[2] It is located about 17.8 km (11.1 mi) south of the city centre, at the southern coast of Penang Island between Bayan Lepas to the east and Gertak Sanggul to the west.

[3][4] According to historians in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Teluk Kumbar was founded by two Malay pioneers - Nakhoda Seedin from Deli and Panglima Long from Setul - sometime in the late 18th century.

It forms part of the pan-island Federal Route 6, linking Teluk Kumbar with Bayan Lepas to the east and Gertak Sanggul to the west.

To alleviate worsening traffic congestion in the area, the Malaysian Public Works Department has widened a stretch of the road leading to the town in 2017.

[7][8][9] These routes connect the town with various destinations, including the city centre, the Penang International Airport, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Queensbay Mall, Sungai Nibong, Bayan Lepas and Balik Pulau.