Tikus Island
Tikus Island viewed from the Floating Mosque
Tikus Island is located in Central George Town, Penang
Tikus Island
Tikus Island
Location within George Town in Penang
Geography
LocationSoutheast Asia
Coordinates5°28′32.5776″N 100°17′50.2146″E / 5.475716000°N 100.297281833°E / 5.475716000; 100.297281833
Adjacent toMalacca Strait
Administration
State Penang
City George Town
Tikus Island viewed from Tanjung Bungah

Tikus Island (Rat Island) is an islet off the northern coast of Penang Island in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located nearly 770 m (0.48 mi) off Tanjung Bungah, a suburb of George Town, this uninhabited outcrop is now home to a solar-powered lighthouse.[1][2][3] This active lighthouse marks the northern entrance to the Penang Strait and hence, the Port of Penang.[4]

Also situated on the islet is a grave belonging to a local Muslim saint.[1][2][3] The grave is still visited by local Penangites of various faiths, who occasionally come to seek blessings irrespective of their beliefs.

Etymology

The islet has lent its name to Pulau Tikus, a neighbourhood of George Town. The settlement of Pulau Tikus was established by Eurasian refugees in the early 19th century, who had earlier landed on Tikus Island.[3] It was said that the name Pulau Tikus, which means 'Rat Island' in Malay, was inspired by the shape of the islet's rocks and dunes.

Transportation

Tikus Island is only accessible by boat. Whilst kayaks are available at the Penang Water Sports Centre at Tanjung Bungah, the rough sea current has hindered several approach attempts to the islet in the past.[2][5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Amiruddin, A. r. "Living the lighthouse life - Views | The Star Online". Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  2. 1 2 3 Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of West Malaysia West Coast". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  3. 1 2 3 Wilks, Frances (2014-04-11). "The Story Behind Penang's Rat Island (Pulau Tikus)". ExpatGo. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  4. ↑ "::JABATAN LAUT MALAYSIA". www.marine.gov.my. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  5. ↑ "Kayaking". PKSA Penang Water Sports Centre. 2013-08-02. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
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