Teluk Kampi, a slice of paradise in Penang

Go hiking with Rexy

Have you ever wanted a beach all to yourself? A paradise where you could sink your feet into soft, golden sand while literally letting your hair down to flutter in the gentle sea breeze.

Trail to Teluk Kampi

These were the very thoughts that brought me trekking to Teluk Kampi, located on the Western coast of the Penang National Park, hidden away by rolling, green hills on one side and the Straits of Malacca on the other. Teluk Kampi or “Kampi Bay” is a gem waiting to be explored. This remote but fairly accessible beach is the longest beach in the national park.

Signboard shows directions in Penang National Park.

As I was looking for some places to reflect and unwind, I decided to do this hike alone since it would give me an opportunity to reconnect with nature and myself. The thought of going solo in the jungle might bewilder some, but rest assured, trails in the national park are relatively safe to hike alone as rangers patrol them regularly.

A small bridge at the start of the Teluk Kampi hike.

Early that morning, I packed lunch before heading to the starting point, the National Park entrance at Teluk Bahang. I registered here before following the well-trodden path that snakes its way along the coast from the entrance. As I started walking, the calling of a White Bellied Sea Eagle as it hovered over the trees broke the silence of dawn.

The beach is patrolled by park rangers around the clock.

The Teluk Kampi trail follows the same route as the Pantai Kerachut trail, only parting ways further in. The first part of the trail took me uphill through a Hill Dipterocarp forest where towering Seraya and Meranti trees dominated the canopy. After reaching a small peak, the trail descended into a densely forested valley, where I was able to spot interesting plants like the Pitcher Plant, the Nibong Palm and a rarely seen sight, the fiery red fruits of the Malay Tropical Chestnut. Soon the trail started going uphill again. As Pantai Kerachut is separated from Teluk Kampi by a small hill, the only way to get to the beach is to hike up and down this hill to reach the other side. It also meant an extra hour of hiking.

Sea Hibiscus

Malay Tropical Chestnuts

Pitcher Plant

Wild Ixora

Wild Fungi

As I reached the beach about noon that day, the sands of Teluk Kampi were glowing under the rays of the mid-day sun. I decided to break for lunch before walking along its one km-long coastline. There is a small outpost here where park rangers watch over the beach.

Facilities like toilets, a pavilion, and a prayer room make Teluk Kampi a very comfortable getaway. Seeking some company, I started chatting to the park rangers on duty, and found out that a night stay here would likely yield in the sighting of Malayan Porcupines, Mouse-Deers and very rarely, Olive Ridley turtles!

While I was not ready for a night in the woods to spot wildlife, I was happy I got what I came for, a pristine beach where I could unwind and relax! For about two hours to complete, this is a hike that anyone could do with a moderate level of fitness and be rewarded with one of the most beautiful beaches Penang can offer.

How to get there?
Rapid Penang (Bus 101 and 501) takes you to Penang National Park entrance
Hiking to Teluk Kampi takes about 2 hours (5 km). Registration is free.
Hiring a boat to Teluk Kampi from the Park entrance costs RM120 per boat trip. You can opt to hike to Teluk Kampi and return by boat.

What to bring?
If you plan to hike, bring;
A pair of sports shoes
1.5 liters of water
Packed lunch