'''Batu Ferringhi''' is the northern coast of Penang, Malaysia.
Understand
Probably the single most heavily developed stretch of tourist resorts in the entire country, the scenery and the beaches have undeniably suffered under the assault of all that concrete. Still, while the beaches aren't the best in Malaysia, there are still miles of white sand and palm trees left. Fierce competition keeps hotel prices low and there's some great food to be found too.
Orientation
From east to west (that is, moving further 'out' from George Town and the airport), the main beaches are '''Tanjung Bungah''', '''Batu Ferringhi''' proper, and '''Teluk Bahang'''.
Get in
Get around
Taxis trawl up and down the windy roads of the north coast. Fares are negotiable but tourists will have a hard time getting anywhere for less than RM 15.
See
'''Butterfly Farm''', 830 ''Jalan Teluk Bahang'', Phone:''+60 4'' 885-1253, Fax:''+60 4'' 885-1741, mailto:info@butterfly-insect.com, [http://www.butterfly-insect.com]. Mon-Fri 9AM-5.30PM (Last entry at 5PM), Weekend & Public Holidays 9AM-6PM (Last entry at 5.30PM). Open 365 days all year round except half-day on Chinese New Year eve. More than just a tourist attraction, it is set up as a 'live museum' to educate the public as well as a research centre to develop breeding methods. The farm houses about 4000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 different species, including most famouse in Malaysia the ''Rajah Brooke's Bird'' wing of the ''Papilionidae'' family. The farm also exhibits dead-leaf mantis, orchid mantis and Trogonoptera. Admission (including Govt. Tax): Adult RM15 and children RM7.50. Additional charge: Camera / Digital camera RM1 per piece and Video / Digital Video Camera RM5 per piece.
'''Muka Head Lighthouse''' is located at the northwestern cape of the Penang island, this impressive lighthouse serves as a beacon to sailors and ships in the region. The tower, while not as accessible as other structures on the island, offers spectacular ocean views. There is 2 ways to reach the site: taking boat from Teluk Bahang jetty or climb over the hills by foot.
'''Toy Museum''', ''Tanjung Bungah'', Mobile phone:''+60 12'' 460-2096. M-Su 9AM-9PM. This is the latest attraction in Penang, located at in front of Copthrone Orchid Hotel. Rank as Asia's first and World's largest toy museum, the owner Ir Loh Lean Cheng spends his 30 years to collect over 100,000 toys, dolls, models and other fun collections. The vast collection includes characters from cartoons, comics, computer games, sports, movies, novels, shows and the music world. Dozens of amazingly realistic, life-size figures add to the Fun. Admission fee: Adult and children above 3-feet RM10, children below 3-feet RM6.
'''Tropical Fruit Farm''', 18 Miles Stone, ''Jalan Teluk Bahang'', Phone:''+60 4'' 866-5168, Fax:''+60 4'' 866-5170. In this 25-acre tropical fruit farm, about 200 types of tropical and sub-tropical fruits are planted. ''Durian'', the King of Fruits, despite their odour, are undeniably rich, sweet and creamy. There is a shuttle bus service that picking visitors from few hotels to the farm and vise versa.
Do
'''Fruit tasting''' while visiting Tropical Fruit Farm.
'''Jungle trekking & camping''' - Enjoy walking through the reserved forest in Teluk Bahang, ''Muka Head'' go to northwestern cape of the island and stay nights over there, you will experience an unforgettable life with beaches, sea and the sky.
'''Shopping''' at the night market along the road from Golden Sand Hotel to Park Royal Hotel, or Sidewalk Bazaar near Casuarina Hotel and Bayview Beach Hotel.
'''Sunbathe''' on the beach, enjoy the foot or body massage could be a good idea to rest and relax.
'''Watersports''' are on the agenda for many visitors, although the waters are a bit too murky for scuba diving and a bit too calm for surfing or more extreme pursuits. Beware of the jellyfish! If stung, apply vinegar and if you experience chest pain, consider seeing the doctor for something to combat the allergic reaction.
Buy
Cheap stuff from the night bazaar, also known as the Pasar Malam.
Eat
There are plenty of places to eat all around, although discerning gourmands might want to explore less watered-down Malaysian cuisine in George Town.
One option worth a special trip are the seafood restaurants at the pier of '''Teluk Bahang''', at the northwestern tip of the island, past the hotels and the little village. The famed "End of the World" has closed, but quite a few have sprung up to take its place.
For families, or those who just want to get out of the resort, you can't go past the hawker centres and fresh fruit stalls on the side of the road. At the hawker centres the kids can pick and choose what they like from the different shops, you just pay the bill when it is delivered to your table. For best results, stick with the Asian cuisines, the attempts at Western food are not worth eating.
Drink
Fresh juice at the hawker centre about halfway through the markets. At RM2 each, these are a bargain and there are many different combinations, helpful if you are travelling with fussy kids!
Sleep
There are lots of options with rack rates above RM500, but only in peak season (notably Christmas/New Year) will you have to pay this much. The cheaper places charge around RM50.
Budget
Backpacker accommodation, in the form of local guest houses, can be found opposite the beach past the Parkroyal Resort. A simple room with a fan will begin at around RM30 per night. If arriving by bus get off at the post office and walk down to the beach. For a bit better accommodation you can stay at Penang's first Budget-Boutique Hotel, here are budget hotels in Batu Ferringhi:
'''Shalini's Guest House''', 56, Batu Ferringhi, Tel: 04-8811859.
Ah Beng Guest House''', 54C, Batu Ferringi, Tel: 04-8811036.
Ali'sFerringi Guest House''', 53&54B, Batu Ferringi, Tel: 04-8811316, Fax: 04-8814015.
Baba's Guest House''', 52, Batu Ferringi, Tel: 04-8811686.
E.T Budget Guest House''', 47,Batu Ferringi, Tel: 04-8811553.
'''Ismail's Beach Guest House''', Batu Ferringhi, Tel: 04-8812569.
Mid-range
'''Bayview Beach Resort Penang''', Batu Ferringhi, Phone:''+60 4'' 881-2123, Fax:''+60 4'' 881-2140, Tollfree reservation within Malaysia: 1-800-888218, mailto:bbr@bayviewbeach.com, [http://www.bayviewbeach.com] .
'''Casuarina Beach Resort''', Batu Ferringhi, Phone:''+60 4'' 881-1711, Fax:''+60 4'' 881-2155 Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-888255, mailto:sales@casuarina.com.my, [http://www.casuarina.com.my].
'''Lone Pine Penang''', [http://www.lonepinehotel.com].
D'Feringghi. ttp://www.dferingghi.com. M80-110. Claims to be a "budget boutique hotel". Dirty rooms all with aircon, shower cubicle, coffee-/teamaker. Desk staff unfriendly.
Splurge
'''Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa''', Batu Feringghi Beach, Phone:''+60 4'' 888-8888, Fax:''+60 4'' 881-1800, mailto:rsr@shangri-la.com, [http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/penang/rasasayangresort].
'''Mutiara Beach Resort''', 1 ''Jalan Teluk Bahang'', Toll free (Malaysia):1-800-88-3838 (Worldwide):800-8800-3838 Phone:''+60 4'' 886-8888, Fax:''+60 4'' 885-2829, mailto:infopg@mutiarahotels.com, [http://www.penang-mutiara.com.my]. The hotel is located at Teluk Bahang Beach to the west of Batu Ferringhi, the sole hotel on one of Penang's nicest beaches. Good pool complete with a bar you can swim up to, decent facilities, but slowly starting to show its age. Rack rates ridiculous (RM650+) but steeply discounted rooms are available outside the highest peak season. RM650-RM8,400 per night.
* '''Closed for refurbishing. Scheduled to reopen in 2007 as the Inter-Continental Penang.'''
'''Hard Rock Hotel Penang''' to open in 19th Sept 2009 Hard Rock Hotel Penang
1-9B & 1-10B, Eden Parade,
Jalan Sungai Emas,
Batu Ferringhi,
11100 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: +60 4 8811711
Fax: +60 4 8812155
'''Shangri-La's Golden Sands Resort''', [http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/goldensands/en].
'''Grand Plaza Park Royal Penang''', Batu Ferringhi Beach, Phone:''+60 4'' 881-1133, Fax:''+60 4'' 881-2233, mailto:fbsec@gpp.pen.parkroyalhotels.com, http://penang.parkroyalhotels.com]. Great location for families - right in the middle of the night markets, short walk at night to a hawker centre and the second pool has a water slide. Check out the pool toy stalls at the markets for a range of water toys to help increase the fun. Try to get a side seaview room on the 2nd floor, the rooms open out onto a grassed terrace - terrific if you are travelling with kids.
'''Holiday Inn Resort Penang''', [http://www.penang.holiday-inn.com].
Get out