Summary
Tikus 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]
 Tikus and nearby islands viewed from Pearl Hill | |
  Tikus Island Location within George Town in Penang | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast Asia |
| Coordinates | 5°28′32.5776″N 100°17′50.2146″E / 5.475716000°N 100.297281833°E |
| Adjacent to | Malacca Strait |
| Administration | |
| State |  Penang |
| City |  George Town |
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 edit
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 edit
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 edit
References edit
- ^ a b Amiruddin, A. r. "Living the lighthouse life - Views | The Star Online". Retrieved 2017-08-07.
- ^ a b c Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of West Malaysia West Coast". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
- ^ a b c Wilks, Frances (2014-04-11). "The Story Behind Penang's Rat Island (Pulau Tikus)". ExpatGo. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
- ^ "::JABATAN LAUT MALAYSIA". www.marine.gov.my. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
- ^ "Kayaking". PKSA Penang Water Sports Centre. 2013-08-02. Retrieved 2017-08-07.