Monkey Beach, Penang: A Day of Challenges, Surprises, and Relaxation
During the Chinese New Year holiday in 2024, we set out to explore Monkey Beach in Penang, Malaysia. Right on the northern coast, this beach is famous for its clear waters, soft sand, and playful monkeys. It sounded like the perfect getaway, but getting there turned out to be more eventful than expected.
The Jungle Trail That Did Not Work Out
We had read about two ways to reach Monkey Beach. The official route involved taking a boat, but a hidden jungle trail seemed like a more exciting option. Although it was officially closed, online comments suggested that people were still making their way through by sneaking past the guards. Confident in our hiking abilities, we planned to take the trail.
However, when we arrived, we quickly realized that slipping past security was not as easy as we had assumed. Standing there, hesitating, we had to admit that neither of us was willing to take the risk. After some discussion, we gave up on the trail and decided to go for the boat instead.
An Unexpected Problem with Cash
Taking a boat seemed like a simple alternative until we ran into another issue. We did not have enough cash for the ride. Finding an ATM appeared to be the solution, but when we tried to withdraw money, the machine was out of service. With no other ATMs around, we faced a difficult choice. Either we found another way to pay or we turned back.
Just when it seemed like the trip might fall apart, we met three other travelers who were also headed to Monkey Beach. To our surprise, they were not only Chinese but also from Guangzhou, the same city we live in. Since they had enough cash, they offered to buy our tickets. We quickly sent them a Hong Bao on WeChat to pay them back, and just like that, the problem was solved.
Relaxing on the Beach and Avoiding Monkeys
The boat ride was short, and soon we arrived at Monkey Beach. The place was exactly what we had hoped for. The sand was clean, the water was inviting, and the beach was not overcrowded. We spent hours swimming, relaxing, and taking in the peaceful surroundings.
The monkeys, however, were as mischievous as expected. At one point, I turned around to see one pulling at my bag, ready to take off with it. Reacting quickly, I rushed toward it, and luckily, the monkey let go and ran off. These little thieves are fast and fearless, so keeping an eye on belongings is a must.
A Disappointing Hike to the Lighthouse
Later in the day, we heard about a hiking trail leading to a lighthouse. Since it was only a 30-minute walk, we decided to check it out. The path was relatively easy, shaded, and offered a few nice views along the way. However, when we reached the top, we discovered that the lighthouse was completely closed. The gate was locked, and there was nothing to see. Although the hike itself was not difficult, the effort felt wasted with no reward at the end.
Final Thoughts on Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is a great destination for anyone looking for a peaceful, beautiful place to spend the day. The water is perfect for swimming, the sand is soft, and the lack of large crowds makes it even better. A few things to keep in mind before visiting:
- The jungle trail is officially closed, so unless you are willing to take the risk, the boat is the only option.
- Bringing enough cash is essential since ATMs are not always reliable.
- Monkeys are everywhere and will try to grab anything they can, so keeping belongings secure is important.
- There are very few shops and food stalls, so bringing snacks and drinks is a good idea.
Despite the minor setbacks, the day at Monkey Beach was well worth it. What started as a series of small challenges turned into a fun and memorable experience. Sometimes, the unexpected moments make a trip even more enjoyable.
