 While Balik Pulau, and by extension, the western part of Penang Island, is generally seen as quieter in comparison to the bustling city centre on the other side of the island, urbanisation has also reached the town in recent years, with more residential developments being planned for this part of Penang Island.Balik Pulau means "'the back of the island"' in Malay.It refers to the town's location at the western side of Penang Island, geographically separated from George Town to the northeast by the island's central hills.