JC. Princen Penang National Park is the smallest national park in the world. The 2,562-hectare park was designated a national park in 2003. The Penang National Park has 46 species of birds such as stork-billed kingfishers, white-breasted waterhens, and egrets.
What’s on in Penang National Park
In 2000, an expedition was led by the Malaysian Nature Society and recorded at least 417 flora species and 143 fauna species. Local people give the name of the Acheh Beach forest reserve before this place is designated as a national park. Some activities that can be done include fishing, swimming, and hiking.
The unspoiled Kerachut Beach is also favorite habitat for green turtles, especially in April to August, and Olive Ridley from September to February. The turtle egg breeding center was established on Kerachut Beach. In 1995 the turtle egg breeding now managed by the State Fisheries Department together with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and the Ministry of Forestry. They also manage the maintenance of the park, which has very good conditions.
Some of the best wood trees are also in Penang National Park, especially Shorea species, such as Meranti and Merawan Baru. And, this is the only area in Penang where a red Gelam tree with paper-like bark grows.
Penang National Park also has amazing diversity. The park has 1,000 species of plants including five different species of Bintangor trees. Penang National Park is also the only place in Malaysia that has six different types of habitats, namely Meromiktik Lake Habitats (ie lakes that appear at certain times and have clear water layers), swamps, mangrove areas, mud, a cluster of corals and beaches where turtles nest.
There are also various plant pitchers, wild orchids and mushrooms, and medicinal plants.
How to get to Penang National Park
By Car or Boat
Penang National Park can be reached from two entryways. You can take from Kuala Sungai Pinang by small boat, or in Teluk Bahang which is easily accessible by car. If by land, Penang National Park is only 45 minutes from the capital, George Town. The trip will pass through urban and rural areas along the northern coastal road of the towns of Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang. The first entrance to the park is in Teluk Bahang. You can also take a small boat from Kampung Kuala Sungai Pinang. The road inside the park is quite good and many have signs and directions.
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