 Bayan Lepas proper is surrounded by residential townships such as Bayan Baru and Sungai Ara to the north, and Batu Maung to the southeast.Bayan Lepas was believed to have been named after a wealthy Sumatran family who founded the town in the late 19th century.Upon coming ashore, their pet parakeet escaped, hence the name Bayan Lepas, which meant 'escaped parakeet' in Malay.