Description
General information about the beach
Monkey Beach, also known as Pantai Teluk Duyung, is a secluded beach in Penang National Park, accessible only by sea or hiking trail. Clean sand and calm water make it ideal for picnics and wildlife watching.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Frequently asked questions
Monkey Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +29.0°C, warms up to +31.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Monkey Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Monkey Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Monkey Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Monkey Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in March, April. It ends in September, October. The best month for a holiday is April. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Monkey Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Monkey Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: monkeys. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Monkey Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Monkey Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Beach Stalls. Cuisines available: Local. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Monkey Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Water shoes, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, Insect repellent.
Monkey Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Monkey Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Keep the beach clean. Do not feed the monkeys.
Monkey Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Monkey Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for nature lovers, hikers and secluded holidays. Not suitable for those seeking developed infrastructure and entertainment.
Monkey Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Monkey Beach is the only beach in Penang where long-tailed macaques live. The beach is accessible only by boat or on foot through the jungle, making it truly secluded.
Monkey Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand, Calm water, Secluded place, Monkeys in their natural habitat, Suitable for snorkelling, Free entry. Cons: Access only by boat or on foot, Limited infrastructure, No lifeguards, Monkeys may steal belongings, Water is not always clear, Limited entertainment options.
Monkey Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Penang National Park, Muka Head Lighthouse, Kerachut Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Monkey Beach: how do I get to the city of Penang?
The beach is located near the city of Penang. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Penang.