Sungai Ara

Sungai Ara
Sungai Ara
Coordinates: 5°25′00″N 100°19′00″E / 5.41667°N 100.31667°E
Country Malaysia
State Penang
Constructed 1978
Area
  City estimated 135 km2 (57.50 sq mi)
Elevation 4 m (13.1 ft)
Population (Jan 2008)
  City 156,000(35th)
  Density 1,447/km2 (3,748/sq mi)
  Metro 1,225,501
  (metro pop is a 2000 est)
Time zone MST (UTC+8)
  Summer (DST) Not observed (UTC)

Coordinates: 05°25′N 100°19′E / 5.417°N 100.317°E

Sungai Ara a.k.a. Sinkang is a big township located in Penang, Malaysia. The name Sungai Ara comes from a river flow through the town from the hill behind it. It is located near the Penang International Airport.

212 storey terrace houses on Cangkat Sungai Ara 2

Sungai Ara is famed for its 212 storey houses and houses on the hill with private backyards (Changkat Sungai Ara), and it is also known for its double storey terrace houses.

The climate around Changkat Sungai Ara area is cool especially during raining season. There is a hill which is now being developed as luxury bungalow residential area, accessible from Changkat Sungai Ara 2. The hill has a view of the whole Bayan Lepas area and is visited by health lovers for jogging and walking.

Joggers at Cangkat Sungai Ara

There are lots of orchards and farms around Sungai Ara and on the hills.

Sungai Ara has many schools, near to many major shopping complexes, wet market and safe neighborhood. Sungai Ara has the lowest crime rate in Penang and the best air quality. Sungai Ara is also located 'in between' the Penang Bridge and the second link in Batu Maung. Travelling from Sungai Ara to Komtar takes about 30 minutes via Queensbay Mall and the toll free Jelutong Express highway.

Church of the Divine Mercy, a Roman Catholic church and Christian Community Centre has been constructed since 2007 and completed in 2010 will be a landmark for the township. On 29 September 2010, Bishop Antony Selvanayagam officiate the opening of the church.