Henry, Lucas, and I explored Monkey Beach in Penang, Malaysia. It was the perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and relaxation. Monkey Beach feels like a remote island far from civilization, but reaching it is easy. It was a 30-minute drive to the Teluk Bahang Jetty, and then a short boat ride. We couldn’t take advantage of the jungle trek through Penang National Park because the path was closed for repair.
As we arrived at Monkey Beach, we were greeted by pristine white sand, calm waters, and a lush green backdrop. The beach, true to its name, is home to a friendly troop of monkeys.
We loved our day trip to Monkey Beach so Henry and I went back to camp overnight at the Tiger Monkey Bar. The rustic charm of the bar, nestled right on the beach, provided the perfect setting for our camping experience. The owners and volunteer staff were incredibly welcoming. We stayed in basic bungalows, so we did not have to bring a bunch of camping supplies.
One of the highlights of our stay was meeting Bobo, the resident sea otter. Bobo’s playful antics in the water and on the beach entertained for hours. The kids liked him, but it was the adults who were mesmerized by his friendly nature and boundless energy.
Henry was in heaven because there were also 11 adorable puppies at the bar. The children spent most of their time playing with them. The sight of the puppies tumbling over each other was heartwarming.
Several families came with us to visit Monkey Beach, but not everyone stayed overnight. The kids lounged in the hammock and played on the beach while we adults shared stories and relaxed under the shade of the trees. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and the sound of waves gently crashing onto the shore.
As the sun began to set, we said goodbye to the day-trippers (including Lucas). The contingent who stayed to rough it in paradise built a small campfire on the beach and we roasted marshmallows. Falling asleep to the waves provided the perfect lullaby. The simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature, with no distractions, was a refreshing change from city life in Penang.
Waking up to the sound of waves is therapeutic. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of peanut butter and seaweed packets. The kids had one last play session with the puppies, reluctant to leave their new furry friends. We had to check pockets and backpacks for stowaways before we got on the boat. Our day trip and overnight camp at Monkey Beach in Penang was a refreshing change of scenery and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
