Warm weather, sandy white beaches, turquoise waters and some of the most flavorful and delicious food around. Is it heaven? No, it is Batu Ferringhi. The area is a tropical suburb of the more bustling George Town so if you’re looking to get away from all the hustle of city life, Batu Ferringhi is not far off. Locals and tourists from Malaysia and abroad come to Batu Ferringhi to relax and hang out by the beaches and soak up the sun. Despite being known for thousands of years, it is only a recent development that Batu Ferringhi has grown poplar with hotels and accommodations being built in the area. If you’re staying nearby or traveling to Malaysia, here is a guide to Batu Ferringhi.
Things to do
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Perhaps seen as a no-brainer thing to do, Batu Ferringhi Beach is the one thing you must absolutely do if you’re in the area. The beach is a 15-minute drive from George Town and it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The waters here are warm and generally pretty calm as well so it can accommodate just about any type of tourist. Relax on the powdery-white sand and sunbathe or read a good book while listening to the waves hit the shore. If you’re more of an adventure seeker, head to one of the many watersports stands nearby and rent a jet-ski or kayak and appreciate those turquoise waters up close and personal. The beachfront here is so revered that luxury hotels have sprung up taking up some of the beach real-estate but there are still plenty of public beachfront for everyone to enjoy.
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Although Batu Ferringhi is an easy-going beach town, it is anything but sleepy at night. The market comes alive at night with people coming from all around to sell their wares, eat, and generally just be seen. The atmosphere is electrifying with the bustle of commerce. If you’re looking for cheap items, this is the spot for you. If you’re looking to buy some souvenirs or goods then you better sharpen your bargaining skills. Everything from knock-off designer bags to DVDs to local artwork can be found here and you must negotiate for a lower price.
Tropical Spice Garden
If you’re traveling with the kids and you’re looking for something new and interesting to try out, head to the Tropical Spice Garden and let your senses be your guide. The garden is over 8 acres (3.5 hectares) of jungle and is home to over 500 different species of flora and fauna. The whole complex is sort of a botanical garden with pathways to explore and signs showing you what each plant and flower is. It is also South East Asia’s only tropical spice garden and is made from mostly natural and recycled building materials. A culinary school has also opened here utilizing the spices from the garden and offers classes to people to teach them Malaysian cooking from scratch.
What to eat
Long Beach Food Court
The name might not be very alluring but we promise you that it is not like any food court you’re used to back home. Long Beach Food Court is an informal dining space but offers up some of the most delicious dishes you can find. You’ll be able to find local favorites like char kway teow (flat rice noodle, fried with shrimp and bean sprouts) as well as classic satays and skewers. It is delicious, filling and affordable.
The Spice Market Cafe
Known as the “most extravagant buffet in Penang” The Spice Market Cafe will not disappoint you. Designed to look like the (you guessed it) spice market, when you walk in you’ll be greeted by the sacks and barrels of brightly colored spices as smell of what’s being prepared. Truly an experience that utilizes all your senses. Tastes and dishes from all around the world are on display here so try as many things as you can. We recommend the beef satay or Indian Fish Curry.
Things to buy
Batik
The people of Penang have been making batik fabric for generation and the area is regarded as one of the best places to source such material. The factory here was established in the 1970s and they provide free daily tours of the grounds and the making process. Surrounded by tropical scenery, you can walk the grounds of the factory, check out their showroom and of course, buy some yourself.
Quirky souvenirs
The night market offers some weird and interesting souvenirs. The market is open daily from 7 pm until late and has a host of things like designer bags copies and jewelry as well as discounted electronic goods, artwork, locally made goods and pretty much everything else in between. Pick up a funny T-shirt or fake Rolex and try to trick your friends back home.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Travelers tips
Hang out with the locals
Batu Ferringhi is increasingly becoming more and busy with tourists. Not that there is necessarily a problem with that but if you’re looking to get an “authentic” feel for the area and its customs, make sure to befriend some locals. Head out from your hotel and don’t be afraid to ask questions like where they go to eat, hang out and have fun.
Negotiate
If you’re headed to any sort of informal marketplace make sure to always negotiate. Hotels and food shops won’t be negotiable but in many other places around the area, it is customary to negotiate a price and try to bargain.
How to get there
Public transit
Getting around Penang is very easy and also a pleasure as far as public transit goes. The buses are new and modern, some of which even have free WiFi. It is possible to catch a direct bus from the airport if you’re coming from that way. For 30 MYR (7 USD) you can get a transit pass that lasts all week.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and easy to find around the island. They’ll take you where you need to go and are generally helpful but almost never use the meter so be sure to negotiate a price beforehand.
Batu Ferringhi information
Batu Ferringhi
Address: Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia
Official Website: My Penang
Department of Tourism: Malaysia Travel
PenangHill(FastLane),KekLokSi,BotanicGarden,FerringhiBeach - 8Hrs
Duration: 8 hours
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to