Foreigners' Guide to Exploring Seberang Perai

Introduction: When most people think of Penang, they immediately picture George Town, the Penang Hill funicular, or Batu Ferringhi’s beaches. But across the channel lies Seberang Perai, a part of Penang that many tourists skip simply because they’re unfamiliar with it. Some even assume there’s nothing worth seeing there. But let me tell you from my own experience: Seberang Perai has plenty of gems waiting to be discovered, from lush forests to sacred temples, from cultural relics to tranquil countryside landscapes. In this guide, I’ll help you explore Seberang Perai like a local, with tips on how to get around and what places to put on your itinerary.

On this page, you will find a map with the locations pinpointed to you with GPS coordinates. To go to each of the sights, you either type the name of the sight, or alternatively, copy the GPS coordinates and paste it to Google Maps or Waze, and your choice of App will navigate you to the spot.

Getting Around Seberang Perai

First, let’s talk about transportation. Seberang Perai is a sprawling area, much larger than Penang Island, and public transport here is limited compared to George Town. While you could rely on Rapid Penang buses or e-hailing services such as Grab, I personally recommend renting a car. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially when visiting attractions that are tucked away in forested or rural areas.

Car Rental Options in Penang

Here are a few car rental companies I recommend in Penang:

Most companies can deliver the car directly to your hotel or the airport. Prices range depending on vehicle type, but you can expect around RM120–200 per day for a compact sedan. If you’re traveling with family or friends, it’s even more worthwhile.

Can you expect less traffic congestion in Seberang Perai compared to Penang Island? Not really. All main roads in Penang, whether in Seberang or the island tend to get very congested especially during rush hour. So it's wise to allocate enough travel time as distances in Seberang Perai are generally longer, and places are further apart compared to Penang Island.

Foreigners' Guide to exploring Seberang Perai
Foreigners' Guide to exploring Seberang Perai

What to See in Seberang Perai

Now let’s dive into the attractions that make Seberang Perai a rewarding destination. I’ll list them in a way that you could plan a full-day or even a two-day trip around them. These are places I’ve visited personally, and each has its own charm.

Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest (Cherok Tokun) (GPS: 5.358738, 100.493091)

Locally known as Hutan Lipur Bukit Mertajam, this is one of my favourite spots in Seberang Perai. It’s a sprawling green forest reserve with towering trees, gushing streams, and well-marked trails. If you’re into hiking, you can trek up to Cherok Tokun Hill, which offers panoramic views of Bukit Mertajam town and the countryside beyond. For those who prefer something gentler, the lower trails along the streams are shaded and refreshing, perfect for a morning walk. Families often come here for picnics, and you’ll see locals exercising at dawn. Wear proper shoes, bring mosquito repellent, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Minor Basilica of St Anne (GPS: 5.352454, 100.477285)

Just a short drive from Bukit Mertajam town stands the Minor Basilica of St Anne, one of the most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage sites in Malaysia. Every year in July, thousands of devotees flock here for the Feast of St Anne. The basilica grounds are expansive, with both the modern church and the original chapel, built in 1888. Even if you’re not Catholic, the serene atmosphere makes it worth a visit. The architecture is striking, blending traditional and contemporary design, and the surroundings are beautifully landscaped.

Cherok Tokun Prehistoric Relics (GPS: 5.352123, 100.476684)

Within the same grounds of St Anne’s Basilica lies one of Seberang Perai’s most fascinating relics: the Cherok Tokun megaliths. These prehistoric stone inscriptions, believed to date back over a thousand years, are some of the earliest evidence of human civilization in this part of Malaysia. Scholars suggest they may have been linked to ancient Hindu-Buddhist influences in the region. When you visit the basilica, do take a short walk to see this archaeological treasure – it’s not just a religious site, but a place of history too.

Suling Hill (GPS: 5.40697, 100.50936)

If you’re looking for something a little different, head to Suling Hill. This hidden retreat is a unique Christian meditation centre nestled on a hilltop. Unlike the grand basilica, Suling Hill is quiet, contemplative, and designed for spiritual reflection. There’s a Way of the Cross trail that takes you through forested slopes dotted with small shrines. Even if you’re not here for religious purposes, the peaceful setting and the fresh air make it an uplifting stop.

Nandaka Vihara Buddhist Monastery (GPS: 5.356094, 100.495054)

Another gem in Seberang Perai is the Nandaka Vihara Buddhist Monastery. It’s a Theravāda monastery set amidst tranquil countryside, built in traditional Thai-style architecture. The main hall houses a large Buddha image, while the grounds are peaceful with ponds, stupas, and meditation areas. If you come in the early morning, you may see monks on their alms rounds. Visitors are welcome to explore quietly, and it’s a wonderful place to learn about Theravāda practices outside the touristy areas of Penang Island.

Tow Boo Kong Temple (Nine Emperor Gods Temple) (GPS: 5.4403, 100.38734)

This majestic Taoist temple is one of the largest and most visually stunning in Butterworth. Dedicated to Doumu (Tow Boo Kong) and the Nine Emperor Gods, it boasts elaborate carvings, richly decorated pillars, and vibrant murals that come alive especially during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival—a nine-day celebration in the ninth lunar month featuring fire-walking, spirit medium performances, and illuminated processions. It was constructed in stages from the 1970s and completed around 2000.

Address: Lot 894 & 896, Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, 12300, Penang
Phone: +60-4-331 8717

Simpah Kuan Im Temple (Guan Yin Ting Dou Mu Gong) (GPS: 5.43138, 100.38356)

Located just a short distance away along the same street, this temple also honours Doumu (the bodhisattva Marici), making it the second key site in Butterworth associated with the Nine Emperor Gods tradition. While smaller than Tow Boo Kong, it provides a complementary spiritual experience and reflects the rich Taoist cultural heritage of the area.

Address: Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, Seberang Perai, Penang

Other Places Worth Visiting in Seberang Perai

Planning Your Visit

If you dedicate just one day to Seberang Perai, I suggest starting early in Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest, then heading to the Minor Basilica of St Anne and the Cherok Tokun relics before lunch. In the afternoon, you can visit Nandaka Vihara and Suling Hill. End your day at Auto-City Juru for dinner before driving back to your hotel. If you have a second day, include Frog Hill, the Penang Bird Park, and a stroll along Bagan Ajam Beach for sunset.

Why Explore Seberang Perai?

So why should you cross the bridge or take the ferry to Seberang Perai? Because it gives you a different perspective of Penang. Here, you see the rural charm, the less-touristed side, and the blend of cultures that shaped Malaysia. It’s quieter, more spacious, and offers experiences you won’t find on the island. And because most foreign tourists don’t come here, you’ll feel like you’re discovering something special. For me, that’s the joy of traveling – not just checking off the famous landmarks, but venturing where others don’t.

Conclusion

Seberang Perai is more than just the “mainland” that supports Penang Island. It has its own treasures – from forests and hills to temples and relics – that deserve a spot in your travel plans. With a rented car, a bit of curiosity, and an adventurous spirit, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The next time you visit Penang, don’t limit yourself to George Town and Batu Ferringhi. Cross over, and let Seberang Perai surprise you. You’ll be glad you did.

Map of Seberang Perai Attractions

Page Details

This page was created on 16 August 2025.

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