Stretching along a beachfront boulevard of the same name in northern Penang, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. It offers everything from local handicrafts to fake designer goods at affordable prices, coupled with a lively atmosphere and enticing street food.
Jalan Batu Ferringhi stretches from Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa to its Golden Sands Resort on a strip of white sandy beach overlooking the Straits of Malacca. Its abundance of hotels and holidaymakers has made it the ideal location for a bustling night market, bringing all the goods of George Town to this popular resort area. The Batu Ferringhi Night Market features home decor, artworks, clothing and accessories, as well as pirated DVDs, fake designer handbags and unique souvenirs. It’s also a great place to sample local foods such as satay, roti john and nasilemak, or feast on barbequed seafood and decadent desserts. The market takes place each evening until late and bartering for goods is expected.
Batu Ferringhi is located around seven kilometres to the north of Georgetown and is well connected by public bus to the capital. The market itself is within walking distance from most of the area’s hotel, and resorts or taxis can be hired for those staying further afield.
The area on which Batu Ferringhi now lies was first explored by Europeans in 1592 when Sir James Lancaster arrived during his voyage on the “Edward Bonaventure". It wasn’t until the 1970s that tourism development began in the region, with high-rise beachfront hotels and condominiums built offering enviable views across the Malay Peninsula.