Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Batu Ferringgi, Penang (7 December 2014)


B. Melayu

Batu Ferringgi (GPS: 5.47295, 100.24735; variant: Batu Ferringhi; Chinese: 峇都丁宜, Pinyin: Bādōu Dīngyí) is the most famous stretch of beach in Penang. This is where you find a big concentration of beach resorts. From the mid 70's to the early 90's, the Batu Ferringgi stretch saw massive construction as hotels line the shore one after another. In their wake are highrise condominiums offering splendid views of the sea overlooking the mainland. On a clear day, you can see Kedah Peak, also known as Gunung Jerai.

The word Ferringgi is said to originate as the Malay term for a person of Portuguese descent, but eventually came to embrace all Westerners. This word however, is not particular to the Malay language.

There is a strong possibility that the name "Ferringgi" is derived from Arabic, as the word feringgi is used as far afield as Ethiopia to mean a Western foreigner. The word further mutates to "farang", the Thai term for a Western foreigner. The name Batu Ferringgi would therefore mean the rocks where the Western foreigner landed - a name that is uncannily appropriate to this day, just consider the rocky coastline on this stretch of Penang Island.

The very rock that gives Batu Ferringgi its name is believed to be none other than Lovers' Isle, a small rocky outcrop at the western edge of Batu Ferringgi, just before Teluk Bahang. In the old days it was known as Ujong Batu, but became popular as Lovers' Isle in the mid-20th century, though the name has receded from popularity by the 21st century. Like much of the northern coast of Penang, the shore has beautiful stretches of white sand dotted with huge boulders. During weekends, you will see local people coming here to picnic and anglers come to fish. The sea water, however, is not clean enough for swimming, and is likely to be infested with jellyfish.

Batu Ferringgi is Penang's main beach resort and one of the most happening night spots on the island. There are many hotels and resorts along the Batu Ferringgi road where all the creature comfort is available. You can just bask in the sun or indulge in any of the water sports. You can also go horseback riding along the beach. In addition to that, you can explore the pasar malam, the street-side night market where inexpensive trinkets are sold. There are a lot of restaurants along Batu Ferringgi to cater to every taste, local and foreign.

Videos about Batu Ferringhi

Map of Batu Ferringhi

Roads in Batu Ferringgi

Apartments and Condominiums in Batu Ferringgi

Affordable housing in Batu Ferringhi

Low-cost flats in Batu Ferringhi

Markets in Batu Ferringhi

Petrol Stations in Batu Ferringhi

Schools in Batu Ferringhi

Hospitals/Public clinics in Batu Ferringhi

Amenities in Batu Ferringhi

Hotels in Batu Ferringgi

Batu Ferringgi has a high concentration of mainstream hotels, including a number of international chains. Listed below are some of the hotels in the area.

Sights in Batu Ferringgi

Places of worship in Batu Ferringhi

Restaurants in Batu Ferringhi

Location of Batu Ferringgi

Measured from the junction of Jalan Batu Ferringgi with Jalan Sungai Emas (GPS: 5.476139, 100.251813), Batu Ferringgi is 15.3 km to Komtar, 22.0 km to the Penang Bridge, 30.3 km to the Second Penang Bridge and 29.8 km to the Penang International Airport.

Updates on Batu Ferringgi

7 November, 2019
StarMetro reports that the Penang State Government has received a proposal from a private local company to reclaim 121 hectares in Batu Ferringhi, near the army camp. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yewo confirmed that the proposal was to turn the reclaimed site into an international resort with hotels, commercial areas and serviced apartments.

The government has asked various agencies to look at the proposal, and that the government may call for a Request for Proposal (RFP) if it thinks that the project is feasible. The government may open the proposal to other companies to improve on the idea, concept or components of the development.

9 May, 2019
The Star Penang state executive member Zairil Khir Johari announced that the Bahasa Malaysia spelling for this place will be changed back from Batu Ferringhi to the gazetted Batu Ferringgi. Penang Travel Tips updates its Batu Ferringhi page to Batu Ferringgi. Other related updates will be carried out in phases. Entities bearing the spelling "Batu Ferringhi" will remain unchanged if they were spelled that way when they were established. ref

Going to Batu Ferringgi

You can reach Batu Ferringgi by taking Rapid Penang bus 101 from Weld Quay. If you are coming from the airport, take 102.

List of Penang Tourist Attractions, Beaches in Penang and Beaches in Malaysia; List of Towns in Penang and Towns in Malaysia