Bukit Mertajam Day Trip from Penang
Mainland Penang's gateway to jungle hiking, legendary char koay teow, and authentic local life
Distance from Penang
25 km
Drive Time
30 minutes
Best Duration
Half to Full Day
Highlights
Hiking & Food
Why Visit Bukit Mertajam?
Bukit Mertajam — or simply "BM" as locals call it — is mainland Penang's best-kept secret. Just 25 km and a 30-minute drive from George Town across the Penang Bridge, BM offers something the island cannot: proper jungle hiking at Cherok Tokun, arguably the best char koay teow in Penang state, and the authentic buzz of a working Malaysian town untouched by tourism.
As the gateway to mainland Penang's hiking trails and nature escapes, BM is where Penangites themselves come for weekend mornings — early hikes up Cherok Tokun followed by hawker breakfasts that locals have perfected over generations. Add in century-old temples, colourful markets, and pre-war shophouse streets, and you have a half-day trip that reveals a completely different side of Penang.
Must-See Attractions
The highlights that make Bukit Mertajam worth the bridge crossing
Cherok Tokun (Bukit Mertajam Hill)
A 457-metre hill in the heart of mainland Penang, popular for jungle trekking with well-maintained trails ranging from easy to challenging. The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views of Penang Island, Butterworth, and the Straits of Malacca.
Tip: Start early (before 7am) to avoid the heat. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water. Trail 1 is easiest; Trail 3 is steeper but more scenic. Weekends are very popular with locals.
Cherok Tokun Recreational Forest
A lush 50-hectare recreational forest at the base of Cherok Tokun hill. Features picnic areas, natural streams, walking paths, and playground facilities. A favourite weekend retreat for mainland Penang families.
Tip: Great for families with children who may not want to do the full hike. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the shaded areas near the stream.
Tow Boo Kong Temple
A historic Chinese temple dating back to the 1850s, perched dramatically on a hillside with cave shrines. One of the most significant Taoist temples on the mainland, featuring ornate carvings, incense-filled halls, and a serene hilltop setting.
Tip: Climb the steps to the upper cave temple for peaceful views. Respectful dress required. The temple is especially vibrant during Chinese New Year and the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
BM Local Markets
Bukit Mertajam's wet market and surrounding streets buzz with activity every morning. Find fresh produce, local kuih (cakes), dried goods, and hawker stalls. The Pasar Awam market is the heart of BM's food culture.
Tip: Visit before 10am for the best selection. The market is busiest on weekends. Try the kuih stalls near the entrance for traditional Penang snacks.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
A colourful Hindu temple showcasing the multicultural heritage of mainland Penang. The ornate gopuram (tower) is decorated with hundreds of carved deities and is a striking sight against the BM skyline.
Tip: Remove shoes before entering. Photography of the exterior gopuram is welcome. Visit during Thaipusam (January/February) for a spectacular procession.
Bukit Mertajam Old Town Walk
Stroll through BM's pre-war shophouse district along Jalan Besar and surrounding streets. The architecture tells the story of a once-thriving tin mining and trading town, with Chinese, Malay, and colonial influences visible throughout.
Tip: Start from the market area and head towards the old town center. Look for traditional coffee shops (kopitiams) that have been operating for generations.
Recommended Day Itinerary
Hike, eat, and explore — the perfect BM morning-to-afternoon trip
Depart from Penang
Leave George Town via Penang Bridge. The drive to Bukit Mertajam takes about 30 minutes with light early morning traffic.
Hike Cherok Tokun
Start the morning hike while it's cool. Take Trail 1 for a moderate ascent. Enjoy summit views of the island and mainland.
Breakfast at BM Hawker Stalls
Post-hike reward: BM's legendary char koay teow, or try Hokkien mee and local coffee at the hawker centres near the market.
BM Local Markets & Old Town Walk
Browse the bustling wet market for local produce and kuih. Then walk the pre-war shophouse streets.
Lunch
Try BM's famous curry mee or economy rice (nasi kandar) at a local kopitiam. Many options along Jalan Besar.
Tow Boo Kong Temple
Visit the hillside cave temple. Climb to the upper shrine for views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Cherok Tokun Recreational Forest (Optional)
Cool off by the stream or relax under the shaded canopy in the recreational forest area.
Return to Penang
Head back across the bridge. Arrive in George Town by 3:30-4:00 PM, in time for afternoon tea.
What to Eat in Bukit Mertajam
Mainland Penang food that rivals — some say surpasses — the island
BM Char Koay Teow
Many locals argue BM's char koay teow rivals Penang Island's best. Wok-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and egg over charcoal flames. The smoky wok hei flavour is unmistakable.
Stalls along Jalan Pasar and near Pasar Awam market
Hokkien Mee (Prawn Noodle Soup)
Rich, prawn-stock broth served with yellow noodles, rice noodles, kangkung, and a generous topping of fried shallots. BM's version is known for its deep, flavourful broth.
Hawker centres around Jalan Besar
Curry Mee
Spicy coconut curry broth with noodles, tofu puffs, cockles, cuttlefish, and mint leaves. A mainland Penang favourite that hits different from the island version.
Famous stall at Kafe BM near the old town
Traditional Kuih
Colourful Malay and Nyonya bite-sized cakes made from rice flour, coconut, and pandan. BM's market stalls are known for fresh, handmade kuih each morning.
Pasar Awam market (morning stalls)
Practical Information
Everything you need to plan your trip
Getting There
- -By car: 30 minutes via Penang Bridge. Take the Bukit Mertajam exit from the North-South Expressway (E1).
- -By bus: Rapid Penang bus from Komtar/Weld Quay to BM Sentral (45-60 min, RM2-4).
- -By train: ETS from Butterworth to Bukit Mertajam station (10 minutes, RM5-10).
- -By Grab: RM25-40 one way from George Town. Book return in advance as mainland Grab availability varies.
Getting Around BM
- -Most attractions are within a 5km radius. A car gives most flexibility.
- -Grab is available but drivers may be limited — book ahead for returns.
- -Walking is feasible between the market, old town, and temple areas.
- -Cherok Tokun is about 3km from the town center — drive or Grab recommended.
Best Time to Visit
- -Early morning (6-7am) for Cherok Tokun hike — cooler and less crowded.
- -Markets are best before 10am when produce is freshest.
- -Weekdays are quieter; weekends see more hikers and market crowds.
- -December to March: Drier months with more comfortable humidity.
Budget Estimate
- -Transport: RM20-80 (depending on mode)
- -Entry fees: Free (most attractions)
- -Meals: RM20-40 per person
- -Miscellaneous: RM10-20
- -Total: RM50-140 per person
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bukit Mertajam worth visiting from Penang?
Yes, especially if you enjoy hiking, local food, and authentic Malaysian town life. BM offers a completely different vibe from George Town — it's mainland Penang where locals live and eat. The Cherok Tokun hike and the legendary char koay teow alone make the 30-minute drive worthwhile.
How difficult is the Cherok Tokun hike?
There are multiple trails ranging from easy to moderately challenging. Trail 1 is the most popular and suitable for beginners — it's a well-maintained path that takes about 1-1.5 hours to reach the summit. Trail 3 is steeper and more adventurous. No special equipment needed, just good shoes and plenty of water.
Is BM's char koay teow really better than Penang Island's?
It's a fierce debate! BM's char koay teow is cooked over charcoal (not gas), which many say gives it a superior smoky wok hei flavour. The portion sizes are often more generous and prices cheaper. Whether it's "better" is subjective, but it's definitely worth trying for comparison.
Can I combine Bukit Mertajam with other mainland attractions?
Absolutely. BM is a great gateway to mainland Penang. You can combine it with a trip to the Penang Bird Park (Seberang Jaya, 15 min away) or continue to Taiping (1 hour north). It also pairs well with a visit to Butterworth's street food scene.
What does "BM" mean — is it the same as Bukit Mertajam?
Yes! Locals universally refer to Bukit Mertajam as "BM" (pronounced "bee-em"). You'll see it on road signs, bus destinations, and hear it in conversation. If you ask for directions to "Bukit Mertajam", locals will know, but "BM" is faster and more natural.
Is there accommodation in Bukit Mertajam?
BM has a few budget hotels and guesthouses, but most visitors treat it as a day trip from Penang Island. Since it's only 30 minutes from George Town, there's rarely a need to stay overnight unless you want to catch the very early morning market or do a sunrise hike.
Explore More Day Trips
BM pairs well with Taiping further north, or explore other mainland Penang destinations.