Karuna hill resort penang - Karuna Hill

Pro-tip: Balik Pulau, like many parts of Penang island, is no stranger to the vagaries of the monsoon season.

The various fruit trees — guavas, ciku, mangosteens, rambutans, durians and nutmeg — add to the rural charm of the place, and harvesting the fruits makes for a delightful and delicious extracurricular activity.

Karuna Resort offers 23 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary bottled water and complimentary toiletries.

Ah Hoe is a veritable authority on durian, being able to tell you stories about the origins of different cultivars as you sup on his varieties of durians.