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Steeped in history, Pulau Jerejak in Penang in Malaysia is home to exotic flora and fauna. The island got its name from a fisherman who inhabited this island. Francis Light, the founder of Penang is believed to have arrived in Pulau Jerejak before getting into Penang. It found a place on the colonial map, when Arthur Wellesley of Wellington decided to make it an alternative naval base to Fort Cornwallis in 1797. It was to act as a support base for the new town opposite Jerejak, now known as Bayan Lepas. But the outbreak of Malaria deferred the plan, which was finally aborted. A host of hospitals was built in the late 1930’s by the British Empire. A Russian cemetery found here is a memorial of the Russian soldiers who died during the Second World War when a German submarine attacked a Russian naval vessel. The Jerajak rehabilitation center was in operation from 1969 to 1993 detaining inmates of race riots and later who rioted in the prison destroying several buildings. Features of Pulau Jerejak in Penang: - The island is rich in flora like Dipterocarp, Mangrove, Revine Coastel and Weedy species. The island also has mangrove swamps which provide a natural habitat for jellyfish. Eurycoma Longifolia or Tongkat Ali has high medicinal value.
- The island shelters exotic variety of wildlife. White Bellied Sea Eagles, Monitor Lizards, Long Tailed Macaques, Reticulated python are some of the wildlife species inhabiting this island.
- The marine life here includes Kerupa and Kembong varieties.
- The island is home to a beautiful resort called Jerejak Resort and Spa.
- You can indulge in abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, jungle trekking, camping, Beach Soccer, Water Polo, Volleyball and Netball.
- The island features programmes like Survival Courses, Children Summer Camp, Nature and Historical Trekking.
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