Bayan Baru

 

Overview

The township of Bayan Baru is two kilometres away from the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, and 5km from the Penang International Airport.

The Penang Development Corporation, the state-investment arm, started developing it in the 1970s from what used to be paddy fields. Today, largely due to its vicinity to the industrial zone, it is one of the most rapid developed areas on the island. It now houses many condominium and apartments amid its other residential areas.

A distance of 7.4km from the Penang Bridge, and 16.6km from Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah bridge (second bridge), Bayan Baru houses many eateries ranging from the mamaks to the fast food and kopitiam like outlets.

History has it that Bayan Baru first was wetlands before the agricultural activity of paddy fields. And because it was near two rivers – Sungai Relau and Sungai Ara – it often was flooded if rain were coupled with a high-tide. The conditions were improved with rectified drainage and other flood mitigation works.

Amenities and Facilities

There are hotels within the Bayan Baru vicinity and a stone's throw away including the likes of Olive Tree Hotel, Equatorial Hotel in Bukit Jambul and the Corum View Hotel. Shopping areas include Giant Hypermarket, Sunshine Square and Quartermile.

There are other amenities like a post office, banks, a hive of commercial activities, the Bayan Baru market, the Subterranean Penang International Conference and Exhibition Centre, or SPICE as it is more popularly known, and the Penang International Sports Arena.

Bayan Baru is accessible via the Rapid Penang bus services and taxi.