Balik Pulau

Balik Pulau, meaning “on the other side of the island,” is the main township of the southwest part of Penang Island. Established in 1794 by the British East India Company, the area was prime land for nutmeg and clove plantations, attracting Malay refugees fleeing the Siamese invasion of Kedah, and Chinese immigrants who were then employed at the farms. Like much of its history, Balik Pulau has remained an agricultural town and is said to have the last few paddy fields on the Island. For a fun day out, check out the cycling tours, fruit and spice plantations, the mangrove forest reserve, Pantai Malindo, the Pulau Betong fishing village, and, of course, the food in Balik Pulau town!