Bukit Mertajam serves as the administrative seat of the Central Seberang Perai District in Penang, Malaysia. Historically an agricultural hub that evolved into a key transportation node with the completion of the railway line to Perai in the late 19th century, it remains a major stop for KTM Komuter services. The town is culturally significant as the birthplace of Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, and is renowned for its large Catholic community centered around St. Anne's Church, a focal point for annual Novena celebrations in Southeast Asia. With a modest population, it offers a quieter alternative to George Town, appealing to travelers seeking authentic local life, religious heritage, and convenient rail connectivity.
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Base yourself near the central railway station for easy access to KTM Komuter lines connecting to Penang Island and other parts of Seberang Perai. This area suits travelers prioritizing quiet surroundings and efficient public transport links over nightlife.
The Bukit Mertajam railway station is a major hub within Seberang Perai. Reaching Penang International Airport typically requires a transfer via Butterworth, taking over an hour. Plan accordingly for airport transfers.
Visit St. Anne's Church, a significant site for Catholic novenas in Southeast Asia. Explore the birthplace of former Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to understand the town's historical and political significance.
church building in Bukit Mertajam, Malaysia
Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia
This stall has been selling curry mee for almost 40 years and is prized for the creamy soup made with coconut milk and spicy curry paste. The half-cooked cockles in the soup taste briny-sweet and burst with juices.
Despite the lack of fancy decor, this joint has built up a loyal fan base over the past 20+ years and can be busy into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. Koay teow is stir-fried with duck egg over a charcoal fire that lends exceptional wok hei. Add an extra over-easy egg or start with the blanched octopus appetiser before tucking into the noodle dish after which the shop is named – the tender mollusc is served warm with a tangy-sweet dip on the side.
Since opening its doors in 2006, this shop has been serving the owner’s family recipe. They pride themselves with their yam rice with pork soup – you can choose to have pork offal in the soup or not. The yam rice is nicely cooked, with strong shrimp flavour. The pork broth is briny-sweet and the pickled mustard green gives it a tangy depth. The offal is cooked to the perfect texture while the pork balls are peppery and flavoursome.
Since 1962, this cart outside Cathay Food Court has been serving only one dish – Apam Balik, or chargrilled pancake with sugar peanut filling. Made on the spot and served piping hot, it’s crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
The owner lives nearby and opened this cosy spot for his neighbours to enjoy European fare with Asian influences alongside some chargrilled items. The menu changes every six weeks to keep it fresh, but three dishes great for sharing always remain – half roast chicken au jus, Berkshire pork loin, and fish en papillote. For starters, try fish croquettes, and round it out with their homemade desserts. Consider buying their sourdough bread to take home.
Café
Fast food
Bakery
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