PENANG ISLAND RESIDENTS are spoilt for choice when it comes to access to pristine and unspoiled natural green spaces—whether it’s a quick brisk walk around the Penang Botanic Gardens or a challenging hike up to the summit of Penang Hill. We also have access to protected areas such as Teluk Bahang on the northwest coast of the island, home to the Penang National Park (PNP) which falls under the jurisdiction and management of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Malaysia (Perhilitan).
An important and integral part of the UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) designated in 2021, PNP was established in 2003 and measures just 25.63km2 (1,213ha) in size, making it the smallest national park in Malaysia established under the National Park Act of 1980. It is a treasure trove of biodiversity, comprising of hills and lowland dipterocarp and mangrove forests, sandy beaches and marine ecosystems. It is home to 417 species of flora and 143 species of fauna, and is an important component of the network of green spaces, or urban biodiversity, which make Penang one of the most liveable places in the region and the world.
