Penang National Park

This day-long excursion will take you through the mangrove forest of Penang's north-western tip before trekking through the dipterocarp forest of the national park.

The tour begins with a short drive from Batu Ferringhi to the main entrance of the park where you register before driving along the winding coastline to the fishing village of Kuala Sungai. Here you will meet your boatman, who will take you through the meandering waterways of the mangrove forest. You have a good chance of seeing some of Malaysia's diverse wildlife including sea eagles, brahminy kites, giant mudskippers, monitor lizards and a variety of other bird species.

Following the mangrove tour you venture out into the open sea and sail to Pantai Kerachut, the second entrance into the national park. Along the way it is likely that you will pause next to the village fishing fleet and receive updates on the day's catch.

The trek through the national park will take you past a rare meromictic lake, through shady valleys, along the side of rivers and up hills (some of which are quite steep — up to an 18% incline). Towards the end of the trek, you have the opportunity to climb some steep steps up to a view point from where you can see a traditional floating fishing village and Batu Ferringhi. The trek is approximately three kilometres long takes between three and five hours depending on your fitness and the length of your lunch stop.