Teluk Bahang Dam
Last updated: October 2026
Teluk Bahang Dam holds back the largest reservoir on Penang Island, in the forested hills just inland from Teluk Bahang village on the north-west coast. Opened in 1999, it is a working water-supply dam run by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), but its long crest is open to walkers and joggers every day, with the reservoir on one side and views down to the sea on the other. This guide covers its history, what you can do there, opening hours and how to get there, checked in October 2026.
| Address | Teluk Bahang |
|---|---|
| Details | Daily 7 am – 7 pm Free |
| Area | Teluk Bahang |
| Typical visit | About 45 min |
| Listed in | Penang Attractions |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
History of Teluk Bahang Dam
To supplement the island's older supplies from the Ayer Itam Dam and the Botanic Gardens waterfall intake, the state planned a new dam in the Teluk Bahang hills to store water for the north coast and to act as a reserve in droughts. The estimated cost was M$155 million in 1992; by 1997 the figure had been revised to RM240 million, covering the dam itself, a 3.4 km tunnel towards Batu Ferringhi, pumping stations and pipelines.
Construction began in 1996 and the dam was completed in 1999, when it was opened by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, then Deputy Prime Minister and later Prime Minister of Malaysia. With a capacity of about 18,240 million litres, it raised Penang's in-state raw water storage by roughly 65.7 per cent, from 27,773 million litres in 1998 to 46,013 million litres in 1999, according to PBAPP figures. It can supply up to around 100 million litres of treated water a day.
The dam wall is close to 60 metres high (often given as 58.5 m) and about 685 to 700 metres long, with a crest wide enough to carry a road. It is owned by the Penang state government and operated by PBAPP. Today it serves mainly as a strategic reserve, released in dry spells, and supplies Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.
For many years the dam was closed to the public except on race days. In November 2019 PBAPP announced that the public were welcome to use the Ayer Itam and Teluk Bahang dams as green recreational spaces, and the crest became a regular spot for walkers, runners, tai chi groups, yoga, photographers and naturalists.
Teluk Bahang Dam and dragon boat racing
Penang has a long dragon boat history: it staged an international dragon boat race in 1956 to mark George Town's centenary as a municipality, and the first Penang International Dragon Boat Festival in 1979. The races were first held off Gurney Drive and later moved between Gurney Drive, Teluk Bahang Dam and other venues, with the calm reservoir hosting the event for many years. The 2024 and 2025 regattas were held at Straits Quay marina in Tanjung Tokong instead, so check the year's venue if you hope to watch a race at the dam.
What to see and do at Teluk Bahang Dam
- Walk the crest. The walkway across the top is roughly 600 to 700 metres each way. On one side the reservoir stretches back into forested hills; on the other you look down over Teluk Bahang village and the sea.
- Morning or evening exercise. Locals come to jog, walk and stretch, and the climbing roads around the reservoir are popular with cyclists. Note that on the dam itself only walking and jogging are allowed.
- Photography. Early morning mist over the water and late afternoon light on the hills are the best times for photos.
- Water level boards. Information boards show the current water level, which PBAPP watches closely in dry seasons.
Teluk Bahang Dam opening hours, entry and time needed
The dam is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm and entry is free. There are toilets and seating near the crest. A walk across and back with a few photo stops takes 30 to 45 minutes, so it fits easily into a day in Teluk Bahang.
How to get to Teluk Bahang Dam
The dam is just south of the Teluk Bahang roundabout. From George Town, follow the coast road through Batu Ferringhi to the Teluk Bahang roundabout, turn left and continue past Entopia; the dam road climbs from there. Rapid Penang buses 101 (from George Town) and 102 (from the airport) end at Teluk Bahang, from where you walk uphill or take a short Grab. A Grab from George Town takes around 40 to 50 minutes.
Tips for visiting Teluk Bahang Dam
- Come early, before 9 am, or after 5 pm. The crest has no shade and gets very hot at midday.
- Bring water and a hat, and wear comfortable shoes.
- Combine it with Entopia and ESCAPE, both close by, or with a morning hike in Penang National Park.
- If you are driving on to Balik Pulau, stop at the Penang Tropical Fruit Farm on the winding road over the hills.
- For lunch, Teluk Bahang village has simple seafood and Malay eateries near the roundabout.
Teluk Bahang Dam Location
Nearby
- Entopia — Attraction, 0.3 km away
- ESCAPE Penang — Attraction, 0.3 km away
- Penang Batik Factory — Souvenirs, 1.3 km away
- Penang National Park — Attraction, 1.9 km away
- Tropical Spice Garden — Attraction, 2.7 km away
Plan a route with opening times using the Where2Go trip planner.
Teluk Bahang Dam FAQ
Is Teluk Bahang Dam open to the public?
Yes. Visitors may walk or jog on the dam daily from 7 am to 7 pm, and entry is free.
When was Teluk Bahang Dam built?
Construction began in 1996 and the dam was completed and opened in 1999. It is the largest dam on Penang Island, with a capacity of about 18,240 million litres.
Is the dragon boat festival still held at Teluk Bahang Dam?
The reservoir hosted the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival for many years, but the 2024 and 2025 regattas took place at Straits Quay in Tanjung Tokong. Check the venue each year.
How long does a visit to Teluk Bahang Dam take?
About 30 to 45 minutes to walk the crest and back with photo stops.
Can I cycle on Teluk Bahang Dam?
Cyclists use the roads around the reservoir, but on the dam crest itself only walking and jogging are allowed.