Ayer Itam Dam

Ayer Itam Dam, Penang (11 October 2008)


Ayer Itam Dam (GPS: 5.39455, 100.2636), also written Air Itam Dam, is the first dam to be built on Penang Island. It is located 700 feet above sea level in the water catchment area surrounded by Penang Hill and Paya Terubong.

The Ayer Itam Dam was the first major engineering project to be undertaken by the City Council of George Town after the independence of Malaya. It cost M$15 million, and construction took place between 1958 and 1962. 50,000 cubic yards of concrete was used in the construction of the dam. The then Governor of Penang, Raja Tun Uda Al-Haj bin Raja Muhamad officially opened the dam on 8 December 1962.

Ayer Itam Dam is a favorite place for jogging. From the 800-feet crest of the dam, visitors can get a panoramic view of George Town spread out across the horizon below. A spillway allows excess water to be drained out. An indicator at the parking lot provides indication on the water level of the three dams in Penang, the Ayer Itam Dam, Teluk Bahang Dam and the Mengkuang Dam.

As a resident of Penang, I have visited the Ayer Itam Dam only several times in my life, each one separated by a few years. I remember once, when I was still in school, my friends and I did a walk round the dam. At one point, a snake fell from the tree almost on our path. That was the one and only time I walked around the dam.

The Ayer Itam Dam should not be mistaken for the Ayer Itam Reservoir. The latter is located in the hills above Hye Keat Estate, next to Reservoir Garden.

Updates on Ayer Itam Dam

12 December, 2018
The Star reports that the road leading to the Ayer Itam Dam is now open to traffic after being closed for more than a year for slope strengthening works.

Getting there

The best way to get to Ayer Itam Dam is by car. Joggers and hikers walk up to it as well. The journey should take roughly 45 minutes to an hour. The route to the dam passes by the car lot to Kek Lok Si as well as the upper road to Kek Lok Si's Kuan Yin Statue, Columbarium and the Temple of 1200 Steps. Rapid Penang Bus nos. 201, 203, 204, 206, 306 all go to Air Itam town.

Ayer Itam Dam, Penang (11 October 2008)


Ayer Itam Dam, Penang (11 October 2008)


Ayer Itam Dam, Penang (11 October 2008)


Ayer Itam Dam, Penang (11 October 2008)


Ayer Itam Dam, Penang (11 October 2008)


Ayer Itam Dam, Penang (11 October 2008)

Other Dams in Penang

Ayer Itam Dam (11 October 2008)

The Ayer Itam Dam is on the Map of Ayer Itam, Penang