Mainland seaside spots popular with picnickers
KNOWN as a vibrant city, Penang is also celebrated for its beautiful beaches.

Aside from the ones along the tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang on the island’s north and northwest tip, there are also popular beaches on the mainland.

A local favourite is a beach near Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) in Bagan Ajam, a neighbourhood that is about 3km from Butterworth.

Known as Pantai Bersih, the beach is a favourite spot for anglers.

Come weekends, it is common to see friends and families having a good time here.

Besides locals, picnickers also come from nearby states.

A couple of friends quenching their thirst while enjoying the sunset at Pantai Robina.

Shameera Hazri, 28, from Kulim was spotted strolling along the beach with her sister Ainsyamimi Hazari, 18.

“Pantai Bersih is a favourite spot for me and my family as this place is not too far from my house in Kulim, Kedah.

“We don’t have to go to Penang island if we want to have a picnic as we can always come here on weekends and public holidays.

“In doing so, I spend less time travelling on the road and avoid traffic jams,” said Shameera, who is a factory worker.

Ainsyamimi said she loved to read books by the beach as she found it relaxing.

Families relaxing at Pantai Robina.

Another beachgoer Hafizah Hamdan, 46, who is from Selangor, said she would drop by Pantai Bersih with her family whenever they visited Penang.

“We make it compulsory to come here not just for a picnic but to enjoy the sunset,” she said.

Another location that is popular among the locals is Robina Eco Park.

Strategically located about 15km from Butterworth and near Pantai Robina and the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base, the park attracts those who want to do some fishing, spend leisure time with the family and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

A 66-year-old grandfather who only wanted to be known as Pak Ngah said: “I jog here every day and will always spend about one or two hours here to exercise.” — By IMRAN HILMY
KNOWN as a vibrant city, Penang is also celebrated for its beautiful beaches.