Map of Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is shown with red borders
Batu Ferringhi is the most famous stretch of beach in Penang. This is where you find a big concentration of beach resorts. From the mid 70's to the early 90's, the Batu Ferringhi stretch saw massive construction as hotels line the shore one after another. In their wake are highrise condominiums offering splendid views of the sea overlooking the mainland. On a clear day, you can see Kedah Peak, also known as Gunung Jerai.
The word Ferringhi, often variously spelled as Ferringhi and Ferringhi, is said to originate as the Malay term for a person of Portuguese descent, but eventually came to embrace all Westerners. This word however, is not particular to the Malay language. There is a strong possibility that it is derived from Arabic, as the word feringgi is used as far afield as Ethiopia to mean a Western foreigner. The word further mutates to "farang", the Thai term for a Western foreigner. The name Batu Ferringhi would therefore mean the rocky promontory where the Western foreigner landed - a name that is uncannily appropriate to this day.
Like much of the northern coast of Penang, the shore has beautiful stretches of white sand dotted with huge boulders. During weekends, you will see local people coming here to picnic and anglers come to fish. The sea water, however, is not clean enough for swimming, and is likely to be infested with jellyfish.
Getting there
You can reach Batu Ferringhi by taking Rapid Penang Bus 101 from Weld Quay. If you are coming from the airport, take 401 to Weld Quay and then 101 from Weld Quay.
What to see and do there
Batu Ferringhi is Penang's main beach resort and one of the most happening night spots on the island. There are many hotels and resorts along the Batu Ferringhi road where all the creature comfort is available. You can just bask in the sun or indulge in any of the water sports. You can also go horseback riding along the beach. In addition to that, you can explore the pasar malam, the street-side night market where inexpensive trinkets are sold. There are a lot of restaurants along Batu Ferringhi to cater to every taste, local and foreign.
Further Reading
External sites with details about Batu Ferringhi:
Stretching your budget in Penang
If you are a prudent traveller, you can spend less than $20 per day in Penang, including your accommodation! Here's some useful tips for budget travellers to Penang, to help you manage your budget and have a great time.
Penang Tour Guides
If you're on a shoestring budget, you can explore Penang using the travel articles in Penang Travel Tips. You may print them out for your own personal non-commercial use. However, nothing compares to having a professional tour guide to show you around. If you need a tour guide, contact me and I'll arrange one for you, according to your schedule and interest. If I happen to be free, I would gladly show you around too. Just write to me at:
Finding Budget Accommodation in Penang
If you're coming to Penang on a budget, you'd be pleased to know that there's quite a number of places in George Town as well as in Batu Ferringhi that offers good clean accommodation without costing you an arm and a let. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood, which happens to belong to a friend of mine. If it is occupied, there are plenty of other places that cost less than US$12.00 per night. Here are some suggestions:
Hutton Lodge, from US$8.25
Baba Guesthouse, from US$7.57
E.T. Budget Guesthouse, from US$6.05
YMCA Penang, from US$6.53
Ali's Ferringhi Guest House, from US$9.63
Despite the best intentions to provide you information that is as accurate as possible, do be aware that prices may have changed and exchange rates fluctuated since I wrote this. So please personally and carefully screen through the available accommodation before making your booking, to avoid any disappointments.
Batu Ferringhi Photo Gallery
View of a quiet stretch of Batu Ferringhi.
The sea crashing onto land at Batu Ferringhi.
Batu Ferringhi sunset.
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