Teluk Tempoyak, Penang

Teluk Tempoyak (12 August 2005)


Teluk Tempoyak (GPS: 5.27763, 100.28758; Penang Hokkien: Tam3po3yak3 ) is a quiet Malay fishing village on the southeast tip of Penang Island, just south of Batu Maung.

Until recently, Teluk Tempoyak was truly off the beaten path. The sole connection to the rest of Penang was Jalan Teluk Tempoyak, a hill road that snakes its way over the hill range. There wasn't a bus service there, so its residents had to climb over the hill to reach the nearest bus stop in Batu Maung. Later on, the Penang Yellow Bus began a service to that part of the island. This was later taken over by Rapid Penang, which introduced route 305.

As I used to live between Batu Maung and Permatang Damar Laut, I have explored Teluk Tempoyak during my younger days, though there is nothing of great interest for me here.

One of the main activities at Teluk Tempoyak has been quarrying. Much of the hills at Teluk Tempoyak have been quarried, although few people ever explore so far as to see the quarries.

Eateries at Teluk Tempoyak

Getting there

Rapid Penang Bus 305 is the only service to Teluk Tempoyak. You may prefer to drive there. The scenery upon going over the hill is very nice.

The old plankway at Teluk Tempoyak. It was badly damaged in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami (21 March 2004)


Teluk Tempoyak fishing boat (21 March 2004)


Teluk Tempoyak was affected by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. The plankway pier which was already in a broken state was further devastated. It has since been repaired, and is now looking even better than before the waves hit.

Teluk Tempoyak's biggest call to fame today is ikan bakar, or grilled fish. This can be enjoyed in a number of seaside Malay restaurants with the catch that comes in every evening, and is gaining fame among local tourists.

A shed for fishermen in Teluk Tempoyak (3 April 2016)


Teluk Tempoyak pier after it was repaired after the tsunami (12 August 2005)


Another view of the Teluk Tempoyak pier (12 August 2005)


Teluk Tempoyak old pier (21 March 2004)


Teluk Tempoyak seafood restaurant (21 March 2004)


Teluk Tempoyak seaside (12 August 2005)


Teluk Tempoyak coast (12 August 2005)

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