Oftentimes, we easily associate Penang with its fusion culinary scenes and tourism attractions on the island. Whenever someone asks about Pulau Pinang, we’d usually describe it as a place with coastal areas in Gertak Sanggul and Batu Feringghi, heritage cultured destinations with many British inspired architectural buildings in Georgetown, a food haven with various street stalls that sell local delicacies, and factory zone with tremendous technology developments.

That being said, people ended up disregarding the nature part of this beautiful state in Malaysia, unconsciously. In our earlier post, we unearthed to you the natural places that you should discover in Teluk Bahang town, which have won the attention of readers on the underrated side of Penang. Thus, we want to bring your attention to the natural places in Seberang Perai (Mainland Penang) this time.

Ready to be mind-blown by the beauty of these destinations opposite the island of Penang? Here are 5 recommendations for you.

Frog Hill @ Tasek Gelugor

(Image source: @joeltzy, Photographed by @kosherunit)

Here’s the most instagrammable location if you are a nature junkie who loves adventure and wants a scenic place to feel relief. The downside of exploring this place is that you have to get through the muddy paths and rough pebbles before reaching, which may fill your tires and shoes with reddish soil as a result, but once you arrive at the top of the hill with an eye-opening view from the aerial lens of your eyes, it will all be worth it! There are also places in Tasek Gelugor that allow you to participate in other leisure activities such as river cruise tours, cakplong games, and honey bee farm exploration. If this sounds interesting to you, feel free to journey for a short-getaway anytime, but make sure you go with your companions to be safe.

Additional Information:
Address: 14400 Tasek Gelugor, Kubang Semang, Penang.
Hours: 24/7 (Preferably to go in the daytime)

Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest

(Image credit: Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest)

Another notable place to visit nearby Tasek Gelugor is Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest. If you are a bird lover, this swamp forest with more than a hundred species of birds and other faunas will be a suitable destination for you. Not only that you get to enjoy these perks while walking on the walkway and the observatory towers, but the place also consists of a drawbridge that takes you across the greenish forest. It’s one of those underrated but educational tourist locations that shouldn’t be missed by travellers.

Additional information:
Address: 13310 Air Hitam, Penang.
Hours: 7am- 7pm daily
Social Media: Facebook

Penang Bird Park

(Photo by Mark Chan on Unsplash)

Apart from the above option, there’s any place for bird lovers to discover different types of feathered creatures- Penang Bird Park it is! Established in 1988, this bird park houses over 3000 bird species in its 5-acre park on the mainland portion of Penang State. Expert ornithologists will find this place fascinating as it consists of tamed birds ranging from tiny Sunbirds to huge, gigantic 8-foot tall Ostriches frolic under the protection of this recreation ground. Not only that visitors get to engage with birds but they also get to enjoy various plants that are placed there as an imitation of the wildlife habitat.

Contact information:
Address: Jalan Todak Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang.
Tel: +604- 399 1899
Hours: 9am- 6pm daily
Ticket Rates: http://www.penangbirdpark.com.my/fee.php
Website: https://www.penangbirdpark.com.my/
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Cherok Tokun Recreation Forest

(Image credit: Margaret Tan)

As a jungle trekking enthusiast, this place may come off appealing to your eyes. Out of so many national forests in Malaysia, this is being identified as one of the most scenic recreational places for hiking, exploration, and nature bonding. It’s a suitable location if you have got spare time in the morning for sports activities. It consists of hiking trails and even a place for refreshments and spring water for a foot spa. The road towards there may be slippery a little bit, but once you reach the top of the hill, you will find yourself in a windy and instagrammable spot.

Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Kolam, Kampung Teluk Bukit, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang.
Hours: 24/7 (Preferably to go in the daytime)

Empangan Mengkuang

(Image credit: Ooi Zon Yee)

Cycling and jogging along the wide waterway with enjoyable scenery is the best thing to do during sunrise and sunset as well, and you can have it at the Mengkuang Dam. It’s located below 20km  to the north-east of Butterworth, Penang. Being the second dam built in Penang, Mengkuang comprises a water catchment area of 3.9sq km and a gross storage capacity of 23.6 billion liters, which makes them ten times larger than the original dam in Penang island and became the chosen location for yearly Penang International Dragon Boat Festival. It’s definitely a nice option if you are seeking somewhere to spend your recreational time with family and friends.

Additional Information:
Address: P133, 14000, Pulau Pinang.
Hours: 7am- 7pm daily

As apparent as it is, Penang isn’t just having its beautiful nature in the island itself, but it’s spread across the mainland part as well. If you have more time in Penang and want a discovery on those unpopular but worthwhile places to unwind yourself, we hope the above 5 suggestions would save you from scratching your head through the travel ideas. Happy travelling in Mainland, Penang.

(Featured image credit: source from @joeltzy, Photographed by @kosherunit)