To this day, the economy of Balik Pulau still relies heavily on agriculture; Penang's most famous produce, including nutmegs, cloves and durians, are grown and harvested around the suburb.

[2][3] While Balik Pulau is generally seen as quieter in comparison to the bustling city centre on the other side of the island, urbanisation has also reached the suburb in recent years, with more residential developments being planned within the area.

[7] The centre of Balik Pulau, also known colloquially as 'Kongsi' (meaning 'to share' in Malay), was apparently named after the communal wooden longhouses that once existed within the area.

[9] For much of its history, Balik Pulau has been a quiet agricultural town, in stark contrast to the bustling city centre at the eastern side of Penang Island.

[8] On the other hand, the spillover of urbanisation from the eastern seaboard of the city is also gathering pace in Balik Pulau, with residential properties are being planned for the suburb in recent years.

[10][11][12][13][14][15] These bus routes link Balik Pulau with the city centre, the Penang International Airport, Queensbay Mall, Bayan Baru and Teluk Bahang.

In recent years, agricultural tourism is booming in Balik Pulau, as tourists from other states and abroad flock to the suburb to sample fresh durians and nutmegs.