Kampung Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau

Kampung Pulau Betong (12 July 2008)


Kampung Pulau Betong is a small village on the southwest of Penang Island. Its namesake, Pulau Betong, is the islet offshore from the village. The settlement of Kampung Pulau Betong developed at the estuary of Sungai Pulau Betong, the river that flows through the mangrove swamp before emptying into the Straits of Malacca.

The villagers at Kampung Pulau Betong are mostly Chinese fishermen. They were badly affected in the 2004 tsunami, when the incoming tidal waves caused severe damage to the village. This included a wooden bridge that was washed away, and many fishing boats were lifted thirty meters inland. In the aftermath of the tsunami, AsiaExplorers (the travel club which I founded) canvassed donations part of which went to help those affected. Most of the damage have since been repaired. A wave breaker has also been constructed to offer some protection to the village.

While the Chinese villagers live near the coast, the Malay villagers live further inland. At the junction with Jalan Bahru, leading towards Kampung Perlis, there is a community mosque for the Muslims at Kampung Pulau Betong. It is called Masjid Iraudah Pulau Betong.

What to eat at Kampung Pulau Betong

Join Hawker Food Planet and share your hawker food recommendations, which will be cataloged into this website under Recommendations by Location and Recommendations by Food Type.

Getting to Kampung Pulau Betong

Rapid Penang Bus No. 403 goes to Kampung Pulau Betong.

Nearby Sights

Location of Kampung Pulau Betong on the map

The new bridge at Kampung Pulau Betong (12 July 2008)

List of Villages on Penang Island