Penang Hill is a must-visit destination on Penang Island alongside Kek Lok Si Temple. I’ll share our experience during our half-day tour last week in this article.
Having visited several times over the last two decades, we noticed little change. One of the highlights of this place is its cool weather, as it is located over 700 meters above sea level. On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of George Town. Also, there are numerous historical buildings to explore.
When we arrived in the morning, we parked in the multi-level parking lot on the left in front of the entrance. There is ample parking inside the complex, and it is sheltered, which I like. There is a lift that can be used to access several levels. On the ground floor, there are souvenir stores and some food stalls.
The ticket counter is located at the entrance of Penang Hill Lower Station. The ticket price varies depending on the visitor’s age and whether they are Malaysian citizens or foreigners. Senior citizens have a special rate and can use the fast lane.
Several eateries, including popular fast-food chains such as Marybrown and A&W, are at the entrance. Besides that, there’s also a sign to signify that this place has been in operation since 1923.
The queue is not very long; we will soon reach the area where we can see the funicular train and the track.
The funicular train
The Penang Hill Railway is a funicular railway from Air Itam to the top of Penang Hill. It was first opened in 1923 and originally had two sections, but it was overhauled into a single-section system a few years ago. As a single-track railway, there is a passing loop at the track’s midway point. This railway is one of the steepest funicular railways in the world.
It only took us about five minutes to reach the upper station. Besides, we noticed it is wheelchair accessible, as we saw a tourist in a wheelchair enter the train.
There are several vantage points on Penang Hill from which you can have a panoramic view of George Town on a clear day. Unfortunately, it was very misty when we arrived, and we could not get a clear image. Nevertheless, when we visited Kek Lok Si Temple, we took some stunning pictures of George Town, as the sky was crystal clear.
Pinang Hill has undergone significant development, featuring several commercial activities for visitors. Buggies are available for those who prefer not to walk around the hill.
Historical buildings
Several historical buildings are on Penang Hill, including the Penang Hill Mosque (Masjid Bukit Bendera), the only mosque on the hill. It was constructed to serve Muslims living and working on the hill and features Islamic architecture contrasting with the colonial buildings.
Nearby, the Gate House (Bel Retiro), a traditional English mansion, is off-limits to entry but offers beautiful photo opportunities from the outside.
Just a minute’s walk from the mosque is the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, a well-maintained Hindu temple adorned with colorful depictions and intricate carvings. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang, established in the 1800s by Indians as a shrine to Lord Murugan.
A short walk from the temple is the old cannon facing the sea. On a clear, blue day, it’s one of the best spots to capture George Town in a picture.
This is a 32-pound cannon weighing 2.75 tons. It is made of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, commonly used in 18th and 19th-century artillery. This cannon was most likely transported from the town to the hill as an ornament or to signal the presence of pirates.
The Habitat Penang Hill
Walking further from the station, you will find The Habitat on Penang Hill. The Habitat is a well-known center for exploring nature. It offers raised pathways and trails through the dense rainforest, making it a great place to see a variety of plant and animal species.
The Curtis Crest Treetop Walk is a circular walkway at the highest point on Penang Hill. It grants breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, including the Penang Bridge, and provides visitors with an intimate look at the forest canopy.
Another attraction is the Langur Way Canopy Walk, a 115-meter-long walkway suspended 40 meters above the ground. It provides an immersive experience in the treetops and the opportunity to observe Langur monkeys and other wildlife.
Eateries
David Brown’s is the highest garden restaurant in Penang. Even if you do not intend to dine there, you can enter the beautiful garden in front of the restaurant. Sitting down and drinking is relaxing, especially if the weather is good.
A two-story Cliff Cafe food court is next to the upper railway station. It offers mostly local foods and drinks.
We stayed at Penang Hill the whole morning and decided to come to Air Itam for local street food.
Overall, if you come to Penang and only have two to three days to spend, Penang Hill is a place you should visit. It offers contrasting scenery, atmosphere, and colonial architecture compared to the old traditional houses in George Town. It gives you another perspective on how to perceive Penang.
🎞️ Watch the video shot during our trip
Please watch the video we made for our trip on YouTube. As below:
