Clustered with high-rise buildings overlooking the Straits of Malacca, Batu Ferringhi is one of Penang’s most popular beach resorts. While most travellers come to Batu Ferringhi to soak up the sun and sand along its coastline, it also boasts a number of eco attractions and night markets.

Things to do

Visit the Tropical Spice Garden, which is set on a former rubber plantation a short drive from Batu Ferringhi. Wander along the forested trails where exotic spices, herbs and plant species are grown, then learn how to use them in dishes at the on-site cooking school.

Explore the Tropical Fruit Farm where around 200 different tropical and subtropical fruit varieties are grown. A guided tour offers you the chance to taste the rich and creamy durian fruit, notorious for its pungent smell.

If you’re traveling with kids, stop at the Toy Museum in Batu Ferringhi, considered the largest of its kind in the world. There are over 100,000 toys, dolls and models on display, including a number of life-size figures from popular movies, computer games, and cartoons.

Once the sun goes down, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market is the place to be, with everything from local handicrafts to batik clothing and imitation designer goods on display. It’s a great place to sample authentic Malaysian dishes and barbecued seafood within a lively beachfront atmosphere.

Getting around

Batu Ferringhi is around one hour’s drive north of Penang International Airport and 10 minutes’ drive from George Town. Public buses, hotel shuttles and taxis are the main means of getting around the area.