North Beach, Penang

North Beach is a locality in George Town. As the name suggests, it is the stretch of coast on the northern side of the city, from Esplanade all the way to Tanjong Tokong. The name is not so much used today, the the people are more than likely to refer to this area by Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Gurney Drive, Kelawei Road and Pulau Tikus.

In the early days (prior to the creation of Gurney Drive), the main roads in North Beach are Northam Road until the junction with Pangkor Road, and then Kelawei Road, which parts the first estuary from town.

Today the North Beach area has become one of the most sought after real estate in George Town. This is prime property, with the densest concentration of commercial and residential skyscrapers lining Northam Road, now called Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, and Gurney Drive. Those who lament the reclamation of the sea at the Gurney Drive coast should also be reminded that Gurney Drive itself was reclaimed at the expense of Kelawei Road. So is the continuous story of the growth of George Town; as land is used up, new one is created from the sea.