The very first thing that involves thoughts when somebody mentions Penang is seashores and sunsets. At the very least for me, so I used to be pleasantly shocked after we have been instructed we might go jungle trekking within the Taman Negara Nationwide Park to go to Monkey Seaside as a substitute of taking a ship.
This was extra our kind of outing and we knew it could result in a great journey.
Trekking to Monkey Seaside in Penang Nationwide Park
Our day began by taking the bus from Ferringhi to the doorway of the nationwide park. The stroll to the doorway space from the bus cease is brief and straightforward to seek out. Make sure you use the toilet right here earlier than heading into the park.
There are not any amenities as soon as you’re contained in the park on the trekking trails. You’re additionally required to sign up with the entrance workplace window, admission is free, however they should know who you’re and the place you’re going once you enter the park. That is to make sure that you come again out and usually are not misplaced.
The paths are marked fairly effectively, however with no consistency. The path begins out actually nice, its even paved which is type of a luxurious so far as trekking goes.
When you attain the primary couple areas, you have got the choice to department to the left to the extra industrial areas which are visited by tour teams or you possibly can head to the correct and into the jungle.
In fact, we have been on a mission to Monkey Seaside so we headed into the jungle.
Navigating Jungle Trails
The path rapidly was a slim jungle path with uneven footing and enormous roots protruding from the bottom. We noticed a pair different folks, however spent most of our 2 hour a method trek alone.
The path takes you previous a pair distant, unspoiled seashores and a fishing village earlier than you attain the notorious Monkey Seaside.
We had heard tales of the little macaques that inhabit this a part of Penang, so we have been ready to deflect them upon arrival. Solely downside, there have been no monkeys at Monkey Seaside.
Arriving to Monkey Seaside
That’s proper, not a single one. As we walked by means of the primary a part of the seashore and made our means the far finish, we discovered a spot that had been warped by time.
There have been so many individuals there you might hardly stroll from one finish of the seashore to the opposite. The boats we had prevented to convey us right here had caught up with us and so had the vacationers.
Folks have been in all places, cooking out, splashing within the water, ingesting beer and hanging out. It was like a campground in a phenomenal place.
Locals have setup meals stalls all alongside the shore to promote meals, but none of them care to choose up the rubbish off the bottom from the merchandise they’re promoting. It was type of unhappy.
We hurried by means of this space to keep away from the crowds, the place we ended up on the third part of the seashore. Right here we discovered the paradise we anticipated from Monkey Seaside. It was completely beautiful, however once more no monkeys.
There have been a few folks swimming on the far finish however aside from that, we had the place to ourselves.
Having fun with Paradise in Penang Nationwide Park
We spent over an hour right here swinging on the swings and laying within the hammocks that have been tied to the palm timber by the seashore. It was considered one of our favourite moments from our time in Penang.
Having fun with the seashore was the recharge we would have liked to finish the three hour return trek to the park entrance to take the bus again to Ferringhi.
This time by means of the tide had gone out so it made issues somewhat simpler in locations the place we needed to stroll by means of water on the best way to Monkey Seaside.
We couldn’t assist however speak concerning the absence of the little critters that gave the famed seashore it’s identify. How is it that they only disappear?
It’s a monkey haven, plenty of meals distributors and other people leaving unattended baggage in all places, but there are not any monkeys. That is so unusual to us.
Monkey Encounter
Can you see all 5 of our jungle guides?
Having simply accepted the truth that we wouldn’t see monkeys on this trek, we rounded a nook and out of nowhere a macaque dropped from the timber above us onto the path.
This was a pleasing shock, there ARE nonetheless macaques within the Taman Negara Nationwide Park, they only don’t frequent the famed seashore today.
As quick as he dropped from the timber, he was joined by a big group of associates. We had come throughout an entire household group of curious macaques and so they have been actually curious and into our backpack.
I bought the sudden feeling these guys have been used to holding up hikers on the path for issues, in order David filmed them I stepped again and promptly broke myself off a department from a close-by tree. This woman can be holding a monkey stick for this encounter.
An excellent factor too, as a result of there have been a pair occasions they tried leaping on us from above however one swift wave of that monkey stick and so they determined it wasn’t a good suggestion.
They adopted us by means of the timber for a number of meters earlier than dropping curiosity with us and pursuing hikers additional behind us on the path. I wasn’t taking any possibilities although, I carried that monkey keep on with me for the remainder of the hike.
Last Ideas
As an energetic individual, although we used Penang to recharge our batteries, I beloved the day we spent climbing within the park.
It was considered one of my favourite days from our time in Malaysia and the little haven we discovered at Monkey Seaside, previous the crowded space, was our favourite seashore.
Discovering the monkeys on the trail within the jungle was a a lot better expertise for us and felt a lot extra pure then had we discovered them on the seashore as anticipated. They have been the place they belong, within the jungle.
Suggestions for Visiting Monkey Seaside
Getting there
If you’re bodily in a position, climbing by means of the jungle is absolutely the solution to go. It’s an journey all in itself and takes you thru some stunning surroundings.
Arriving on Monkey Seaside is so rewarding after you have got accomplished the hike. Plus, it’s FREE.
Alternatively, you possibly can take a ship from the park entrance and even from the seashore in Ferringhi. Costs fluctuate, however we heard loads of RM50 ($15USD) for an entire boat, not per individual.
Signal In
Make sure you register your self on the workplace window close to the doorway earlier than you head into the park. This isn’t vital if you happen to take a ship, however in case you are climbing don’t overlook to do that.
Take out what you pack in
Plain and easy, DO NOT go away trash at this stunning place. It’s a rattling disgrace and pity that so many individuals simply chuck their rubbish into the bushes right here.
This isn’t accountable tourism and if you happen to see another person doing it, please remind them to pack their rubbish again of their baggage and take it again to the resort.
Animals chances are you’ll encounter
When you decide to hike it’s good to concentrate on the animals chances are you’ll encounter. These embody crab-eating macaques, giant monitor lizards, snakes, butterflies, spiders and quite a lot of birds.
Be happy to take pictures, however be sensible. Don’t attempt to contact or feed the animals. Keep a secure distance (10m) and don’t chase them.
Extra data on the Penang Nationwide Park and Monkey Seaside could be discovered right here.
Extra on Malaysia:
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