Air Itam Dam

Air Itam Dam is the oldest dam and reservoir in Penang, located in the Air Itam valley within Timur Laut District, about 6 km southwest of George Town. Completed in 1962, it impounds the Sungai Air Itam to supply drinking water to the island. Surrounded by forested hills, the reservoir offers a scenic lakeside jogging track and viewpoints of the dam wall, making it a popular recreational spot for local residents and visitors.

Visitors can expect a tranquil reservoir set among forested hills with a paved perimeter jogging and walking track around the water. The site offers views of the dam wall, spillway and calm reservoir waters, with shaded rest areas and benches. The surroundings are green and quiet, popular for morning and evening walks, light jogging, photography and nature observation. There are no boating or water sports facilities as the reservoir is a protected water supply area.

Air Itam Dam was constructed between 1958 and 1962 and was the first dam built in Penang. It was developed to impound the Sungai Air Itam to provide a reliable treated water supply for George Town and surrounding areas. With a capacity of about 2.16 billion litres, it marked a major development in Penang's water infrastructure after independence.