Taman Negara Pulau Pinang hosts several habitat types not found in a single location in other major nature reserves in Malaysia. These include tropical rain forest, wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, and the coast. It also boasts a rare meromictic lake, one square kilometre in size.

The park has some 150 bird species, including raptors like the white-bellied sea eagle and the Brahminy kite. One can also find crab eating macaques, green turtles, flying lemurs, and flying squirrels. Orchids, ferns, and palms count among the numerous plant species.

This hilly and forested reserve is an important catchment area, providing the island with fresh water. An established centre for marine and coastal studies at Muka Head complements research facilities.

There are ample avenues to observe and photograph birds, turtles and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is ideal for jungle trekking, made all the more interesting by uneven terrain, challenging slopes, and rocky outcrops.

The visitor will have a chance to experience different habitats ranging from sandy and rocky beaches to mudflats, mangroves, a meromictic lake, and tropical rainforest.