“Uneven roads and undone hair buns?” That’s the story behind the name Gertak Sanggul Cape. I’m excited to share with you the story of this intriguing place.
Gertak Sanggul Cape is located on the southwestern coast of Penang Island. It is about 21 km southwest of George Town city centre. The area’s name has an interesting origin story.
During World War II Penang was under Japanese occupation. Malay ladies often wore their hair in buns. These are called “sanggul” in Malay. They rode bicycles on the area’s bumpy roads. The unevenness caused their hair buns to come undone. Japanese administrators then called the area Gertak Sanggul.
Gertak Sanggul Cape is a coastal village within George Town. Fisheries and pig farming are the economic mainstays here. It is an agricultural village.
In 2010, the population was 925. Most residents were ethnic Chinese. Malays formed the second largest group. In 2020, the population was 1444. Ethnic Chinese still comprised the largest group. Malays were the second largest.
Jalan Gertak Sanggul is the main road. It is part of Federal Route 6. This road connects Gertak Sanggul with Balik Pulau. It also links to Teluk Kumbar.
Rapid Penang bus route 308 serves Gertak Sanggul Cape. It connects the town to various destinations. These include Bayan Lepas and Queensbay Mall. You can also reach Universiti Sains Malaysia by bus.
There is one primary school in Gertak Sanggul. It is SJK(C) Poi Eng.
Imagine the ladies with their hair buns. Picture them riding their bicycles on the bumpy roads. Now you know the story behind Gertak Sanggul Cape’s unique name. It is more than just a cape. It’s a place with a story. A story of resilience. A story of a community. A story of Penang.