Although the south is routinely ignored, there are a few points of interest here which can easily be integrated into a round-the-island trip itinerary. One such interesting place is Bukit Genting or Little Genting (as some of the locals call it).
Bukit Genting is actually a hill located off the trunk road connecting Teluk Kumbar in the south of the island to Balik Pulau in the western flank of Penang. To get there is fairly simple, although it is not really sign-posted. Coming from the north head south towards the Penang International Airport at Bayan Lepas.
Upon reaching the intersection to the airport, ignore it and continue south-west along Jalan Bayan Lepas towards Teluk Kumbar. Once pass the small town, you will eventually come to an intersection. Turning left would take you the small fishing village of Gertak Sanggul. Instead forge on into Jalan Teluk Kumbar, which heads west and steadily climbs up the hills which make up the central spine that divides the east flank of the island from the west flank.
Eventually as you approach the crest of the ridge, you will spot an unattractive arch saying "Bukit Genting Hill Leisure Park and Restaurant". For some reason, although "bukit" already means "hill" in malay, the owner has chosen to repeat it twice in the name of his park and restaurant.
If you are concerned about the road up, you can chose to park here and summon the operators to come down and ferry you up. Don't know if they actually will do that, as we chose to drive up the narrow winding road up in our car. Yes, that's right, a normal car can make the journey up and you do not need a 4-WD.
The road going up is sealed all the way, but is narrow and windy. Perhaps if you are a novice driver you might be intimidated, but if you have been driving for a while, it should not be that difficult a drive.
The road is initially two-way as you drive through a durian plantation. Later on, the road splits, and it is one-way going up and one-way coming back down.
Eventually you will reach the top where the "Leisure Park" is. A distinct air of neglect and permeates the surrounds and the Leisure Park has definitely seen better days. There are various under-whelming decorations which make up the "attractions" of the small park.
 |
| Welcome to Bukit Genting Hill. |
 |
| A bullock cart and other animal statues. |
 |
| Mock-up of a helicopter. |
 |
| Fake rabbits amidst the shrubbery. |
 |
| A sailing ship. Why you ask? I don't know too... |
There are also various wooden pavilions perched on the hillside to take into the views. Apparently you can also rent chalets and stay here overnight if you chose to do so.
There is also a Thai restaurant here and it must be said that although the food is perhaps not the best Thai food that can be found in Penang, the amazing views more than make up for it.
 |
| Before you adjourn to the restaurant, appreciate the vista towards Teluk Kumbar, Gertak Sanggul and the southern part of Penang. |
 |
| The restaurant is open daily. Just watch out for the Giant Red Ants! |
 |
| Whoa! What a view.... |
 |
| Stunning views of the western part of the island. |
 |
| As far as the eye can see... |
 |
| Markisa fruits hang overhead on the terrace. You can order the juice from the restaurant. |
 |
| Betong island off the coast from the fishing village of the same name can be clearly seen. |
 |
| Balik Pulau and the large green swathe of rice paddy fields. |
 |
| An angry overcast sky adds to the visual spectacle. |
While the food at the restaurant is just passable, and the leisure park is nothing special, what makes this place a must visit are the spectacular views. There are forested hills all around and views to both Teluk Kumbar and the south of the island as well as the even more spectacular view to the more rural western coast of Penang island and the town of Balik Pulau.
The views at sunset would be even more amazing!
Bukit Genting Leisure Park & Restaurant
Address: Jalan Teluk Kumbar, Balik Pulau, 10300 Penang, Malaysia.
Telephone: +(604)-827 9801/5, +(6019)-465 7100
Opening Hours: 11.30am-10.30pm
View Bukit Genting Hill in a larger map