Balik Pulau

Balik Pulau (Malay: Back Island) is a town in Penang, Malaysia. Along with the surrounding area, Balik Pulau literally makes up the backcountry of the island, offering a laidback kampung lifestyle, with rice paddies and fruit farms scattered throughout.

By bus
, on Jl Tun Sardon, serves as the main bus station in Balik Pulau for the Penang's public bus operator, Rapid Penang. If travelling from Georgetown, there are 3 bus routes to choose from, Bus 401 and 401E via Bayan Lepas and the Airport. Route 401E uses an Expressway to bypass Gelugor and also has free Wi-Fi on board. Bus route 502 also departs from Georgetown and reaches Balik Pulau faster, passing through Air Itam and terminating just south of the town centre after passing through the Bus Terminal. If around Batu Ferringhi and the surrounding area, bus 501 operates from Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau, but operates fairly infrequently, so plan your trip accordingly.

Get around
Having your own form of transport will certainly simplify your journey around Balik Pulau. If you are merely venturing around the town centre of Balik Pulau then walking is perfectly fine. If you are planning to venture out to the country side where many attractions are scattered then having at least a bicycle will aid your travel. Some areas, particularly to the north along Jalan Teluk Bahang, require motorised transport due to the mountainous roads. Rapid Penang's bus 501 does travel along this road between Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau, but due to its infrequency it can be a time waster waiting for the bus.

Go next

 * Venture to Penang's Capital, George Town and explore the heritage core, giving the city UNESCO World Heritage status.
 * Relax on the beach at Batu Ferringhi and the nearby resort town of Tanjung Bungah. If you're hungry for seafood look no further than the fishing village of Teluk Bahang and if time permits go for a leisurely trek in Penang National Park.
 * Visit Penang's mainland, which is somewhat off the tourist track. The towns of Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam are a great place to start.