Penang National Park

Penang National Park is Malaysia's smallest national park, covering about 23 sq km at the northwestern tip of Penang Island near Teluk Bahang in Barat Daya District. Established in 2003 from the former Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve, it protects coastal hill dipterocarp forest, mangroves, and secluded beaches. Notable for its meromictic lake at Pantai Kerachut, turtle conservation centre, Muka Head Lighthouse, and diverse trails, it offers hiking, wildlife observation and beach access.

Visitors enter via the registration counter at Teluk Bahang and follow marked jungle trails through coastal hill dipterocarp forest to secluded beaches. Main trails lead to Pantai Kerachut with its seasonal meromictic lake and Turtle Conservation Centre, and to Teluk Duyung (Monkey Beach). Other routes lead to Muka Head Lighthouse and canopy walk areas. The setting is natural and undeveloped with forest, mangroves, sandy bays and hill viewpoints. Activities are trail-based hiking, beach visits, wildlife and bird watching, and boat transfers for return trips.

Gazetted on 10 April 2003 as Penang National Park, it was formerly the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve established in the 1920s. At 23.02 sq km (2,562 hectares) it is the smallest national park in Malaysia. The Muka Head Lighthouse within the park was built in 1883 during the British colonial period to guide vessels through the northern Strait of Malacca.