Vacation rentals in Parit Buntar

Located on the central west coast of Malaysia, Parit Buntar is a small town surrounded by rice fields and bordered by the Malacca Strait. The Strait waters provide respite from hot, humid days — of which there are many here — along the sandy stretch of Ban Pecah, a popular spot for fishing, watching the sunset, or just wading in an intertube. In the heart of town you’ll find The Big Clock (Jam Besar), a local landmark in the middle of a busy roundabout.

The town, which is in the Kerian District of Perak, is a great jumping off point for exploring nearby natural and cultural attractions like the extravagant artifacts of Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the lush forests of Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest, and the culinary delicacies and sandy beaches of Penang Island.

There’s really only one season in Parit Buntar, and that’s the one that brings high heat and humidity, with overcast skies throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from April through November, with October being the wettest month.

Although there are no big events that occur in Parit Buntar, the larger cities nearby often host festivals throughout the year. Visit Penang Island for a jazz festival that occurs in the first weekend of December featuring local and international acts.

Ban Pecah

Ban Pecah is your local respite from the heat, located at the point where Sungai Burong River meets the Strait of Malacca. There’s a small shelter here at the end of a rocky jetty perfect for taking in the scenery.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Adorned with mint green walls, intricate wrought iron balconies, carved wood paneling, and geometric floor tiles, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is an impressive work of architecture that’s also home to a museum dedicated to Penang's Peranakan past. This restored mansion-turned-museum on Penang Island houses antiques, artifacts, and period garb, showcasing how a wealthy Baba, of the Baba-Nyonya people, would have lived over a century ago.

Bukit Panchor State Park

This 1,100 acre dipterocarp forest, located a half hour east of Parit Buntar, houses two caves, one of which is home to numerous bats, as well as numerous streams and a freshwater swamp. You can explore the caves after securing a permit from Jabatan Perhutanan in George Town. Or simply hike your way to the top of Bukit Panchor, the tallest peak in the park at more than 1,300 feet tall. Near the park you’ll find clusters of home restaurants where you can order local specialties like the iced Malaysian desert Ais Kacang, and mee kuah, a noodle dish with spicy gravy.