Named after the macaques that hunt for crabs along the beach, Monkey Beach Penang goes by a few names; it’s also known as the Penang National Park Monkey Beach, Monkey Island or Teluk Duyung in Malay.
While not easily accessible from Georgetown, the fine white sand makes it one of the best beaches in Penang! It’s a popular attraction, with plenty of locals during weekends and public holidays.
Thus, it’s not unusual to see many locals on this beach during weekends and public holidays!
Table of Contents:
- How To Go To Monkey Beach Penang
- Hiking To Monkey Beach Penang
- Monkey Beach Penang Boat
- Monkey Beach Penang Activities
- Camping At Monkey Beach Penang
- Café Or Bars At Monkey Beach
- Monkey Beach Penang Review
- Private Day Tour In Penang
How To Go To Monkey Beach Penang
You’ll need at least 40 minutes (or 1.5 hours for the bus) to get to the entrance of Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang from George Town.
Note: Entry to the Penang National Park is free!
Location: Penang National Park, north-west corner of Penang Island.
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8am to 5pm (last entry)
Step 1: Getting To Penang National Park
There are a few ways to get into the Penang National Park, namely:
- By car – simply park next to the entrance in a guarded open-air lot for only RM5.
- Local bus service, Rapid Penang 101 and 102 have routes from Weld Quay Jetty Bus Terminal or KOMTAR to the entrance to Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang. It costs just under RM3!
- As part of a private tour service (See more below)
Step 2: 2 Ways To Get To Monkey Beach From Penang National Park
- Boat – Once you reach Teluk Bahang, there are plenty of boatmen offering their services to take you to Monkey Beach directly by boat.
- Hiking – Your other option is to hike through Penang National Park to Monkey Beach!
Monkey Beach Penang Hiking
If you’re moderately fit, it can take you about 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Monkey Peach.
Be sure to bring along plenty of water, as the humidity and weather along this jungle trail can wear you down quickly.
It’s a tricky trail too. So do watch your footing as the tangling tree roots can make the surface harder to traverse through.
But you’re also just as likely to stumble across various wildlife such as to monitor lizards, monkeys, and birds during your trek;
However, keep your distance even if you’re tempted to approach them for a photo or a closer look!
Route: Penang National Park Entrance – Pantai Teluk Aling – Monkey Beach
Distance: 3.5km
Duration: about 2 hours
After you’ve reached Monkey Beach and had a good look around (including a quick splash in the shallows):
You can take the extended trail to Muka Head Lighthouse! Which requires another 30-45 minutes (one way) to reach!
Muka Head Lighthouse:
Muka Head Lighthouse is Malaysia’s second-oldest lighthouse!
While no longer in operation, visitors can climb the spiral staircase for some exceptional views at the top of the lighthouse.
Monkey Beach Penang Boat
Whether you’re taking a boat to Monkey Beach or back or both:
A boat trip saves considerable time compared to hiking there, so you can spend more time exploring other beaches in the national park.
That being said, hiking does allow you to appreciate the local topography and rainforest a little better, plus the chance of spotting some native animals!
Get the best of both worlds by hiking in and taking a boat back! Or vice versa!
Monkey Beach Penang Boat Price
You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a boat at either Teluk Bahang or Monkey Beach!
The fees are usually charged by boat rather than per head though, so it can cost ~RM50 for a boat that sits 10 people!
Boat Duration: 10 minutes
Price Range:
- ~RM50 per one way trip from the entrance of Penang National Park to Monkey Beach
- RM85 for a return trip between the Penang National Park jetty and Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach Penang Activities
Even if you don’t plan to do much at Monkey Beach, it’s a good idea to bring along a towel, water, snacks, and some change, as you might find yourself staying there for longer!
Keep a close eye on your belongings as monkeys will always take advantage of a bag that is left alone.
1. Spot Some Local Wildlife
You’re more than likely to bump into some of the local wildlife, especially if you take the hiking trail to the beach.
Just keep quiet and be on the lookout for squirrels, insects, birds, monkeys and monitor lizards!
2. Go On A Picnic At The Beach
While you’ll have to definitely have to bring water if you’re hiking, you can also bring along some food and a blanket for an impromptu picnic on the sand!
There are some F&B Vendors in the area too so you don’t have to worry about going hungry while you’re there!
3. Try Some Water Sports
The main section of the beach is less than ideal for relaxing, mainly due to all the activity going on in the water.
You can join in by renting water sports equipment and even quad bikes if you want!
4. Find A Quiet Corner
If you’d like to avoid the busier areas of the beach, you’ll find some rope swings and hammocks on the farther ends of it.
Then, you can proceed to do nothing but just relax!
5. Go Fishing (Only Where Permitted)
For larger groups:
Fishing trips (and a BBQ lunch for extra RM35 per pax) with Penang Nature Tour Guide Association costs RM150 per hour for a boat for up to 6 pax!
6. Camp On The Beach! (Advanced Booking Required)
As long as you have your own tent and other camping supplies, it’s only RM5 to camp on Monkey Beach and other designated campsites on Pantai Kerachut (turtle beach) or Teluk Kampi.
Just let the staff at the park entrance know that you intend to camp before filling up the register.
Do ask for the location of the Ranger’s Station too, so you can get more information on where to camp as well as the camping rules.
Monkey Beach Penang Camping (Lazyboys Campsite)
It does cost RM5 if you want to camp at Monkey Beach! But you will have access to a kitchen, toilet and shower facilities!
Café Or Bars At Monkey Beach
Being the most touristy beach at Penang National Park has its perks, such as the variety of food and drink vendors on offer!
1. Tiger Monkey Bar & Leisure
This is where you can get a beer or mojito after making a detour to the Muka Head Lighthouse or after your hike to Monkey Beach!
If you’re hungry, their fried noodles are delicious too!
2. Lazy Boys Café
Like Tiger Monkey Bar & Leisure, Lazy Boys Café has a laidback atmosphere and a friendly owner too!
This is another recommended place to get some cheap chilled beer or a fresh coconut juice!
3. D’duyung Café
Another simple beachfront food and drinks stall just next to Lazy Boys Café, they offer a variety of drinks to sate your thirst!
Opening Hours: 8am–6pm (Closed on Sundays)
Read more: 17 Best Cafe In Penang With Great Coffee (Includes New Cafes)
Monkey Beach Penang Review
What You’ll Like:
- Beautiful bay
- Doable hike for those with moderate fitness
- No entrance fee required
- Great views from the lighthouse!
- Easy to get a boat
Good To Know:
- Busy on weekends
- Swim at your own risk
- The hike is not recommended for young children
- A guide is needed for groups of more than 10
- Arrange boat transfers in person as there is poor phone signal reception in the national park
- Before entering the park, you must register with your intended trail and estimated return time
- Sign your register again when you exit the park too!
Read more:
- Penang Botanical Gardens – Visit The Green Lungs Of Penang!
- Fort Cornwallis Penang – UNESCO Heritage Site In George Town
- Entopia By Penang Butterfly Farm – Walk Among Hundreds Of Live Butterflies!
Private Day Tour In Penang
There are so many things to do in Penang and Monkey Beach Penang is just one of them!
If you’d like to have a local and experienced guide bring you to Monkey Beach as well as around their hometown, try a private day tour with RayTheTour!
- Comfortable transport (MPV or van)
- Chinese-speaking and English-speaking guides are available
- Flexible Penang day tour itinerary from morning to evening
- We do transfer and tours to Ipoh, Cameron Highlands and Taiping too!
Head over to our WhatsApp or Facebook for a booking inquiry!
Read more: 4 Best Ways For Getting Around Penang (With All Penang Transport Options)
Conclusion
Monkey Beach Penang is one of the prettiest beaches in Penang. Reason enough to make a trip to Penang National Park if you like being outdoors!
Hike through the scenic jungle trail and chill by the quaint beach afterward, or simply take a boat there to just enjoy the surf and sand!
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