Batu Ferringhi, situated along the coastal road north-west of Georgetown and lined with a string of international-standard resorts, is the most popular beach in Penang.
Batu Ferringhi used to be a small fisherman village. You can still see the remains of it when you turn towards the sea just after the Park Royal Hotel. Here you can still find the houses of the original inhabitants of Batu Ferringhi . There are also several small restaurants, where you can eat in the evening. Many people go for trips on the island, as Penang is an island where there is always something to do and no chance of getting bored.
Soak in the sun or unwind on the beach while you enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from wind-surfing to canoeing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try parasailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky. Horse riding is available as is jet skiing and the usual beach pursuits for the adults and children.
Boats sail to for instance Monkey Island (no island, but a beach) where it is possible to snorkel. Another possibility is to book an excursion to Pula Payer (just over a hour by boat), where you can snorkel amongst the Coral Reef and feed small sharks.
As the sun sets, Batu Ferringhi comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere with an open-air bazaar selling anything from ornate curios to enticing souvenir items. Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik-painting. Dubbed the Ferringhi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions.
The bazaar is held every evening of the year along the footpath that runs on either side of the main road that winds its way through Batu Ferringhi. Many bargains are to be had for the smart shopper, so make sure that you do bargain the price as that is what you are expected to do. Stalls sell everything from clothes, DVDs CDs, jewellery and other local and imported handicrafts.
You can have dinner at any of the many restaurant available. For instance House of Kampong, Deep Sea, The Last Drop or the hawker centre Coconut café and Long Beach Cafe. At the hawker centre you can choose from European, Indian or Chinese food. A great meal for four persons including drinks will cost you about RM 60. A small beer at the hawker centre costs RM 7 and a large (750 ml) RM 12. For a wide selection of European foods it is best to go to The Ship. In this replica of a galleon they serve an excellent steak. At the fish restaurant Eden, they serve the best fish dishes. During the weekend the restaurant is very busy with people from Georgetown. A taxi ride to town will cost you about RM 35 and a bus RM 2. The bus is a lot cheaper and more fun, but a taxi will get you there quicker.
Other attractions include the Butterfly Farm, Botanical Garden, Wat Chayamangkalaran Buddist Temple with the famed Reclining Buddha, Penang Museum, Fort Cornwallis to name but a few attractions.
Comments
#1 Michael Q C from Melbourne, Australia. commented, on January 7, 2011, 7:32 pm:
Our family of five had a wonderful two week holiday staying at the Sri Sayang holiday Apartments over the Christmas period. The apartment was a home from home experience with wonderful views of the sea and mountains.I enjoyed sitting on the balcony at sunset sipping a G
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