Penang Hill Travel Guide
Unlike Kate Bush, you don't have to make a deal with God to see the beauty of Penang Island's highest peak – here is a travel guide of things to do and where to go at Penang Hill:
Hop on the funicular train to the top of Penang Hill
The easiest and most convenient way to get to the top of Penang Hill is to take the Funicular Train from Lower to Upper station. Swiss-designed and run on one of the oldest funicular systems in the world (not to mention one of the steepest tracks in Asia), this unique train ride will let you see an immense amount of verdant, leafy greenery and plenty of scenic views under 10 minutes. Pro tip: go for the Fast Lane tickets to skip the queues, especially on the weekends when it gets incredibly crowded. Or you could always book any tour that includes tickets already.
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Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Bukit Bendera, Penang, Malaysia |
Enjoy dinner at a British colonial restaurant
Nothing beats dining with a view. And one of the best places to do that at Penang Hill is at David Brown's, a charming British colonial restaurant at Strawberry Hill. You can either have lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner set menu here while enjoying pristine views of the tropical surroundings and indulging in exquisite dishes like roasted cauliflower velouté or herb-crusted French lamb rack.
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David Brown's Restaurant & Tea Terrace, Bukit Bendera, Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia |
Visit the stunning Kek Lok Si Temple
One of the most incredible temples you can visit in Malaysia is the famed Kek Lok Si Temple, a massive Buddhist temple with a towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy flanking its entrance. Known as the temple of "Ten Thousand Buddhas", Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. And a trip here is a must-visit for first-timers to Penang. Kek Lok Si may not exactly be at Penang Hill per se, but the temple's close proximity makes it great option for a day trip.
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Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia |
Ride a giant swing and walk above the treetops
Sometimes, all you need to do to de-stress is to bliss out and reconnect with nature. An excellent way to do that is to visit The Habitat. Built on millions of years old virgin rainforest, you can walk on a leafy nature trail and spot exotic wildlife. Other highlights include the breathtaking 360-degree Curtis Crest Treetop Walk, Penang's highest point that lets you see as far as Langkawi, and an exhilarating Giant Swing that'll zip you across the forest canopy.
See some historical colonial bungalows
To experience a slice of history, admire some old colonial bungalows with a stroll around the hill. These bungalows, first built by the British and then by wealthy Chinese tycoons, have been around since the early 19th century, with some, like the Convalescent Bungalow, slated for development into an eco-friendly resort. One cool bungalow to check out for Instagrammable shots is the aesthetic Bel Retiro, built in 1789 for the governor of Penang.
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Bel Retiro Jalan Tunku Yahaya Petra, Penang Hill, 10000, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
Drop by one of Penang's oldest Hindu temples
Yet another historical trail for you to embark on is an expedition to one of Penang's oldest Hindu temples, Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Murugan, the God of war, you can find the temple at Gun Hill, built by Indian sepoys and sedan chair carriers in the elaborate Dravidian architectural style, with vibrant sculptures and ornaments making it a picture-perfect spot.
Check out the aviary at the Bellevue Hotel
It's not often a hotel that is a tourist attraction, but the Bellevue Hotel is an exception. The bungalow-style property, the highest on the hill, has a ginger garden and an aviary with plenty of exotic bird species – think peacocks and hornbills. The hotel is well worth a visit (or even a stay) if you have time to spare.
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Jalan Bukit Bendera, Jalan Stesen, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
Go hiking at the different peaks
Penang Hill is tailor-made for hiking enthusiasts. There are plenty of trails for stretching your calves with a hike. Some great ones include the route from Penang Botanical Gardens to the top of the hill, with views of the island and Penang Bridge from the Rainbow Rock viewpoint. There's also the Moniot Trail East to Penang Hill Upper Station route and the Heritage Trail, which is less off-road and more staircase-focused.
Try scaring yourself with a visit to a haunted hotel
Going to a haunted hotel might not be everyone's cup of tea. But for those brave souls willing to risk it all, there's always the option of dropping by the Crag Hotel, a once swanky establishment built by the Sarkies Brothers (of the Raffles Hotel and The Strand fame) that is now an abandoned building. It doesn't help that the building is regularly shrouded in mist, adding a spooky effect. If dark tourism is your fun idea, you know where to go.
Sip on coffee at Penang's highest café
Instagrammable in every sense of the word, Kopi Hutan is Penang's highest café. And is a great resting place after a 40-minute trek from the Funicular Train Upper Station.
You don't have to exert all that energy, though. The café offers a free pick-up service for paying customers, so do call ahead if you know that a trip here is 100% on the books for you.
Is Penang Hill worth visiting?
What's unique about Penang Hill?
Penang Hill, or "Bukit Bendera" or Flag Hill, is Malaysia's first British colonial hill station. The hill rises 833-metres above sea level in central Penang, overlooking the sprawling capital of George Town.
Of course, that height alone makes it one of the most spectacular lookout points on the island. Add to the mix fifty-plus heritage buildings and a chilly climate at least five degrees cooler than the ground level, and it's no wonder this charming hill is popular with locals and tourists alike.
How to go there?
Most people refer to the hill's peak as Penang Hill, but the area comprises six different heights, and you can visit all six if you wish for varying views and experiences, especially if you love to hike.
One way to reach the hill is to use the Rapid Penang Bus Route 204. The bus operates daily from 5:30 am to 10:30 pm with 40 stops. Prices also range between RM1.40 and RM2. Some landmarks along the way include Weld Quay, the old Penang Ferry jetty, and Air Hitam.
Another way to come here is to access it from the Penang Botanical Gardens. Take note, however, that you need a permit to drive your vehicle. But walking is fine, although it's nowhere near as enjoyable as other hiking options like the Monngate hiking trail, which you can find roughly 100-metres at the Garden's entrance.