two-part rail line and the system was overhauled in 2010. The total travel time can take between five and twenty minutes. The cable car ride is a fun experience in itself.
You can also choose to drive up Penang Hill via a very narrow and winding road from The Botanic Gardens (RP16) at the end of this drive.
The next stop is at the Air Itam Dam (RP6) a large lake with dam, here you can take some nice pictures. Hiking enthusiasts can walk the Air Itam Dam Loop, a 1.7-mile trail around the lake and rated as moderate. It is a very easy hike that offers a variety of wildlife such as silver leaf monkey, various bird species and centipedes. From the dam you can take a different route by taking the next left at RP7 over the Air Itam Dam and driving the "Lorong Jog" to Balik Pulau, where you rejoin the original route. Keep in mind that this road is very narrow and winding and the quality of the asphalt is poor, but you will drive right through the beautiful tropical forests of Penang.
Lunch is scheduled at Penang Kampung Food, turn right at RP8 for this. Enjoy the local dishes in the many restaurants in this small port.
Also buy some drinks and snacks before staying on the beach, because our next stop is at RP9 the beautiful Long Sand Beach (= Pantai Pasir Panjang), a stretch of sandy beach where it is quiet on most days. Due to its remote location, there are not many recreational activities other than swimming and picnicking by the beach. However, it is a good place to relax in the busier areas of Penang.
After this beach break we drive north on a straight road that turns from RP10 into a lovely winding road through the hills. Nice hairpin bends and beautiful nature, so enjoy. At RP11 you drive along the Teluk Bahang Lake, you can stop a little further at the Teluk Bahang Dam (RP12) to take a photo of the lake and the dam.
At two kilometers from Dam Square you can take the first exit on the roundabout (RP13) if you want to visit the famous Monkey Beach. You can relax there on the beautiful beach, enjoy a drink in Tiger Monkey Restaurant, rent boats. In the evening you can see the bioluminescent Plankton in the ocean, which is an enchanting sight. You can spend the night in a hotel.
If you love the local dishes and want to know how to make your own, make sure to stop at the Tropical Spice Garden (RP14), where you can join a tour of the herb garden and take cooking classes with local herbs.
The next part of the route follows the northern coastline with many beautiful beaches, so plenty of opportunities to stop for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
The next stop is at the De Penang Botanic Gardens, also known as the "Waterfall Gardens" because of the waterfall nearby. Enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers in this park.
As mentioned before you can drive from this point on a narrow and winding road to Penang Hill.
The end of this beautiful tour is at the Container Hotel in George Town.
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Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Pulau Pinang
About this region
Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. They are connected by Malaysia's two longest road bridges, the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge; the latter is also, as of May 2019, the longest oversea bridge in Southeast Asia. The second smallest Malaysian state by land mass, Penang is bordered by Kedah to the north and the east, and Perak to the south.Penang's population stood at nearly 1.767 million as of 2018, while its population density rose to 1,684/km2 (4,360/sq mi). It has among the nation's highest population densities and is one of the country's most urbanised states. Seberang Perai is Malaysia's second-largest city by population. Its heterogeneous population is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language and religion. Aside from the three main races, the Malays, Chinese, and Indians, Penang is home to significant Eurasian, Siamese and expatriate communities. George Town is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite or Penang Lang (Penang Hokkien: 庇能儂; Tâi-lô: Pī-néeng-lâng) in Penang Hokkien.Penang's modern history began in 1786, upon the establishment of George Town by Francis Light. Penang formed part of the Straits Settlements in 1826, which became a British crown colony in 1867. Direct British rule was only briefly interrupted during World War II, when Japan occupied Penang; the British retook Penang in 1945. Penang was later merged with the Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia), which gained independence from the British in 1957. Following the decline of its entrepôt trade towards the 1970s, Penang's economy was reoriented towards hi-tech manufacturing.Known as the Silicon Valley of the East for its industries, Penang is one of Malaysia's most vital economic powerhouses. Penang has the highest Gross Domestic Product per capita among all Malaysian states and is considered a high-income economy. In addition, Penang recorded the nation's third highest Human Development Index, after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Correspondingly, the state has a relatively well-educated population, with a youth literacy rate of 99.5% as of 2014.
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