Pantai Bersih

Pantai Bersih, Butterworth (11 December 2017)


Pantai Bersih (GPS: 5.44328, 100.37895) is a stretch of beach in Bagan Ajam, Butterworth. The name Pantai Bersih means "clean beach", and until recently, that's all there is to the name. It is a beach on the northern part of Butterworth. Geographically it is to the immediate north of Pantai Molek. The area is served by Jalan Pantai Bersih, which comprises two branches joined at a T-junction.

In recent years, however, Pantai Bersih has become slightly cleaner than before. This comes about following the reclamation of the coastline for the Butterworth Outer Ring Road, which did away with the mudflats that gave Pantai Bersih a rather unpleasant odour during low tide.

The coast of Pantai Bersih, while not the cleanest still, is certainly much improved to before. Palm trees have been replanted, especially near the expressway rest stop. Coastal fisherman are out on the coast doing their thing with nets.

At the moment, swimming in the sea off Pantai Bersih doesn't look at all appealing yet. As compensation, one can simply stand by the coast and admire the view of Penang Island across the channel.

Map of Pantai Bersih

Sights in Pantai Bersih

Going to Pantai Bersih

Take the Butterworth Outer Ring Road to Exit 1703 (Bagan Ajam Interchange). Head north on Jalan Teluk Air Tawar and then take any of the side roads to the left to reach the coast of Pantai Bersih.

Updates

11 December, 2017: On this visit, I saw that the beach is now well maintained. I saw a worker clearing up the trash, which explains why the shoreline is so clean. Having said that, I still see litter, which means there is no improvement to the civic-mindedness of the locals.

9 June, 2017: The Star reported that the number of unlicensed eateries along Pantai Bersih has gotten out of control. The place, which is meant to be a recreational park, has seen the encroachment of restaurants and cafeswhich are operating without a license. On the other hand, it is said that some of these eateries have received good reviews on the web. The area's assemblyman Phee Boon Poh lamented that the plan to create a recreational park in Pantai Bersih has failed, and instead the place has become a slum. Teluk Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Jahara Hamid called for action to be taken, and that any new restaurant should be the first to go.

Pantai Bersih, Butterworth (11 December 2017)


Worker clearing the trash at Pantai Bersih. (11 December 2017)


View of the North Butterworth Container Terminal from Pantai Bersih (11 December 2017)


Zai Sheng Seafood, Pantai Bersih (11 December 2017)


Lobster Village Seafood, Pantai Bersih (11 December 2017)

List of Beaches in Penang and Beaches in Malaysia