Penang National Park

Trekked to Pantai Kerachut. Entrance fee was RM50 per person. The start of the trek was very steep and goes up and down along the way with some rest points scattered in between. Nearer to the end point near Turtle Beach, there are no rest stops but the trek is much easier here with less elevation. Be physically prepared and bring at least 1.5L of water along as there are no water available and you will need it. Trek is 2 hours there and 2 hours back at a normal pace. Block at least a full day if you want to take it real slow. There are wildlife to see but they mostly stick to the entrance/exit of Pantai Kerachut trail. There are some greater racket tail drongos, dusky langurs and other birds as well. Managed to also spot a pair hornbill in the distance. In the jungle itself not so much. The path isn't very well maintained so I recommend good hiking and covered shoes. Expect to get soiled and muddy since yellow wet clay is expected along the trails. Trails are made by hikers themselves trotting the path so some paths are really eroded. If it rained in the previous day, expect it to be extra muddy and slippery. You have to decide if you can endure a 4-5 hour trek there and back or a 2 hour trek is all you can take before embarking on the trip as the boat ride has to be confirmed before you set off since there is no reception nearer to Pantai Kerachut. Also, they will not take you back even if you pay them there as the boats are meant for the people who already booked the boats prior. Overall still a great experience. Just remember to bring water, food, and good shoes. Good shoes are top priority here.

The beach is really beautiful and quiet. It only takes two hours to walk through the forest. The routes in the mountains are very safe, and the environment is gorgeous. Having the experience of the primeval tropical rainforest is truly amazing.

Such a best place to relax after some hike. The route was very enjoyable and at the some point had a technical climbing… But, after that the scenery at Pantai Kerachut will blown away all your tiredness…

This is an amazing place where I want to explore tropical rainforests and beaches further. It is magical to meet different hikers, school students and company staff here, and there is also a branch campus of USM here haha. You can feel different senses of sudden enlightenment in tropical rainforests and on beaches respectively.

Nice beaches with no one there. I hiked to Pantai Kerachut (Turtle beach) and Pantai Teluk Kampi and 99% of the paths are in the shade. Paths (especially between Pantai Kerachut and Pantai Teluk Kampi could definitely use some maintenance. Time required: almost 2 hours to get there and 1h30 to get back, more tiring than expected.

So you can get a ticket until 4:30, the monkey trail is closed until further notice. I walked to the turtle beach, I would recommend to wear closed shoes. Took me like 1 hours 20 min and I didn’t walk slowly. I took the boat to monkey island and then back. Was 200 RM but they came just to pick me up (one person) which I appreciate. Turtle sanctuary was closed when I came (5pm)

National park was great. Boat tour companies enforce booking as soon as you reach the park. No option to book a trip back once you’re across the other side of the park. Also no shared boats so very expensive if you’re by yourself.

Overall I'm quite disappointed with my visit. The Monkey beach trail was closed so you pretty much pay 50RM just for one 1.5hr trail. If you want to take the boat to Monkey beach and then back to the park entrance it's 100RM (not sure if extra or total as I didn't take this option). In my opinion if a trail is closed then you should either get a discount or else take the boat for free. You are not allowed to bring food into the park but realistically most people do because there is nowhere to buy food at the beach and you will hike a minimum of 3-3.5hrs. But if you try to eat anything the monkeys will steal it from you (got snuck up by a monkey and my snacks were snatched out of my bag). You have no chance to fight against the monkeys. You also can't swim at the beach because of jellyfish. The beach only has toilets and not even a bin or loungers. The sand is quite stoney. Overall I'm not sure what you can do at this beach since you can't swim or eat without being attacked. I turned back onto the trail within 5 mins because I was scared the monkeys would come back for more. Then when I finally reached the picnic benches close to the entrance of the park hoping to relax there, another bunch of monkeys arrived and started stealing food from other tourists. If you're hoping for a relaxing hike this is NOT it. The trail itself was okay, somewhere between easy and intermediate. No mosquitos or other insects, just some butterflies which was a pleasant surprise. Lots of greenery but if you're hoping for some colourful interesting plants then again this is not it.

Fantastic hiking along the coast with multiple secluded beaches to stop at. The hike out to Monkey Beach is challenging, but my kids managed it (7&4 year olds). Be careful pulling out snacks at some beaches, the monkeys might stop by for a snack. I highly recommend catching a boat back to the park entrance.