Bukit Panchor State Park

Seeing the forest for the trees (14 May 2009)

Bukit Panchor State Park (GPS: 5.16068, 100.54804), or Taman Negeri Bukit Panchor, is a tract of protected forest in Nibong Tebal, Penang. It covers an area of 445 hectares and reaches a height of 416 meters. The Bukit Panchor State Park is located within the Bukit Panchor Forest Reserve, which was established in 1963 in Seberang Perai Selatan. It was created so that the general public has a recreational area while at the same time, learn to appreciate the forest better.

There are 8 hectares set aside as camping ground. Located by the banks of Sungai Buaya, it is ideal for family outings as well as group activities. The area can take up to 200 participants at one time. Within the state park is Taman Wetland, which offers visitors an opportunity to explore and learn about the mangrove forest. There are also a few caves within the state park that can be explored. The main one is Gua Kelawar, or Bat Cave, named after the multitude of bats inhabiting it.

Bukit Panchor State Park signboard (14 May 2009)

Contacts

State Forest Department
Level 20, Komtar, 10000 Penang
Tel: 604-262 5272

Ranger Office
Nibong Tebal Recreational Forest 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang
Tel: 604-5932877

Getting there

Bukit Panchor State Park is located in Bukit Panchor, which is within Nibong Tebal. It is 10 km from the centre of Nibong Tebal town, and 50 km from George Town.

Exit the North-South Expressway (E1) at the Jawi Interchange (Exit 156) and head in the direction of Nibong Tebal. Look for the sign for Bukit Panchor. If you are coming from the north, as you reach the iron-cast railway bridge that leads to Nibong Tebal town, take the left exit to Bukit Panchor. Continue following the road signage that takes you into the Malay kampung and eventually you will arrive at Bukit Panchor. Ask the locals for direction if you got lost.