If you haven’t explored Penang’s beauty, you might be surprised at what you find. Beautiful camping spots are excellent ways to spend a few days outdoor with your family to chill and relax. If you’re interested in camping in Penang, the following guide will give you everything you need to know about Penang’s close-to-nature accommodations.
The island of Penang offers many things to do. Thanks to its natural beauty—as in Penang Hill, which has just been inscribed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or Bukit Hijau—there are many visitors who enjoy camping in Penang.
5 Best Places for Camping in Penang
We’ve compiled a list of 5 perfect places for camping in Penang so that you don’t miss out on the fun of visiting these fantastic places.
The Hillside Retreat Penang
Penang Hill’s Hillside Retreat is a category II heritage building, the oldest bungalow on the hill. After remaining vacant for decades, the bungalow has been converted into a green accommodation for tourists visiting Penang Hill.
The Hillside Retreat is located near Penang Hill’s Upper Station and provides the most accessible camping experience.
Hillside Retreat features a number of eco-friendly amenities, such as a dining hall, cooking area, shower room, rainwater collection, recycling facilities, and rainwater storage. Its accommodating features make it a preferred place for camping in Penang for families with kids.
Address: Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper Tunnel Road Ayer Itam, 11500 George Town, Penang
Contact no: +60198858951
Website: hillsideretreat.my
Facebook page: Hillside Retreat Penang
Instagram page: hillsideretreat
The Hill Relaxing Camp
The Hill Relaxing Camp is an excellent camping site manned by an attentive owner. This campsite can be found in Relau, on Balik Pulau, at an altitude of 280 metres. It sits on a hill slope in Relau on Penang island’s south-central peninsula.
In addition to its picturesque scenery, with the second Penang Bridge visible, this campsite offers a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Camping and tent rental services are also available, as well as bathrooms with running water and electricity. You can camp here but also clean up yourself and the kids when needed.
Because let’s be honest, kids in the wilderness can act like little terrors. So, having a clean place to wash and freshen up is a must when travelling with kids.
Address: 55 Mukim 5, Jalan Tun Sardon, Relau, 11020 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Contact no: +60124731037
Website: the-hill-relaxing-camp.business.site
Facebook page: The Hill Relaxing Camp
Bangawan Solo Campsite
Bangawan Solo Campsite is an idyllic location on the north end of Penang Island. It’s the perfect place to relax with friends and family. From here, you can discover the best Penang beaches and nearby sights that the island has to offer.
However, one point to note is that you must bring your tent to participate in the campsite package. Otherwise, you will need to rent one.
During the daytime, you can rest on the beds in nearby houses and the sofa bed in the living room. Using only a ceiling fan and a mattress on the floor, you can even sleep inside at night.
Address: Jalan Heng Leng Fong, Kampung Batu Putih, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Contact no: +60174081215
Facebook page: Bangawan solo campsite
The Habitat Penang Hill
For those interested in experiencing the serenity of Penang’s tropical rainforest and have the means to pay for it, Habitat Penang Hill offers a 2D/1N Starlight Camping trip.
A trip to Habitat Penang Hill represents one of the best places to experience camping in Penang for its authentic Malaysian rainforest experience, diversity, and education.
You can take a guided walk at Habitat Penang Hill with a local guide for a great introduction to the local wildlife. You can turn it into a learning experience for your kids.
The kids will get to see black squirrels of all sizes, colugo monkeys (lemurs that fly), and many other creatures that live in the jungle. These rare sightings will both be fun and educating for your little ones.
Address: Jalan Stesen, Bukit Bendera Air Itam, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact no: +60196457741
Website: thehabitat.my
Facebook page: The Habitat Penang Hill
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Boulder Valley Glamping & Event Place
Boulder Valley is a posh spot located on the north end of Balik Pulau, just before Teluk Bahang. Boulder Valley Glamping provides an unforgettable experience in a glamping environment of boulders and lush greenery.
Keeping things simple and free of ostentatiousness, unlike DIY tents in a bag, their glamping tents are much more spacious. A comfortable bed and a private bathroom are among the amenities they offer.
So, if you want to stay outdoors but don’t want to dip your toe quite deep in the earth and dirt, this is the place for you to go camping in Penang!
Address: 8, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang
Contact no: +60 19-977 8995
Website: bouldervalleyglamping.com.my
Facebook page: Boulder Valley Glamping & Event Place
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Fridays, 8.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.; Saturdays to Sundays, 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Make Memories Exploring the Wilderness of Penang
Camping in Penang can help you reconnect with your childhood memories while creating new ones with your family. There’s nothing better than getting away from the city lights and spending time in nature.
Just make sure your kids are dressed in comfortable clothes and have their favourite toys with them to keep them calm during the trip.
Also, don’t forget to pack the essentials like first aid kid, enough dry clothes, medicines and gear when planning your family vacation.
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