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Facing the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the northern coast of Penang Island (or Pulau Pinang) is largely made up of the Tanjung Bunga and Batu Ferringhi areas. They showcase some of the most beautiful and hence, most popular and famous beaches on the island. Some run in long and wide stretches of fine golden sand while others are decorated with huge sculptured rocks both on the beach and sea front. Naturally, modest chalets to international resort hotels make their presence felt here. But, there are still many natural landscapes that are not too much affected by them.
Batu Ferringhi is translated as ‘tall rocks’ in the local Malay language. As the name suggest, large rocks of various shapes are present. They characterize this stretch of the sea front including the beaches. Tall and shady casuarina trees also grow in abundance here.
Tanjung Bunga started with small fishing communities living by the sea but has since grown into a popular resort cum residential town. However, the coastline is still dotted with charming village-like settlements and pockets of clean sandy beaches. ‘Tanjung’ means cape and ‘bunga’ means flower in Malay language. Incidentally, a tree called the tanjung tree is widely found here. The flowers are white in colour and scented.
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View from Miami Beach at Batu Ferringhi, across the Indian ocean in north-east direction is the mainland.
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The tall rocks of Batu Ferringhi at Miami Beach.
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The large rocks have many uses for example they provide shade and ‘seats’ while waiting for fishes to take the baits.
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During hightide at Sunshine Beach, the rocks are partly submerged in water. But at low tide especially in the evenings, visitors can climb onto the ‘polished’ ones to enjoy the breezes and scenery, do fishing or just - nothing.
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Sunshine Beach - ‘almost a private beach’ because it is small, well shaded and not many people crowd-in.
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Fishing boats at a village area in Tanjung Bungah.
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A man-made cove at Tanjung Bungah.
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Water ‘taxis’, a laid-back fishing ‘village’ in the back ground and modern high-rises at the cape side of Tanjung Bungah.
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View from the balcony of Tanjung Bunga’s beautiful Masjid Berapong or Floating Mosque.
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Across the vast Indian Ocean, in north-east direction is Kedah Peak on the mainland. It was the ancient landmark for merchant ships from the west especially from India and Arabian countries. They were reaching for the territories of the Kedah Sultanate (now a state) in the Malayan Peninsula. Penang island once belonged to sultanate until it was ‘sold’ to the British during historical times.
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