Peaks and Parks - Penang Monthly

Exploring Bukit Batu Itam: Penang National Park’s Highest Peak

6 min read

While most visitors opt for the trails leading to Pantai Kerachut and Teluk Kampi, one path excites hikers seeking a challenge— the Bukit Batu Itam trail. Rising to 460m above sea level, Bukit Batu Itam is the tallest peak within PNP.

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Bukit Papan: A Little Paradise Overlooking Penang’s South

6 min read

The hills in the southern part of Penang Island may have a lower elevation than the peaks in the north, but they are just as fascinating. While the allure of Penang Hill and the peaks in the north lie in their biodiverse rainforests, the experience in the south is pretty different.

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

When The Waters Recede: Walking to Batu Ferringhi Isle

6 min read

Often called Lover’s Isle by locals, Batu Ferringhi—or Foreigner’s Rock—is the very isle that lent its name to the long stretch of coastline beside it, now one of Penang’s tourist attractions.

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Exploring Penang’s Frontier in Bukit Panchor State Park

6 min read

ALONG THE SOUTHEAST border of mainland Penang is the 446ha Bukit Panchor State Park, a natural paradise characterised by towering…

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Mount Elvira: In Search of a Lost Bungalow

6 min read

ANY AVID HIKER in Penang with a keen interest in conquering the many peaks of the state would spend time…

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Bukit Langkap: A Modest Hill With a Splendid View

5 min read

SLIGHTLY NORTH OF Bukit Mertajam is a low cluster of peaks, including Bukit Gua Gempas and Bukit Langkap, with the…

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Bukit Susu: A Hike through Penang’s History and Agricultural Heritage

6 min read

THE NARROW AND densely populated Paya Terubong valley is characterised by steep hills to its east and west. The eastern flank rises to the peaks of Bukit Kukus...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

A Perfect Hike on Pulau Rimau

5 min read

JUST OFF THE southern tip of Penang Island sits the lush tree-covered isle of Pulau Rimau. Having ticked off all the other large isles around Penang, Pulau Rima...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Terrific Sights on Offer Up Bukit Seraya

5 min read

Hike At A GlanceLength: 3 hours 30 minutes to the Tualang tree (it takes almost as long to get back the same way. An alternate, shorter route through the orchar...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

How Not To Get Lost On A Hike and What To Do If You Do

6 min read

“AREN’T YOU SCARED of getting lost in the jungle?” I have lost count of how many times I’ve been asked this question, and I am sure many other hikers would have...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Carla’s Peak: A Gem on the North Coast of Penang Island

5 min read

THE PICTURESQUE NORTH coast of Penang is the poster child for the island’s natural beauty, featuring golden beaches flanked by steep, densely forested hills. Jo...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Exploring the Twin Islets We Know as Pulau Betong

5 min read

SOUTHWEST OF Balik Pulau lies the little settlement of Pulau Betong, surrounded by hills colonised by durian plantations and a flat plain dominated by lush padd...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko