Bukit Mertajam is a small yet beautiful town in Seberang Perai, Penang. This town is blessed with picturesque scenic views, showing a view of hills juxtaposed with city life. The attraction in Batu Mertajam Recreational Forest will bring some fresh air to you along with the natural beauty of the forest, waterfall, and river; this is a perfect place for hiking, jogging, or even camping.
Apart from the scenic view, Batu Mertajam offers a lot in terms of tourists' sites. It used to be the epicenter of Chinese development in Penang, as evident by a myriad of temples and historical buildings strewn throughout the town. Visit Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple and Pek Kong Cheng Temple to appreciate the town’s historical heritage.
Bukit Mertajam equally has many shopping spots which vary in styles, from the latest to the traditional ones. You can get a variety of delicious street foods at the night market, and that's not all; you can also get unique items. The culinary diversity here reflects the very heterogeneous culture of people, with an infusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines.
With the combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and ease of access, Batu Mertajam is a town that is worth visiting and exploring in Penang.
You can access the city of Bukit Mertajam easily by car, and this also happens to be the most convenient way in this region of traveling. The town is crisscrossed with good roads that are easy to follow. Besides, you're able to move across to various sites at your convenience. Parking may be generally available, even if it may be hard to find during peak hours. There is no need to fret even if you are without your own vehicle as you can still use a car on offer through car rentals.
Trek the Bukit Mertajam Hill and be one with Bukit Mertajam's natural beauty. Enjoy the luscious greenery, breaths of fresh air, and the great panoramic view that stretches before you. You'll also spot some local wildlife and experience trekking on a few trails that are fit for all levels of fitness.
Experience the rich heritage of Bukit Mertajam with a visit to one of its landmarks, St. Anne's Church—an ancient Catholic church and a popular pilgrimage site in beautiful, serene surroundings. Visit Tow Boo Kong Temple, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, and more in a very serene environment; very detailed structures have been put up with their designs inside.
Spoil your taste buds with local delicacies such as asam laksa, char koay teow, and nasi kandar from eateries and hawker stalls. Visit the cafés and restaurants to know a fusion of traditional and modern food; it will take care of that culinary adventure.
It is also advisable to have day trips to other surrounding attractions, especially Penang Island (George Town), Penang Hill, and Penang National Park. Plan more experiences with regard to culture, history, or nature, which take place in the very near vicinity of Bukit Mertajam.
Bukit Mertajam provides a tropical climate where it is hot and sunny all year round. You may travel in the dry season, which extends from March to October to avoid getting wet. The best months for traveling are April, May, and June.
There are plenty of kids-friendly activities and attractions that one can take advantage of and have fun while in Bukit Mertajam. Go to Kids CEO Playland, the indoor playground is filled with colored attractions, recognized in Malaysia Book of Record for being the largest standalone indoor playground in 2021. It is filled with lots of exciting activities for the kids. You can also take your children to some historical sites or some outdoor spots in Bukit Mertajam.
Culinary tourism is a fun activity in Bukit Mertajam. If you want to taste delicious Chinese food, you can visit BM Yam Rice Kopitiam, which serves yam rice with sour pork soup.
You can also come to Sentosa Corner for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, which serves a variety of Asian food such as Wan Tan Mee, Mee Jawa, and even Nasi Lemak. You can also try local flavors by visiting Nasi Campur Permai Tepian, which provides a wide selection of typical Malay side dishes.
If you want something fresh, come to BM Best Cendol. Located in the city center of Jalan Danby, this cendol offers freshness and deliciousness suitable for eating during the day!
From Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Mertajam can be reached through a number of ways. The typical way is by car. Drive from KL to Bukit Mertajam via the North-South Expressway; this will take about 3-4 hours. Another way is through the railway system. Take the KTM ETS from KL Sentral heading to Bukit Mertajam, which should take around 4 to 5 hours. Another public transportation you can use is by flight. Fly to Penang International Airport, then take a taxi or rent a car to Bukit Mertajam.
Travel Tips for Bukit Mertajam