A Paradise behind the Mountain

Written by May Ling Tan on 16 September, 2012

Photography by May Ling Tan

Pantai Kerachut, Penang National Park – by May Ling

Apart from its world-class heritage sites, local gastronomical delights such as char koay teow, and asam laksa have become a necessity to many when visiting Penang Island. However, what remains undiscovered to many visitors is the existence of a hidden paradise located at the north-west corner of this busy island – Pantai Kerachut.

The dock for people arriving by boat – 

by May Ling

Pantai Kerachut is part of the recently declared Penang National Park. Instead of lazing around on over commercialized beaches, where pollution is adamant and left-over charcoals are a norm, Pantai Kerachut offers an experience that varies from the typical Penang beach, and allows you to grow closer to nature.

Surrounded by small fishing villages, the beach is well-preserved with a turtle reservation centre and a rare meromictic lake that exists only during the wettest months in Penang.

Trekkers like me can sign up for an approximately hour-long jungle trek up and down the hill that separates the beach from the fishing villages. The beach is also accessible via boat, but costs around RM80-RM100 per boat.

I was advised to leave the beach earlier because it is dangerous to travel by foot after nightfall. Hiking to the beach in the middle of afternoon is not a major problem as it is shady and cool once you enter the forest.

It can be quite challenging to travel by foot, especially for children. However, the reward is brilliant. The fresh air, small river streams and colourful butterflies astound you all along the way.

Turtle Reservation Centre in Pantai Kerachut – by May Ling

As the journey nears its end, the air changes into the salty scent of sea breeze with a bridge that connects the forest to the beach.

 Hidden among the bushes at the end of the finest beach is the Pantai Kerachut Turtle Reservation Centre. It is one of the few places in Malaysia where green turtles come in and lay eggs. Here, you can observe the hatching of turtle eggs and baby turtles swimming in the small pool.

Renee, a volunteer for the turtle reservation centre in Malaysia, mentioned that the centre is still far behind in terms of technique and effort.

Photo of green baby turtles - by May Ling

“It just started recently compared to other reservation centre such as Chagar Hutang that have been founded for decades.” – Renee.

Naraisyah, from Department of Fisheries Penang said tourists are welcome to camp overnight but only on camp sites reserved by the national park as camping by the beach is strictly prohibited to minimize disturbance of the mother turtle.

As the people say: no pain, no gain. Spending an hour jungle-trekking, embracing nature, lazing along the soft, fine sand and learning more about the turtle reservation is indeed a unique experience.

Tips:

Proper attire for hiking

Bring water to prevent dehydration and food (be aware of monkeys)

How to get there:

By car – follow the route to Teluk Bahang

By bus – take RapidPenang 101, 104 or 501 that goes to Teluk Bahang

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