Vacation rentals in Bayan Baru

With stunningly intricate temples, world-class shopping, and white-sand beaches all just a short drive away, the vibrant neighborhood of Bayan Baru is the perfect home base for exploring the culture and nature of Malaysia’s Penang Island. There are no fewer than five malls nearby, the largest being Queensbay Mall, and the magnificent SPICE Arena hosts national and international sporting events. Next door, you’ll find the aquatic center housing an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving pool, and an all-ages water theme park.

The wider region of Penang is home to several Buddhist temples, where you can admire the architecture and gardens in a peaceful, flower-filled setting. Just outside the city, you will find several breathtaking beaches, from the highly developed Batu Ferringhi, surrounded by resorts, restaurants, and a night market, to the remote Monkey Beach, accessible only by boat or two-hour hike and offering a respite from Penang’s busy streets.

Penang experiences a tropical climate all year, meaning it’s usually hot and humid. The humidity climbs even higher in the rainy season of August and September, so you’ll find the most pleasant weather from November to February, when the rainfall and humidity are at their lowest. By far the busiest time of year in Penang is the Lunar New Year celebration in late January or early February. This is when millions of visitors and locals returning from abroad flock to the area to participate in city-wide celebrations that occur all week long. Parades overtake the streets, with performances throughout the city and constant music and drumming permeating the air.

Pulau Jerejak

The lush, tropical island of Pulau Jerejak has a rich history and is just a short ferry ride from the coast near Bayan Baru. Once a prison and sanatorium, it has since been transformed into a natural paradise. The island’s jungle is one of the last remaining rainforests in Malaysia and is home to many species of indigenous plants and wildlife, including long-tailed macaques.

Queensbay Mall

If you want to escape the heat for a few hours, the five-level Queensbay Mall will provide hours of entertainment. Spanning more than 2.5 million square feet, the mall is home to more than 400 international retail stores, restaurants, a cinema, a laser-tag arena, and a karaoke club.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Just a half-hour drive away, Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, stands on a hilltop, towering above the surrounding trees. Stretching over 10 acres, the temple’s complex comprises several monasteries, pagodas, bronze statues, and beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Liberation Pond, where you can watch hundreds of turtles swim. When visiting, please be mindful of worshippers praying and making offerings, and dress respectfully, keeping your shoulders and legs covered.