MY · Penang · 5.35°N 100.23°E

balik pulau

Penang's quiet back side: durian orchards, paddy roads and famous asam laksa.

Best time
Durian season usually peaks around June to August. Outside that, it's a pleasant drive any time of year.
How long
Half a day to a day
Getting there
About 45 minutes from George Town, either over the winding hill road from Air Itam or round past the airport. Penang is about 4 hours' drive from KL, or an hour's flight. Rapid Penang buses come out here, but a car makes it easier to explore.
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MY · Penangbalik pulau5.35°N 100.23°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Penang's quiet back side: durian orchards, paddy roads and famous asam laksa.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingBalik PulauMY, Penang
KLbalik pulau
≈ 294 km from KL, as the crow flies
Aerial view of Balik Pulau, May 2025.

Photo: PenangLion · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The far side of Penang Island, over the hill from George Town. It's still farming country, with durian orchards, nutmeg and clove trees, paddy fields and small fishing villages along the coast.

Makan

  1. Balik Pulau asam laksaPenang's sour, fish-based laksa. Balik Pulau's version is one of the island's best known.Map ↗
  2. DurianPenang varieties like Red Prawn are prized. Eat them fresh at the orchards.Map ↗
  3. Nutmeg juiceCold, sweet and a little sour, sold around town.Map ↗
  4. SeafoodThe villages around Teluk Kumbar are known for seafood by the sea.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Durian orchardsIn season, many orchards let you sit down and eat freshly fallen durian on the spot.Map ↗
  2. The paddy fieldsFlat green rice fields on the island's west side, a sight you don't expect on Penang.Map ↗
  3. Nutmeg productsNutmeg is a local speciality. Look for the juice, pickled nutmeg and nutmeg balm.Map ↗
  4. Tropical Fruit FarmA hillside farm on the road towards Teluk Bahang with tours and fruit tasting.Map ↗
  5. The coastal villagesSmall fishing villages like Pulau Betong and Gertak Sanggul face the Strait of Malacca.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Orchards sell by weight or by the fruit, so agree on how you're paying before they start opening.
  • The hill road from Air Itam is narrow and full of bends. Take it slowly.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.