Kuala Jalan Bahru, Balik Pulau, Penang

A kampung house along Jalan Baru, Balik Pulau (27 February 2013)


Kuala Jalan Bahru is a Chinese settlement in Balik Pulau on the west coast of Penang Island. It got its name for the fact that it is located at the end of Jalan Kuala Jalan Baru, the road that leads from Jalan Baru towards the estuary of Sungai Kuala Jalan Baru.

Kuala Jalan Bahru was established in the first half of the 20th century, after the new road (hence "Jalan Baru") was laid on the western part of Balik Pulau, enabling settlement to be developed in the area.

The people living in Kuala Jalan Bahru are mostly Chinese. They make a living as fishermen and in the supporting trades. The village itself is but a cluster of village houses huddled at the end of the road. There is a handful of coffeeshops where the menfolk hang around watching television or simply loafing.

A kampung house along Jalan Baru, Balik Pulau (27 February 2013)


Kuala Jalan Bahru is perhaps most popular with people outside Balik Pulau for the coffee shop selling Hokkien Mee. This coffee shop is located on the right side of the road, about two thirds of the way from the junction of Jalan Baru. You can often see cars bearing number plates from outside Penang parked in the compound of that coffee shop.

Getting there

You can reach Kuala Jalan Bahru by taking Rapid Penang bus 403 from the Balik Pulau Bus Terminal.

View Kuala Jalan Bahru, Balik Pulau in a larger map