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Explore Balik Pulau Guided Cycling Tour

Home > Penang > Family | Escape the City | Day Trips | Cycling | Adventure
by Pauline (subscribe)
http://howtoi.com.au/profile/493/
Published August 7th 2013
Discover the countryside of Penang Island in a fun way
There is much more to see in Penang Island than its Georgetown world heritage site, especially the countryside. My family and I had a memorable experience discovering Balik Pulau on bicycle through Explore Balik Pulau Guided Cycling Tour.

[ADVERT]Balik Pulau is an agricultural village located in the outskirts of Penang. It is popular for its tropical fruit farms producing some of the best durian (either you love it or hate it) and nutmeg. Tourists take respite on the pleasant sight of nature and tranquillity from the usual bustling life in the city.

We arrived our destination at 4.15pm and met our tour guide, Eddie. He is friendly, knowledgeable and fluent in English. Eddie handed us our rental bicycle and ensured our bicycle saddles were adjusted to our comfort. We began our exploration shortly after our arrival.

Instead of cycling on the main roads, we weaved through pathways and alleys of small villages where cars were hardly noticeable. It gave us an opportunity to get closer to nature and a taste of life in countryside. We were allowed to make random stops and ask questions about our observation at any time during the tour.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village,
Lemongrass

Eddie pointed out to us several types of tropical herbs used in Asian cuisine planted by the locals. Some of the popular herbs include lemongrass, screwpine leaves, and torch ginger bud.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village, Vegetable plantation
Vegetable plantation

We stopped briefly at a vegetable plantation admiring different shades of green and coconut trees, a rare sight for urban dwellers.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village, poultry farm
Poultry Farm

On our way to a nearby paddy field, we passed by a small poultry farm and took a peek by the fence.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village, countryside stable
Horses by the water canal

We were also surprised to see two horses by the water canal.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village, paddy field, rice grains
Paddy field

I was amazed by the beautiful lush green paddy fields with rice grains ripening on stalks and ready to be harvested in weeks.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village,
Fishing Village


Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village,
Stream meets the sea

Then we continued our journey to a fishing village and took a short break from cycling.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village, Mangrove Forest
Mangrove Forest

On our way back, we stopped by a mangrove forest.The mangrove swamp apparently played a vital role in reducing the impact of ocean waves from hitting the nearby village.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village, Countryside stable
Countryside Stable

We made a final stop at Countryside stable for a brief visit. It is home to many beautiful and charming horses including a stallion.

Explore Balik Pulau, Penang cycling tour, guided cycling tour, fruit orchard, fishing village, countryside stable, pony
Little Pony

Visitors can experience a joyride on horses while kids can ride on little ponies. Horse riding classes can also be arranged for those who are interested.

It was a wonderful experience exploring Penang countryside on bicycle. The total duration of the tour was approximately 2.5 hours to 3 hours depending on the group. Eddie was flexible with the time and ensured that everyone enjoyed the tour.
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Why? Discover the countryside of Penang Island
When: Booking required. Call for more info
Phone: 6016 4522 100
Where: Balik Pulau
Cost: $30 per person including bicycle rental
Your Comment
The fishing village looks lovely with all the boats.
by Bastion Harrison (score: 4|12640) 3595 days ago
I've only been through Balik Pulau once before, and that was by car. The scenery was gorgeous! Maybe one day I'll give this cycling tour a try. :)
by Sara Ikmal (score: 2|457) 3587 days ago
I've join the cycling tour by Explore Balik Pulau recently, the tour was awesome. We learn a lot about the village life in Malaysia, and the scenery was beautiful. Must join tour in Penang.
by onlin (score: 0|2) 2443 days ago
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