Translating as “Flower Cape”, Tanjung Bungah is a popular beachside destination on the north coast of Penang. Once a sleepy fishing village, it is now considered a suburb of George Town, with a long stretch of sand and one of Malaysia’s most unique mosques among its attractions.
Things to do in Tanjung Bungah
Tanjung Bungah’s most prominent architectural landmark is the Penang Floating Mosque, which is built on stilts to give the appearance of floating on water at high tide. It was officially opened to worshippers in 2007, with the capacity to accommodate 1,500 people. Its ornate exterior combines Middle Eastern and Malay influences and is topped by a seven-storey minaret.
Stretching the length of Tanjung Bungah is a sandy beach, which is the perfect setting for strolls at sunrise and sunset. It’s also home to the Penang Water Sports Centre where you can rent kayaks to paddle to nearby Rat Island or learn how to sail in the Straits of Malacca. If you time your visit right, you might even catch sight of the local dragon boat racing team in training.
Tanjung Bungah makes a good base for visiting the Penang Botanic Gardens, which is often referred to as the “Waterfall Gardens” due to its picturesque cascade. Originally established in 1884 by English botanist Charles Curtis, it features a wide range of tropical plants that are native to the island. While exploring its shady trails, keep your eyes peeled for cannonball trees, black lilies and pinang palms.
Getting around Tanjung Bungah
Tanjung Bungah is a 15-minute drive from the centre of George Town and 40 minutes from Penang International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Public buses and double-decker hop-on-hop-off buses connect from George Town to Tanjung Bungah and continue around the island.