1. A Superstar Educational Attraction
The fruit of decades of fund-raising, Entopia is one of southeast Asia's premier nature learning facilities. Once upon a time, it was simply a butterfly farm (well, actually a pretty impressive one). Now, it's all been expanded, with one of the world's biggest "green walls" encasing a cornucopia of natural attractions. From the Cinerama, which shows nature documentaries, to specialist talks on arthropods, bugs, and - of course - the center's huge butterfly community, there's always something related to biology going on.
2. When The Sun Sets, Get Set For Bargain Hunting
Located right next to the seafront, the town's Night Market is exactly as described - a bustling place to buy all sorts of commodities and souvenirs, which only takes place when the sun goes down. Whether you want electronic devices, replica football shirts, artworks by local talents, or just some good old Malay street food, the Night Market delivers. Don't miss the deep-fried chicken skin and rice, or the numerous varieties of satay skewers on offer, or cuttlefish plucked from the Pacific Ocean.
3. Chill With The Chillies In A Tourist Hotspot
Spice has played a huge role in Southeast Asian history and culture, from the arrival of European traders and soldiers in the 15th century, to the integration of world markets and the flowering of Malay, Thai and Vietnamese food. So it makes sense that Batu Ferringhi should celebrate the region's greatest export. The Tropical Spice Garden does so in style. Located about a mile southwest of the resort on an ex-rubber plantation, the gardens stretch over 8 acres, and include 500 spice varieties - all grown organically, by local volunteers.
4. Batu Ferringhi's Chilled Out Cousin
Just a few miles southwest of Batu Ferringhi, you'll come to Teluk Bahang, which is right next door, but very different. Much more laid-back and less intensively developed, Teluk Bahang is the place to come to unwind and escape the beach crowds. It's also a dining hotspot specializing in the freshest possible seafood, hosts Fuan Wong's Art & Garden, and provides a jumping off point to access the Penang National Park, which stretches off into the distance to the west. So, if you fancy a chilled out afternoon, just wander around the headland. Teluk Bahang is right on your doorstep.
5. A Treasure Trove Of Toys
One of Batu Ferringhi's more surprising attractions, the Toy Museum is the largest of its kind in the entire world, which is pretty amazing for a small institution on Penang Island. Hosting more than 110,000 toys, wax models and collectibles, it's like a library of children's popular culture. Some characters will be instantly recognizable (such as Mario), while other toys will be completely new to western eyes. From the Smurfs to Spider Man, the curator Loh Lean Cheng has got the lot.
