Teluk Kumbar

Overview

Teluk Kumbar is a small town located in between Bayan Lepas and Balik Pulau, mainland Penang. Teluk Kumbar took its name from its location at the bay, coupled with the fact that the area is filled with a type of thorny palm-like vegetation called ‘Kumbar’ which grows by the hillside of the area.  The palm, with it sour fruit, is rarely found now as it is mostly cleared and replaced by durian orchards.

Teluk Kumbar was established in the 1880s and is historically a Malay fishing village. Now, there is a new small township called Bandar Baru Teluk Kumbar, developed by PERDA (Penang Regional Development Authority) on a former rice field plot.

With an area of about 10 sq km, Teluk Kumbar is divided to three main villages: Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul. Teluk Kumbar has seen much housing development in recent years. This includes high-rise apartment blocks as well as upscale residential estates.

The latest main attraction in Teluk Kumbar is Lexis Suites, a 25-storey 6-star hotel at the edge of the sea. Completed in 2016, it has since become the new landmark of the area.

Teluk Kumbar's call to fame among Penangites is its abundance of seafood establishments dotted along the beaches. There are several seaside restaurants specialising in seafood as an alternative for those who do not wish to dine at urban areas like the Northern Beaches of Penang. Amongst the popular dining spots are Ayu Mee Udang in Telok Kumbar, Hai Boey Seafood and Khunthai Authentic Thai Restaurant, both of which are located at Pasir Belanda.

 

Amenities and Facilities

Teluk Kumbar is located nearby numerous amenities such as Sungai Ara Primary School, Chong Cheng Primary School, Fairview International School, Seri Relau National School, Min Sin Primary School, Bukit Jambul Country Club, Penang International Airport, Queensbay Mall, University Sains Malaysia, Penang Bridge, Giant Hypermarket Bayan Baru, D'Piazza Mall, Hospital Pantai Mutiara, Penang International Sports Arena, Hotel Equatorial, Metropolitan Public Park and Sunshine Square.

A new market is going to be built in Teluk Kumbar on a one-acre land by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). The market, which is going to be located near the Pusapakom Centre in Jalan Teluk Kumbar, will be more conducive for the residents, equipped with proper parking lots. Estimated cost of the project is less than RM1million.

 

Accessibility and Transportation

Teluk Kumbar is accessible via the Bayan Lepas airport road. There is only one main road in Teluk Kumbar, which is the same Route 6 that circles Penang Island.

Currently, upgrading works of the federal road from Teluk Kumbar to the Penang International Airport is underway. The 3km stretch of the one-lane road from Jalan Teluk Kumbar to Jalan Bayan Lepas would widen the one-lane roads to two lanes each way. The upgrading comprises a four-lane 750-meter elevated highway connecting Jalan Teluk Kumbar to the airport, with an elevated U-turn, and is expected to improve traffic flow between Bayan Lepas and Teluk Kumbar.

For public transportation, Rapid Penang buses number 308, 401 and 401E ply Teluk Kumbar.