Penang National Park

Penang National Park is a protected area on northwestern Penang Island containing forests, mangrove wetlands, and nine beaches along the coastline. The land and sea span roughly 1,200 hectares and are connected by hiking trails and boat services that reach different parts of the park.

The area began as Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve and became an official national park in 2003 under Malaysia's National Parks Act. This change marked the establishment of Malaysia's first national park with full legal protection.

The park serves as a working research area where scientists study rare plant species and marine ecosystems that thrive within its boundaries. Visitors can observe the outcomes of this research through the diversity of habitats they encounter while exploring the trails.

Two main hiking trails lead to Monkey Beach and Kerachut Beach, with boat services available from the park entrance for easier access. Visitors can choose between walking or taking a boat depending on their preferences and energy levels.

Kerachut Lake holds two separate water layers with different densities that never mix with each other. This rare geological feature attracts visitors who want to observe this unusual natural phenomenon up close.