PENANG'S third dam, the Teluk Bahang Dam, was completed at a cost o f RM135 million and was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi on November 26, 1999. It is the biggest dam in Penang. Teluk Bahang Dam has a capacity of 19.24 billion liters.
The Teluk Bahang Dam is specially open to public and tourists during the International Dragon Boat Race on the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar every year since 1974. The reason for holding the Dragon Boat Festival's at the Teluk Bahang Dam because it provides a safer and more controlled environment than the seafront. Otherwise the splendid view of the dam can be seen as you drive along the winding road from Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau.
From George Town, take the northern beach road through Batu Ferringhi until you reach the Teluk Bahang roundabout. Make a 9 o'clock turn to the left. You will reach the dam after passing the Penang Butterfly Farm and the Teluk Bahang Recreational Forest, both on the left side of the road. If you are taking public transport, Rapid Penang Bus 101 goes to Teluk Bahang Village. From there you need to change to bus 501 that heads towards Balik Pulau.