Sungai Ara is a modern township emerging from the quiet village roots of this maturing neighbourhood, located on the gentle green hills that dominate the landscape west of Bayan Lepas.
The development of Sungai Ara was spurred by the nearby Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, an important economic centre located to the southeast side of Penang Island. The rapid growth of the neighbourhood can be seen clearly at the heart of this emerging township, with the original village buildings still forming a distinctive part of the suburb.
Sungai Ara property offers a more affordable option than some of Penang’s upmarket beachside neighbourhoods. The township is home to a number of affordable housing developments, with more currently in the planning. Sungai Ara condo complexes are also an emerging feature of the area’s property market. These developments often come with a more accessible price tag than those found in the luxury dominated markets of Penang’s coastal suburbs.
This quiet suburb lacks some of the amenities such as shopping malls or supermarkets that one might expect in more mature neighbourhoods, but its proximity to other popular suburbs provides ample retail opportunities for residents. Penang’s largest mall, Queensbay Mall, is just 5km away in nearby Bayan Lepas, with more than 400 retail outlets over its 5 floors of offerings. The mall is also home to a wide number of food and beverage outlets, as well as a healthy selection of entertainment including a cinema, arcades, and great indoor play area for kids.
Sunshine Square is another conveniently located shopping centre boasting a number of retail shops, F&B outlets, and a bowling alley. It’s also a popular local supermarket, offering reasonably priced groceries just a short distance from Sungai Ara. Giant Hypermarket at Jalan Tengah is also an east drive away from the neighbourhood. AEON at Queensbay mall is another popular hypermarket choice, combining department store levels with a large grocery store for residents’ convenience.
Sungai Ara Golden Triangle Market Complex is a local alternative to the large supermarkets in and around the area. This modern market combines both dry and wet produce over 2 floors. Sungai Ara food favourites can also be found in the complex, with a popular hawker market located in the building. This market combines a community centre feel by also providing access to three badminton courts as part of a multi-purpose community hall on its top floor.
Those looking for a Sungai Ara house for sale may be tempted by the excellent access to nearby leisure facilities. The township is conveniently located for the popular Penang Golf Club, as well as enjoying close proximity to Relau Metropolitan Public Gardens. This busy park offers some great jogging tracks, outdoor gym, children’s playground, and even a swimming pool for the kids.
Sungai Ara is home to several state primary schools and a single state high school. It also boasts convenient access to some top international schools in and around local neighbourhoods, including Fairview International School Penang, Cherie Hearts International School, and Straits International School, all within easy travelling distance of the suburb.
Recent developments such as the Golden Triangle Market Complex have gone some way to tackling traffic congestion in the township, but residents can still expect jams at popular times on the busy streets. The nearest highway to the township is the Federal Route 6, the major highway which circles Penang Island, although Federal Route 220 does offer an alternative route to join George Town from the west.
Public transport in Sungai Ara is provided by Rapid Penang Bus services, with a number of routes serving destinations such as George Town, Bayan Lepas, Queensbay Mall, and other locations throughout Penang. The neighbourhood also benefits from its relatively close proximity to Penang International Airport, with international and national air connections, located just 10-15 minutes’ drive from the township.
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