BIRD watching will be among the eco-tourism products promoted by the state in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (PH–Paya Terubong) highlighted this during the State Legislative Assembly sitting when responding to an oral question from Chee Yeeh Keen (PH–Bagan Jermal), who sought updates on the state’s tourism strategy for next year. Wong also displayed a brochure titled Birds of Seberang Perai to emphasise the state’s rich avian biodiversity.
“Bird watching may be a niche market, but many bird enthusiasts travel long distances to Penang to witness migratory species. We even have birds coming from as far as Siberia to Seberang Perai Utara,” he said.
His remarks drew interest from State Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, who noted that bird-watching tours have significant economic value, with tour leaders able to earn RM100 to RM200 per hour.
Wong said the state government is actively strengthening its eco-tourism offerings by promoting destinations such as Penang National Park, Bukit Mertajam Forest Reserve (Cherok To’ Kun), Sungai Acheh Mangrove Forest, Entopia, Penang Hill (a Unesco Biosphere Reserve), Kampung Agong, and the Penang River Cruise along Sungai Juru.
“These efforts highlight nature-based activities such as hill trekking, forest exploration, bird watching, educational tourism, and biodiversity awareness programmes,” he added.
To support these activities, Wong said the Penang Hill Hiking Trails app has been launched to guide visitors, while the jetty at the main entrance of Penang National Park has been upgraded for improved visitor comfort. Meanwhile, Entopia has introduced Entopia by Night, the world’s first biofluorescent garden experience.
He said community-based tourism is also being expanded in rural areas such as Pulau Aman, Nibong Tebal, and Balik Pulau through farm visits, fishing experiences, and village tours managed by local communities.
“Penang Global Tourism (PGT) works closely with local tourism operators to develop and market these eco-tourism packages. Digital promotion is also being intensified through social media platforms, the MyPenang YouTube channel, and official tourism websites to attract travellers who value nature and sustainable lifestyles.”
Wong noted that the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) is conducting the Seberang Perai Tourism Product Inventory Study for SPU, SPT, and SPS districts, with completion expected in 2026. The initiative aims to systematically document local tourism products across heritage, culture, gastronomy, agrotourism, eco-tourism, sports, and recreation categories.
He highlighted the Seberang Perai Heritage Day celebration held on July 12 this year in Kampung Agong, Penaga, under the Penang2030 Festival, which was aimed at raising awareness and drawing visitors to rural eco-tourism attractions.
“MBSP also collaborates with the private sector and local communities, including Auto-City Group, Think City, and state tourism agencies, to develop initiatives such as the Penang River Cruise along Sungai Juru, which offers visitors a journey through fishing villages, aquaculture farms, and mangrove habitats.
“Furthermore, MBSP actively promotes the Teluk Air Tawar–Kuala Muda (TAT-KM) area as a strategic eco-tourism destination through partnerships with NGOs and the Bird Flyway programme to protect migratory bird habitats and enhance the region’s eco-tourism potential,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat