Penang Countryside Cycling Tour. PPA2 by Matahari

Your escapade through the bucolic side of Penang Island provides breathtaking scenery with the opportunity to connect with ordinary folks, taste the simple lifestyle or even try out your hands on local tasks and trades. Your cycling adventure in the first sector sets you off with a gradual approach and provides you with a rare opportunity to witness our diverse culture and ethnic race. Navigating on trails and back paths that run along waterways towards contrasting hamlets, villages, and farmlands lands you an opportunity to witness the local community while being entertained by our guide and the ever-gracious countryside folks. We issue excellent bicycles that work precisely as they should. Each bicycle is issued to you to suit your height.

1. 1

   Balik Pulau

   40 min

   Transfers from Georgetown to Balik Pulau by car /MPV or Van.

2. 2

   Balik Pulau

   20 min

   Wheels roll out on the first sector along paths making your way passing various hamlets to reach the goat farm. Observe the diversity of the multicultural community living in each hamlet as you embrace this authentic side of the island. The journey takes you along the village asphalt path and dirt tracks that snake along a waterway. Nutmeg processing by women folks and the products made from mangrove palm leaf “Nipah” are some of the folk’s industries available in this sector.

3. 3

   Balik Pulau

   20 min

   Your journey to Kuala Sungai Pinang, a rustic fishing village. Get an inside story of the Chinese clans in Malaysia, migration and settlement established here in the early 19th century. Proceed to the Hakka temple that serves as the epicentre of this community and understands the function and importance of this worship place to the local fishermen here. The guide elaborates on the many community celebrations here and their beliefs.

4. 4

   Balik Pulau

   15 min

   Take a break off from your bicycles as we stop to observe how closely this multiracial community lives and mingled with them as you enjoy sipping coffee/tea and tasting some delicacies with the folks at an old local coffee shop.

5. 5

   Balik Pulau

   10 min

   Arrived at Kampung Permatang Pasir, Balik Pulau, greeted by your host followed by the “Matahari Welcoming Service” which covers safety briefing, bicycle and helmet fittings, and an introduction to your lead guide and the experience ahead of you. Your lead guide presents your tour with a brief explanation of the area starting with service establishments around the villages such as the medical clinic, community centre, kindergarten, and worship- grounds. Community and folk industries especially those involving women before you head out to witness them and learn of their importance and functions.

6. 6

   Balik Pulau

   15 min

   Return to your saddle and move slowly towards the river mouth- Kuala Sungai Pinang, the bustling area filled with activities and trades.

7. 7

   Balik Pulau

   10 min

   Stop to get up close or walk on the planks built over the waters to facilitate the fishing trades. Get to know the types of fish, birds, and other animals in this habitat while you try to spot as many as possible.

8. 8

   Balik Pulau

   10 min

   Introducing you to another traditional home activity: making rice-grain powder panacea. Try it on, while your guide walks you through the steps of producing this solution widely used through generations to remedy health and beauty issues associated with hot tropical climates, from the humble beginning, listen to how exclusive beauty brands came by the valuable age-defying elements found in rice.

9. 9

   Balik Pulau

   10 min

   Take a scroll through the village and experience the living atmosphere. Walk into a small Chinese Hakka Temple to understand the function and importance of this worship place to the local fishermen here.

10. 10

    Balik Pulau

    15 min

    Return to your saddle and move slowly towards the river mouth, the bustling area is filled with activities and trades.

11. 11

    Balik Pulau

    15 min

    See the Palm Oil estates and plots of plantations while leading your way to the finishing point.

12. 12

    Balik Pulau

    40 min

    Return Transfers to your hotel.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.