Overview
Balik Pulau is the other side of Penang Island, where lush greenery thrives. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, it is home to traditional Malay villages and fishing ports. On this journey, we will take you to explore this hidden side of the island, visiting traditional industries such as nutmeg and shrimp paste factories, admiring the traditional Malay houses, and of course, tasting the local delicacies as part of the experience. I’m sure it will be an unforgettable countryside trip.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Private transportation
- A licensed guide is included in this tour.
What's Not Included
- All meal expenses and the cost of purchasing souvenirs are to be borne by the participants.
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
This is a nutmeg factory that has been in operation for decades. During the visit, we will explore the nutmeg orchard, see the nutmeg fruit, and learn about its various benefits through detailed explanations. The factory also sells a variety of nutmeg products, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to bring this wonderful product home.
Stop 2
We will enjoy a breakfast in Balik Pulau, and what we eat will depend on which vendors are open that day. But don't worry—it's all delicious Penang cuisine. After breakfast, we’ll take a stroll through the fishing village to admire the scenic harbor, the docked boats, and the relaxing atmosphere that will leave you feeling completely at ease. Along the way, we’ll drive past some traditional Malay houses, where we’ll stop for photos so you can capture the charm of this rare countryside experience.
Stop 3
Another cottage industry we will visit is the shrimp paste factory located in Pulau Betong, a small fishing village in Balik Pulau. We will observe the process of making belacan (shrimp paste) and how it is dried under the hot sun. Shrimp paste is an essential ingredient in many Malaysian delicacies."
Stop 4
We will admire the beautiful installation art at the paddy field. This is one of the five container art pieces found in Penang. The scenery there is highly Instagrammable—you can enjoy the view of the hills rising in the surroundings and the paddy field right beside it.
Stop 5
When you come to Balik Pulau, you definitely can't miss Assam Laksa. "Assam" means tamarind, and this dish has a flavor unique to Penang. Balik Pulau has the fresh ingredients needed for this delicacy, and even locals often make a special trip here to enjoy it. It has also been featured by CNN as one of the world's best foods. After savoring the Laksa, we'll continue by trying another Balik Pulau specialty—brown sugar buns.
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels