Gunung Jerai: The Prominent Peak on The North

ALONG JALAN TANJUNG BUNGAH, part of Penang’s scenic north coast road leading to the tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi, one can find a spectacular roofed viewpoint near the Penang Swimming Club (PSC). From there, one can gaze upon Pulau Tikus, a rugged rocky islet that has long served as a natural sentinel marking the entrance to Penang’s harbour, and dominating the horizon is the majestic blue-hued silhouette of Gunung Jerai or Kedah Peak, its distinct summits often adorned with wisps of cloud. Rising to a height of 1,217m above the Straits of Malacca. It is a good 384m higher than Penang Island’s highest point. Furthermore, Gunung Jerai, at 220 million years old, is ancient. Penang Island would emerge from the sea only 100 million years after it.