Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai

Nibong Tebal is the biggest town in Seberang Perai Selatan. The name Nibong Tebal means "dense palms", and may refers to the nibung trees that grow in the surrounding mangrove.

The Universiti Sains Malaysia, or USM, has its campus there. The schools of civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and material and mineral resource engineering are among those located there.

The most famous person to come from Nibong Tebal is the late Professor Chin Fung Kee, who designed the first Penang Bridge. Unfortunately he passed away before the bridge was opened to the public.

The Member of Parliament of Nibong Tebal is Tan Tee Beng, son of Gerakan Party founding member Tan Gim Hwa. Tan Tee Beng won the seat under the PKR ticket, but quit the party on 1 March to become an independent MP. His resignation came in the wake of disciplinary action against him from within his party for criticising the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Getting there

Exit the North-South Expressway at Exit 156 (Jawi Interchange).

Nibong Tebal Location Map

View Nibong Tebal in a larger map

Photos of Nibong Tebal

Nibong Tebal (5 May 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Places of Interest in Nibong Tebal

Bukit Panchor State Park
Recreational forest with stream and pavilions.
Pulau Burung
Island created by carving a canal between two rivers, site of a waterfowl marshland and refuse landfill.
99-Door Mansion
Dilapidated early 19th century mansion within Byram Estate.
Hock Teik Soo Temple
Temple to Tua Pek Kong,. the Taoist deity of prosperity.
Sri Sithi Vinayagar Devasthanam
Biggest Hindu temple in Nibong Tebal.
Nibong Tebal Iron Bridge
Bridge across the railway tracks of Nibong Tebal.
Kuan In Tong
Temple of the goddess of mercy of Nibong Tebal.
Datuk Kong Old Temple
Newly rebuilt temple to the locality deity.
Holy Trinity Church
Anglican church in Nibong Tebal.
Sungai Udang
Village surrounded by mangrove where firefly-watching trips can be organised.