Balik Pulau, PenangBalik Pulau, Penang (4 May 2015)


B. Melayu

Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.35067, 100.23478), (Penang Hokkien: Pu3lor2) is the main township on the southwest part of Penang Island. The name Balik Pulau means "on the other side of the island". The area is said to have been founded by one Lebai Tampai from Deli in northern Sumatra.1 Today Balik Pulau has the last patch of paddy fields in Penang Island, but probably not for long.

Balik Pulau is traditionally popular among the people of Penang as where they will get the best fruits. This is where Penangites throng every durian season when the fruits are in abundance. Many swear that Balik Pulau durians are still the best anywhere in Malaysia.

In recent years, new attractions have appeared in Balik Pulau such as Countryside Stables, Saanen Goat Farm and Malindo Beach. In this write-up, I want to provide you a comprehensive introduction to all the sights in Balik Pulau.

Of late, Balik Pulau has also built a reputation as a food haven for the locals, who come for the famous Balik Pulau Laksa and Pasembur at the Balik Pulau Market, the Laksa Janggus at Kampung Perlis, and the Hokkien Mee at Kampung Kuala Jalan Bahru.

The hills surrounding Balik Pulau Town (also called Kongsi) are clove and nutmeg plantations, in addition to the durian estates and fruit orchards. Clove and nutmeg were introduced to Balik Pulau by the East India Company in 1794, after the British founded their settlement on Penang Island.

Once a quiet hamlet, Balik Pulau has seen much housing development, spilled over from the expanding metropolitan area of the west coast of Penang Island. The road leading towards Balik Pulau is now being upgraded by smoothening some curves and the building of a few bridges.

 Discover with Timothy Videos

Map of Balik Pulau

Eateries in Balik Pulau

Landed Residential Properties in Balik Pulau

  1. Botanica CT (GPS: 5.37071, 100.21615)
  2. Desa Pinang (GPS: 5.39755, 100.21324)
  3. Fragonard Garden (GPS: 5.37561, 100.21501)
  4. Orchard Garden (GPS: 5.34303, 100.23361)
  5. Palmyra Residences (GPS: 5.33595, 100.21405)
  6. Rena Park (GPS: 5.37541, 100.21627)
  7. Seputih Residence (GPS: 5.36482, 100.21616)
  8. Taman Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.35235, 100.23214)
  9. Taman Kristal (GPS: 5.33752, 100.23043)
  10. Taman Mak Liew Teik (GPS: 5.35411, 100.22994)
  11. Taman Manggis Indah (GPS: 5.36692, 100.21663)
  12. Taman Nyaman Indah (GPS: 5.33493, 100.22837)
  13. Taman Pondok Upeh (GPS: 5.33329, 100.22722)
  14. Taman Prestij (GPS: 5.35312, 100.20254)
  15. Taman Sempurna (GPS: 5.35312, 100.20254)
  16. Taman Seri Genting (GPS: 5.3389, 100.22276)
  17. Taman Sri Indah (GPS: 5.34361, 100.22789)
  18. Taman Symphony (Simfoni Swiss) (GPS: 5.35248, 100.22927)
  19. Taman Titi Heights (GPS: 5.35686, 100.23037)
  20. The Maven (GPS: 5.36179, 100.22079)
  21. Villa Pondok Upeh (GPS: 5.34349, 100.23408)

Affordable housing in Balik Pulau

  1. K Park Apartment (GPS: 5.35736, 100.20742)
  2. Quinton (GPS: 5.35727, 100.22559)

Apartments and flats in Balik Pulau

  1. Balik Pulau Garden Apartment (GPS: 5.35453, 100.23838)
  2. Desa Nipah (GPS: 5.34169, 100.21574)
  3. Pangsapuri Air Putih (GPS: 5.37303, 100.22123)
  • Taman Lily (GPS: 5.35484, 100.23804)
  • Roads in Balik Pulau

    Markets and night markets in Balik Pulau

    1. Balik Pulau Market (GPS: 5.35216, 100.24087)

    Petrol Stations in Balik Pulau

    1. Petronas Jalan Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.33554, 100.21926)
    2. Petronas Jalan Sungai Pinang (GPS: 5.35142, 100.23281)
    3. Shell Jalan Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.34869, 100.2327)

    Schools in Balik Pulau

    1. Prince of Wales Island International School (GPS: 5.36826, 100.21952)
    2. SJK(C) Chong Teik (GPS: 5.35052, 100.23766)
    3. SJK(C) Sin Min (GPS: 5.33391, 100.21368)
    4. SJK(C) Tar Thong (GPS: 5.33391, 100.21368)
    5. SJK(C) Yeok Hua (GPS: 5.35266, 100.20156)
    6. SK Genting (GPS: 5.3319, 100.2166)
    7. SK Kongsi (GPS: 5.34661, 100.22905)
    8. SK Sungai Pinang (GPS: 5.39816, 100.2127)
    9. SK Titi Teras (GPS: 5.35803, 100.22539)
    10. SMK Pondok Upeh (GPS: 5.33614, 100.22014)
    11. SMK Sacred Heart (GPS: 5.3529, 100.23663)
    12. SMK Seri Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.33424, 100.21261)
    13. SMK St George (GPS: 5.35379, 100.23742)

    Supermarkets/hypermarkets in Balik Pulau

    1. TF Value-Mart Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.37035, 100.21735)

    Hospitals and public clinics in Balik Pulau

    1. Hospital Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.35076, 100.23345)

    Universities and colleges in Balik Pulau

    1. Balik Pulau Vocational College (GPS: 5.33748, 100.21753)

    Private clinics in Balik Pulau

    Universities and colleges in Balik Pulau

    1. Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.33255, 100.21748)
    2. Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Balik Pulau (GPS: 5.33222, 100.22674)

    Amenities in Balik Pulau

    1. Balik Pulau Branch Library (GPS: 5.33893, 100.22187)
    2. Balik Pulau Bus Terminal (GPS: 5.35157, 100.23977)
    3. Balik Pulau Courthouse (GPS: 5.33834, 100.22086)
    4. Balik Pulau Fire and Rescue Station (GPS: 5.36213, 100.22117)
    5. Balik Pulau Post Office (GPS: 5.34885, 100.23335)

    Hotels in Balik Pulau

    1. Malihom Private Estate Hotel (GPS: 5.31928, 100.22691)

    Places of Interest in Balik Pulau

    1. Audi Dream Farm (GPS: 5.38527, 100.20998)
    2. Botanica Mansion (GPS: 5.36864, 100.22418)
    3. Countryside Stables Penang (GPS: 5.3395, 100.19797)
    4. Dataran Tok Sudin (GPS: 5.35421, 100.20956)
    5. Green Acres (GPS: 5.37473, 100.25139)
    6. Happy Goat Farm (GPS: 5.37694, 100.19941)
    7. Kuala Sungai Burong (GPS: 5.33908, 100.19633)
    8. Pantai Malindo (GPS: 5.33779, 100.19443)
    9. Saanen Dairy Goat Farm (GPS: 5.40546, 100.20778)

    Mosques in Balik Pulau

    1. Balik Pulau District Mosque (GPS: 5.33988, 100.22229)
    2. Masjid At-Taqwa, Kongsi (GPS: 5.34847, 100.23216)
    3. Masjid Jamek Pondok Upeh (GPS: 5.33777, 100.23135)
    4. Masjid Jamek Simpang Empat (GPS: 5.33528, 100.21835)
    5. Masjid Permatang Pasir (GPS: 5.37315, 100.21069)
    6. Masjid Sungai Rusa (GPS: 5.38375, 100.21325)

    Chinese Temples in Balik Pulau

    1. Chit Seng Kong Temple (GPS: 5.35172, 100.21013)
    2. Xuan Wu Temple (GPS: 5.35395, 100.23594)
    3. Guang Fu Gong Temple (GPS: 5.35243, 100.23436)

    Hindu Temples in Balik Pulau

    1. V.T.M. Temple (GPS: 5.35237, 100.2308)

    Churches in Balik Pulau

    1. Church of the Holy Name of Jesus (GPS: 5.35311, 100.23691)

    Other Sights in Balik Pulau

    Street Art in Balik Pulau

    Banks in Balik Pulau

    Businesses in Balik Pulau

    1. Ah Chin Motorsikal dan Servis
    2. Balik Pulau Stationery Trading
    3. Balik Pulau Superstore (sundry shop)
    4. CH Kim Enterprise (sports goods)
    5. Co-op Mart
    6. Cyber Zone Enterprise
    7. Hee Electrical Enterprise
    8. Farmasi Balik Pulau
    9. Genting Computer Station, Pekan Genting
    10. Ghee Heng Goldsmiths
    11. HTY Colour Photo Studio
    12. Island Cake House
    13. JNH Advance Enterprise (mobile phones)
    14. Joy Bakery & Cake House
    15. Keat Radio & Electrical
    16. Kedai Basikal Aik Seng
    17. Kedai Boon Electrical & Video
    18. Kedai Bunga F & L Florist
    19. Kedai Cat Multicolor
    20. Kedai D'Cem
    21. Kedai Cermin Mata Optik Indah
    22. Kedai Cermin Mata Vision 88
    23. Kedai Dawood (sundry shop)
    24. Kedai Gaharu Xiang Xin Enterprise
    25. Kedai Gaharu Sian Yun Enterprise
    26. Kedai Gambar JC Digital
    27. Kedai Gunting Rambut Central, Genting
    28. Kedai Gunting Rambut Smart Enterprise
    29. Kedai Gunting Rambut Sri Mun
    30. Kedai Jahit Jimmy Tailor
    31. Kedai Motor Kee Seng, Pekan Genting
    32. Kedai Runcit Chop Oon Huat, Pekan Genting
    33. Kedai Runcit Ghee Foh Sin
    34. Kedai Runcit Kee Seng
    35. Kedai Runcit Mohd Suhaimi bin Din, Pekan Genting
    36. Kedai Runcit Tan Hup Hoe
    37. Kedai Ubat Yoong Chye Pong
    38. Kedai Uniform Sekolah Lina Trading
    39. Ken Guan Trading
    40. Kim Huat Locksmith
    41. Kim Leong Jewellery
    42. Lian Choon Motor (motorcycle repair)
    43. Lik Lau Motor, Pekan Genting
    44. Loong Yoon Goldsmith
    45. Meng Huat Mini Market
    46. Poly Unisex Hair Saloon
    47. PUZ Mart
    48. Sekolah Memandu Balik Pulau
    49. Seventy Five Fresh Mart
    50. Sin Choon Seng Wine Dealer
    51. Starmax Communication (mobile phone shop)
    52. Syarikat June Ngen (stationery)
    53. Syarikat Pulau Radio Service
    54. Tai Eng Superstore, Balik Pulau
    55. Thean Hoe Tong Medical Hall
    56. Tukang Jahit Paris Classical Fashion
    57. Village Island Trading
    58. Xie Cheng Brothers Sdn Bhd
    59. Xing Yuan Tailor
    60. Zhen Xing Auto Parts Trading

    Villages in Balik Pulau

    Rivers in Balik Pulau

    Location of Balik Pulau

    Measured from the Balik Pulau Roundabout (GPS: 5.35067, 100.23482), Balik Pulau is 23.9 km to Komtar, 21.8 km to the Penang Bridge, 20.1 km to the Second Penang Bridge and 15.4 km to the Penang International Airport.

    Updates on Balik Pulau

    18 January 2019
    Kwong Wah reported that the parking lots between Jalan Balik Pulau will be removed to ease traffic congestion in the area.

    Going to Balik Pulau

    Balik Pulau can be reached by taking Jalan Tun Sardon from Paya Terubong, or Federal Route 6 (round island road) from Sungai Pinang in the north or Teluk Kumbar in the south. The upgrading of the Balik Pulau Hill Road between Teluk Kumbar and Balik Pulau has helped to cut the distance and make a journey to Balik Pulau much smoother than before. A flyover at the junction of Permatang Damar Laut towards Bayan Lepas has also make travel smoother.

    For public transport to Balik Pulau, take Rapid Penang Bus 401 and 401E

    A crockery shop in Balik PulauA crockery shop in Balik Pulau (2 February 2013)


    Paddy fields of Balik Pulau (15 January 2005)


    The new Balik Pulau Mosque (9 May 2004)


    Panoramic view of the Balik Pulau area from viewpoint at Jalan Tun Sardon (9 May 2004)


    Rural scenery of Balik Pulau (17 November, 2002)


    Timothy Tye in Balik PulauTimothy Tye in Balik Pulau (4 May 2015)

    References

    1. Early History of Penang, edited by Muhammad Haji Salleh, published by USM, page

    List of Towns in Penang and Towns in Malaysia

    Private Guided Tours of Penang

    If you are seeking private guided tours of Penang, message Penang Tour Guides at penangtourguides@gmail.com and enquire with them.

     Buy, rent or sell properties in Penang

    Do you have a property for sale or to rent out? Are you looking to buy or rent a property? Get in touch with me. WhatsApp me (Timothy Tye) at 012 429 9844, and I will assign one of my property agents to serve you. I will choose the agent for you, according to your property needs. So when you message me, provide me some details of what you need, whether to sell, to buy, to rent or to rent out, and what type of property, is it condo, apartment, house, shop, office or land.

     Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips

    Map of Roads in Penang

    Looking for information on Penang? Use this Map of Roads in Penang to zoom in on information about Penang, brought to you road by road.

    About this website



    Dear visitor, thank you so much for reading this page. My name is Timothy Tye and my hobby is to find out about places, write about them and share the information with you on this website. I have been writing this site since 5 January 2003. Originally (from 2003 until 2009, the site was called AsiaExplorers. I changed the name to Penang Travel Tips in 2009, even though I describe more than just Penang but everywhere I go (I often need to tell people that "Penang Travel Tips" is not just information about Penang, but information written in Penang), especially places in Malaysia and Singapore, and in all the years since 2003, I have described over 20,000 places.

    While I try my best to provide you information as accurate as I can get it to be, I do apologize for any errors and for outdated information which I am unaware. Nevertheless, I hope that what I have described here will be useful to you.

    Copyright © 2003-2025 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.