English
French
Spanish
ItalianSeberang Perai
Seberang Perai, which is always caught in the shadow of its more famous sister, Penang Island, is a cultural and historic hub that has a host of attractions, helping one gain a deeper insight into multicultural Malaysia. Located on the mainland part of Penang state, Seberang Perai offers variations in activities, natural beauty, and historical value that simply make it a definite destination for travelers who want to venture beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Peaceful city, Seberang Perai (Source: Wikipedia)
Seberang Perai was earlier referred to as "Province Wellesley," steeped in historical background, going all the way from the British colonial era into large tracts of forests. In 1800, it was acquired by the British East India Company as a strategic way to safeguard the defense of Penang Island against invasions. It was named after Richard Wellesley, the then Governor-General of India.
Seberang Perai was generally agricultural, ranging from rice, sugar, and rubber estates. From being an agrarian state, the place gradually evolved into a busy urban area. It now stands facing Penang Island as its counterpart on the mainland, contributing much in terms of economy to the state of Penang with its industrial development and manufacturing, yet retaining pockets of historical and cultural marks.
Climate in Seberang Perai city (Source: Penang2030)
Seberang Perai is situated on the western part of Peninsular Malaysia and constitutes a part of the state of Penang. For administrative purposes, it is divided into three districts: Seberang Perai Utara (North, Seberang Perai Tengah (Central), Seberang Perai Selatan (South).
It measures an area of about 751 square kilometers and is separated from Penang Island by the Strait of Penang, joined by the iconic Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge, otherwise known as the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge.
Bustling city of Seberang Perai (Source: EcoCupid)
The Penang Bird Park, although situated in Seberang Jaya, Penang, is the largest bird park in Malaysia, hosting over 300 species of birds originating from different parts of the world. The park is set amidst lush gardens, man-made ponds, and waterfalls that create a peaceful environment for visitors and its feathered inhabitants. This family-friendly attraction is ideal for both bird enthusiasts and those with general interests in wildlife conservation.
Penang Bird Park (Source: Klook)
Nature lovers can head to the Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest for a refreshing escape into the wilderness. Located in the central district, this forest reserve is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and picnicking. Visitors can ascend to the top of Bukit Mertajam Hill for a great view of the landscape around them, which consists of dense forests and, further away, the skyline of Pulau Pinang.
Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest (Source: Tripadvisor)
St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics in Malaysia. Every year in July, thousands of devotees throng the place to attend the St. Anne's Feast in celebration of the mother of the Virgin Mary. This church holds great historical significance for Seberang Perai because of its Gothic architectural style and serene surroundings.
St. Anne’s Church (Source: vilniuswithlocals)
Of late, Frog Hill in Tasek Gelugor has emerged as a haunt for local photographers and even Instagram enthusiasts. What was once a desolate tin mining area has now assumed the appearance of an eminently picturesque landscape of turquoise-colored lakes enclosed by red rock cliffs. The views from atop this hill are spectacular, and the atmosphere here is serene; hence, it is the ultimate destination for people seeking a different kind of day-out.
The view from above of Frog Hill (Source: Malaysia)
Located about 28 km from Butterworth, Mengkuang Dam is the largest dam in Penang. More than just a functional water reservoir, it is also a venue for picnics, hiking, and outdoor activities. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this dam presents picture-postcard views and serves as an ideal spot to relax amidst the natural beauty of Seberang Perai.
Poetic beauty of Mengkuang Dam (Source: pba)
Read more: Malaysia tour 10 days: An ideal holiday in Kuala Lumpur & Tioman Island
The best time to visit Seberang Perai would be during the dry season, which starts from December and lasts till March. The climate is a bit friendlier during this period, with lesser rainfall; hence, it will be perfect for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the various attractions in this region.
From April until November, during the wet season, there is heavy rain and sometimes thunderstorms. Even in the wet season, though, mornings and early afternoons are usually clear, so if you can carefully plan your days, then this shouldn't stop you from exploring.
The beauty of Seberang Perai (Source: GoingplacesMalaysia)
By Air: The nearest airport to Seberang Perai is the Penang International Airport, situated on Penang Island. The estimated travel time from the airport to Seberang Perai will take around 45 minutes up to one hour, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Road: Seberang Perai is connected to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia via major highways like North-South Expressway (E1). If you are driving yourself from Kuala Lumpur, then it would take around 4 drives.
By Train: Train services from Kuala Lumpur and other major cities are connected with the Butterworth Railway Station via Keretapi Tanah Melayu or KTM. You may take a bus or taxi within the region from Butterworth to visit the other areas of the region.
Penang International Airport (Source: WikimediaCommons)
Seberang Perai is one of the charming regions with rich history intermingled with modern-day attractions. It is strategically positioned on the Penang mainland, offering to its visitors another dimension of Malaysia wherein the essence of the countryside and city would blend. Since going around Seberang Perai is so accessible both from Penang Island and the rest of Malaysia, a trip to Seberang Perai with Asia King Travel promises to be a rewarding experience for any traveler.
Read more: Malaysia Classic Highlights
