MOST VISITORS TO Penang Island would make their way to the famed Batu Ferringhi beach on its northern coast. Strolling along the golden sands, it is hard to miss the sight of a small rocky islet at the beach’s western edge. Often called Lover’s Isle by the locals, Batu Ferringhi—or Foreigner’s Rock—is the very isle that lent its name to the long stretch of coastline beside it, now one of Penang’s frequented tourist attractions.
This isle has stood out as a landmark among seafarers from ages past. Through research done by fellow Penang Monthly columnist Eugene Quah for his upcoming book titled The Illustrated Guide to the North Coast of Penang, a 1762 Portuguese navigation guide, Arte de Navegar, is found to have mentioned Batu Ferringhi Isle as a landmark to the spot on the north coast where fresh water can be obtained.
