Penang National Park.

Though it holds the title of one of the world’s smallest national parks, this protected sanctuary on Penang’s northwestern tip packs an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems into its compact footprint. Visitors can trek through lowland dipterocarp forests and mangroves to reach pristine, road-free beaches like Pantai Kerachut and Monkey Beach. The park is famous for its seasonal meromictic lake, where distinct layers of fresh and saltwater coexist without mixing, as well as its turtle nesting beaches and the historic 1883 Muka Head Lighthouse standing guard on a coastal hill. Well-marked trails offer challenging hikes over forested ridges, while local boats are always on hand to ferry travelers back to the park entrance after a day of spotting macaques, white-bellied sea eagles, and dolphins.