A popular recreation area for the locals, the surrounding hills of Ayer Itam Dam host a number of forested paths for hiking, jungle trekking and cycling activities. The hills are also linked to the Penang Hill. The Ayer Itam Dam is the first dam to be built in Penang.
Air Itam (or also known as Ayer Itam or Air Hitam), is a town at the central hills area of Penang. The town consisting mostly of suburban areas is located west of George Town city. It was found historically that during the British colonial times, Captain Francis Light had started agricultural activity on the island via the growing of pepper and pepper was first cultivated in the valley of Air Itam. Currently, most hillside areas of Ayer Itam are homes to vegetables and fruits farms.
Several notable attractions located in Ayer Itam district are the Penang Hill, Kek lok Si Temple and Ayer Itam Dam.
Penang city on a clear day. View from Penang Hill.
Jalan Sungai Nipah is a rural road in Balik Pulau that passes by vast fields of paddy and small villages in the western part of Penang.
A floating shelter for fishermen in Teluk Bahang coastal area.
Breathtaking views from the inside of the funicular train while traveling along the railway up to the top of Penang Hill. The new train now takes less than 30 minutes to reach the top station of the hill, and unlike the old train, it no longer stops at the middle station.
One of the ways to experience the nautral landscape of Penang island, is to take a drive ’round the island’ via Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau route. This route will take you through hill slopes of forest and fruits plantations. It is a refreshing route to show the other side of Penang.
An old church established in the year 1854 by the British at the Balik Pulau town area, the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus serves as the communal place for the local Catholic community to this day.
