MY · Penang · 5.17°N 100.48°E

nibong tebal

Udang galah, Teochew seafood porridge and fireflies along the Kerian River.

Best time
Any time of year. Fireflies show up best on dark nights with little moonlight, and heavy rain spoils the trip.
How long
Half a day, into the evening
Getting there
About 3.5 hours' drive from KL on the North–South Expressway; leave at Jawi. From George Town, allow about 45 minutes via the second bridge.
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MY · Penangnibong tebal5.17°N 100.48°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Udang galah, Teochew seafood porridge and fireflies along the Kerian River.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingNibong TebalMY, Penang
KLnibong tebal
≈ 263 km from KL, as the crow flies
The town of Nibong Tebal in Southern Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia

Photo: Vnonymous · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Penang's southernmost town sits on the Kerian River, which marks the border with Perak. It's an old district town of pre-war shophouses and iron bridges with a serious seafood habit, and after dark, boats head downriver to see fireflies in the mangroves.

Makan

  1. Udang galahGiant freshwater prawns, best in a rich curry with bread to mop up the gravy.Map ↗
  2. Teochew seafood porridgeA pot of porridge loaded with fish and prawns, with steamed crab or sour plum clams on the side.Map ↗
  3. CrabCurry crab in town, or steamed flower crab at the seafood places in Sungai Udang.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kerian River firefliesSmall boats head into the mangroves after dark, where fireflies blink in the berembang trees along the bank. Book ahead.Map ↗
  2. Kampung Sungai UdangThe fishing village near the river mouth, where boats bring in the catch late in the morning.Map ↗
  3. The old townPre-war shophouses, St Anthony's Church and the old iron and railway bridges over the Kerian.Map ↗
  4. Sungai BakapChai kueh and Teochew dim sum, about 15 minutes north.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Popular places run out of udang galah at weekends, so go early or book.
  • The well-known seafood and porridge places are Chinese and mostly not halal.
  • Bring insect repellent for the firefly boat, and keep your phone flash off.

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