Paya Terubong

 

Overview

Paya Terubong happens to be one of the most sought-after neighbourhood in Penang’s Island for its affordable offering on the island.

The locale got its name from terubong, a type of grass known scientifically as Cyrtococcum oxyphyllum and is often referred to as a ravine, rather than a swamp (paya means “swamp” in Malay) as it is surrounded by hill ranges.

This working-class neighbourhood located in the central part of the island is situated south of Air Itam.  Similar to the latter, Paya Terubong was where agricultural farms were established, providing spices and vegetables for trade elsewhere on Penang Island.

During the glory of its farming days, Paya Terubong Road was merely a hill path which links Air Itam with Relau on the lowlands to the south.

In the mid 70s, Paya Terubong was still very much undeveloped, when the residents were mainly farmers working the hill slopes. Development and modernisation came about to Paya Terubong in the 80s when hill slopes were cleared to make way for residential development to alleviate land scarcity on Penang Island. A good portion of residents today in Paya Terubong consist of working class wage earners, some of which work in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.

Populated by mostly Chinese, an area is also taken up by a big Chinese cemetery managed by the United Hokkien Association.

Presently, Paya Terubong is one of the most densely populated high-rise enclaves in Penang. One sight to behold would be towering apartment blocks sandwiched between the hills, offering a picturesque view for its dwellers. As at 2017, there are some landed properties available in Paya Terubong as well, and a recent influx of upmarket developments in the last few years.

 

Amenities and Facilities

Paya Terubong is equipped with amenities and facilities serving dwellers from all walks of life. Educational offerings include public schools such as Kong Min Primary School as well as a boarding school, Sekolah Asrama Paya Terubong.

Eateries and convenience stores are aplenty as well as businesses ranging from barber shops, hardware shops, car repair shops, pharmacies, clinics, hypermarkets and even Econsave Supermarket in neighbouring Farlim.

Commercial complex Desa Permata and Goodhill Complex are also located in the area.

 

Accessibility and Transportation

The locale is accessible via its main artery route, Jalan Paya Terubong, with the hills surrounding it. It is also connected to other areas such as Air Itam, Farlim  and Relau through this two lane route. Paya Terubong is also moderately near to the city centre with an approximate 8km distance.

Public transportation is available and served by Rapid Penang Bus 201, 202, 203, 301 and 306.