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If you are planning to visit the Penang National Park in 2026 you may be wondering which beach is the best to visit? Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach?
In this article we will compare Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach to help you decide which beach to visit. We will include a little information on how to get to each of these beautiful beaches. We have also done a full guide on each beach with everything you need to know to plan your trip.
TURTLE BEACH – Everything you need to know
MONKEY BEACH – Everything you need to know
Before you read on, it is worth knowing that both Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach are beautiful tropical beaches. Both of these beaches are located in the stunning Penang National Park and both are worth visiting in their own right. However, if you only have a limited time, which beach is better: Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach?
Monkey beach or Turtle Beach? Summary
This simple summary table should help you decide which beach is better for you: Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach.
| Monkey Beach | Turtle Beach |
| Can only access by boat (the trail is officially closed) | Can access by boat or by trekking |
| Weak phone signal | No phone signal |
| National park fees of RM50 | National park fees of RM50 |
| Can trek to Muka Head lighthouse | Can trek to an even more remote beach (Teluk Kampi) |
| No shops. Has a simple campsite and a few simple cafes. | Has a meromictic lake and a turtle sanctuary. No cafes, camping or shops. |
| Can camp overnight without a guide | Can only camp with a guide. West facing – great for sunsets. |
| Cheaper to access by boat (RM100 return or RM70 one way) | More expensive to access by boat (RM200 return or RM100 one way) |
| Good chance of seeing Macaque monkeys and other wildlife | Good chance of seeing Macaque monkeys and other wildlife |
How much does it cost to visit Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach?
To enter the Penang National Park you need to purchase an entry permit from the ticket office at the Park entrance.
- It costs RM50 for non-Malaysians and RM10 for Malaysians.
- For a non-Malaysian student it costs RM20 and for a Malaysian student RM5 (bring a student card as proof).
- For children 3 – 12 years old it costs RM15 for mon-Malaysians and RM5 for Malaysians.
- Children under 3 years old are FREE
- Both Malaysian and Non-Malaysian Senior Citizens (60 years and older) are FREE.
- You also need to pay additional fees for activities such as commercial filming, fishing and camping in the Penang National park.
What are the opening hours of the Penang National Park?
The National Park office is open for registration in the morning and for a few hours in the afternoon:
Saturday – Thursday 8am – 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm
Fridays 8am – 12.15pm and 2.45pm – 4.30pm
What can you do at Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach?
It is possible to swim at both beaches, however there is a risk of jellyfish. The water is also not clear so don’t expect to be able to do any snorkeling. ALSO you can see monkeys at both beaches. Both beaches give you an excellent chance of seeing all sorts of beautiful and interesting wildlife.
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach has a Meromictic Lake with a rare combination of saltwater and fresh water providing a very diverse and unique ecosystem. Turtle beach also has a picturesque pier and a turtle sanctuary which is open daily from 10am – 4.30pm and normally houses a range of turtles.
The Turtle Sanctuary is FREE to visit. From Turtle Beach you can even trek to a further and more remote beach called Teluk Kampi. There are no shops, cafes, restaurants or campsites at Turtle Beach.
Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach has a small campsite at Lazyboys cafe. It costs RM30 per night to rent a small simple 2 person tent. It costs an additional RM15 per person to use the facilities which include a shower, toilets, a basic kitchen and drinking water. From Monkey beach you can also trek up a hill to the Muka Head lighthouse – affording beautiful views of the ocean and national park.
Which beach is easier to get to Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach?
The walking trail to Monkey Beach has fallen into disrepair and is officially closed. So officially the only way to get to Monkey Beach is to take a boat ride for 100 ringgits (around £20 or $25). On the other hand, it is possible to either take a boat or to trek to Turtle Beach from the entrance of the Penang National Park.
The trek to Turtle Beach is a jungle trek over a beautiful Hill. The Trail is very clear and pretty easy to navigate (signposts along the way). The trek to Turtle Beach is likely to take around 1-2 hours. Bring plenty of water. It is possible to trek to Turtle Beach and then wait for a boat back.
Penang National Park boat prices are as follows:
Entrance – Monkey Beach: One way RM70, Return RM100
Entrance – Turtle Beach: One way RM100, Return RM200
These prices are pretty fixed but it is always worth trying to barter a little. If you have time and want to visit Turtle Beach, consider arranging an additional stop at Monkey Beach. Your driver may charge extra for this. A great way to save money on boats is to ask around about sharing. Most people are very happy to save some money by sharing. Boats can take up to 10 people. Drivers may not be willing to wait for a group – but you can always spot other travelers around and share the cost.
Which Beach is BETTER? Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach?
Overall we prefer Turtle Beach. It is a little cleaner and there are more interesting things to see here (the lake and Turtle Sanctuary). However, if you are keen to trek up to a stunning lighthouse viewpoint – then Monkey Beach is the one for you.
LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO STAY?
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near the Penang National Park check out the Angsana Teluk Bahang hotel
