Malaysia Destinations | Places of Interest in Malaysia

Penang > Penang Hill(Bukit Bendera)

No. 16 Jalan Paya Terubong,
Ayer Itam, 11500 Penang,
Malaysia

Tel: +604-827 4490

What are the reasons to visit?

Enjoy the spectacular scenic view of Penang city from the hill top. Explore Penang's longest forest trail and say hello to the carefree monkeys on the way to the peak.

penang-hill-nite

Penang Hill (800m above sea level), Malaysia first hill station, standing on northern part of Penang island was established by the British as their hill retreat from the balmy lowlands. It is higher and cooler than any point on the island, a choice location to view the entire city.

Francis Light is the first to plot a pack-horse track from the Botanic Gardens waterfall to Penang Hill. A lot of bungalows were built on the hill for private use during the 19th and the 20th century. Before the funicular railway is in service, people had to sit in a sedan chair carried by 6 bearers to travel up the Penang Hill. It costs 46 cents per trip.

The 2007 metres long railway was launched in 1923 and four modern Swiss-made coaches replaced the old one in 1979.

Getting to Penang Hill

You can choose to take the funicular railway or get on your feet and hike up the hill.

penang-hill

Funicular Railway

Penang Hill Railway Schedule

Departure from Lower Station:
6.30am and 6.45 am during holidays, 7am and thereafter every 30 minutes until 9pm
Saturdays: 6.30am, 6.45am, 7am and thereafter every 30 minutes until 11.30pm

Departure from Upper Station:
6.15am (during school days), 6.30am (during holidays)
6.45am, 7.00am, 7.15am and thereafter every 30 minutes until 9:15pm
Saturdays: 6.30am, 6.45am, 7.00am, 7:15am and thereafter every 30 minutes until 11.15pm

Rates: RM4 for adults, RM2 for children under 12 (return)
Tickets available at Lower and Upper Station.

Enquiries: 04-828 3263 (Lower Station) & 04-829 9412 (Upper Station).
* Schedule Subject to change without prior notice.

TIPS: If you do not wish to stand in the crownd for at 30 minutes, you can choose to hike up the hill or hire a car (which will cost u more).

Hike Up Penang Hill

There are a few hiking trails that can lead you up to Penang Hill. Among them are

The jeep track next to the Botanic Gardens

It is very tiring and it takes roughly 45 minutes or so to reach the peak.

The stepped walk in the Botanic Gardens

Stop at rest at the playground at 48 then up again towards 84.

Hye Keat Estate in Ayer Itam

It is a gentle slope that takes you through fruit and vegetable farms.

Via Tiger Hill Trail

It is a very punishing 8km uphill hike from Air Itam (near Kek Lok Si Temple) to Air Itam Dam, towards Tiger Hill, exit at Summit Road, and finally another 30-minute walk to Penang Hill's city centre.

Tips for the hiker: Wear comfortable shoes, sandals or go barefoot. Wear polyester (or other non-absorbent material) t-shirts. Bring along at least 500ml of drinking water per person, a torchlight and towel. Depending on the weather, the the best times to hike are either early morning (6am) or late afternoon (from 4pm). If you feel faint, stop and sit down. The jeep track and hiking trails to and from Penang Hill are not lighted, so start your descent before 6.30pm if you are afraid of the dark!

What to do in Penang Hill

No	Destination	Details
1	Bird Sanctuary at Bellevue Hotel	Entrance Fee: Adult - RM4 Children - RM2 Operating Hours: 9am - 6pm daily
2	Get some snacks and tea at Bellevue garden for a panoramic view of Penang	Reasonable price
3	Stroll along Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra to enjoy the fresh highland air, scenic view of beautiful houses and green landscape.	Transportation for Summit Road sight seeing: Bus - RM1 per person Jeep - RM5 per person (Tickets are available at Upper Station booking office)
4	Try the Canopy Walk	Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: daily
5	Check out the local food and some tourist souvernirs
6	Visit the Indian Temple and a Mosque that built side by side at the hilltop.

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