Monkey Beach
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Penang National Park, home to the secluded Teluk Duyung, better-known as Monkey Beach for the long-tailed gray macaques that call the cove home. The area is also home to sea otters, fruit bats, and eagles, and the clear, green waters are perfect for cooling off.
The Basics
Visitors can access Monkey Beach as part of a half-day trip to Penang National Park. Hassle-free tour options can include round-trip transfers from your George Town hotel, transport by boat, and a barbecue lunch on the beach. The short duration of many Monkey Beach tours means that it’s easy to combine a visit to the national park with a tour of George Town, making Penang a great destination for travelers on a time budget.
Things to Know Before You Go
Monkey Beach is a must-visit for lovers of nature and wildlife.
Wear comfortable shoes and plenty of insect repellent if you want to hike.
Be wary of the macaques and avoid carrying food.
Admission to Penang National Park is free, but visitors must register at the visitors center.
You can access Monkey Beach by hiking or taking a boat.
How to Get There
Penang National Park is a 45-minute bus ride from the city center. From George Town, take Rapid Penang bus No. 101 or 103 and disembark at the final stop near the park entrance. You can also take a private taxi to the park, or visit as part of a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Penang National Park is open daily from 8am to 5pm. In northern Malaysia, the dry season occurs from August through November, making these months the coolest and best times to hike through the park.
The Delights of Penang National Park
There’s more to Penang National Park than just Monkey Beach. The Meromictic Lake, one of only three such lakes in Asia, is home to the natural phenomenon of two separate layers of water co-existing. During monsoon season, you can swim in the lake and enjoy the sensation of both cool freshwater and warm saltwater simultaneously.
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- Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang)
- Kek Lok Si Temple
- Penang Botanical Gardens (Taman Botani Penang)
- Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram)
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- Penang House of Music
- Little India
- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion)
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