Penang Hill
Penang Hill things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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November 30, 2024 @ 8.30am - 4.08pm Hiking Trans Penang Hill via Tiger Hill to MOONGATE Distance: approximately 18km Durations : approximately 7.5 hours The common way to enjoy scenic views at Penang Hill is by using cable car. We have chosen to do hiking to enjoy the spectacular views of Penang Hill. 0830H arrival to air itam dam 0900H entering trail head at air itam dam 1043H arrival to Tiger Beer Checkpoint 1101H arrival to junction to route 1&2 and route 4&5 1113H arrival to Tiger Hill peak 5＆4 1141H arrival to PBAPP 1226H arrival to Monkey Cup Garden Penang Hill 1300H arrival to Penang oldest victorian Post box 1321H arrival to penang Hill top 1410H journey continued 1441H arrival to Checkpoint P84 1505H arrival to Checkpoint 39 campsite but camping not allowed 1533H arrival to Checkpoint 5 coffee station 1545H Downhill via Jalan Chuan by staircases 1605H arrival to end of trail MOONGATE Hiking trails at Penang Hill is popular by drawing the route maps in animals shape. The popular route are Unicorn, Giraffe, and Rabbit. We met a group of Hikers who had done all animals route by the time we reached MOONGATE. Trans Penang Hill via Tiger Hill is less popular. Very deserted all the way from trailhead at air itam dam to Tiger Hill peak 5&4 and also from Tiger Hill Peak 5&4 to PBAPP. We started to see more humans after passing by PBAPP. Along the way from PBAPP, we met more and more people. Some local, some foreigners. Some in groups other in solo trip. Highly recommended to do hiking in groups. Monkey Cup Garden Penang Hill is a popular tourist spot. This is a cafe, which can only accessible by private buggy car or by walking. Highly recommended to go by buggy car because it's approximately 50 minutes walking and sightseeing distance. Many of the tourists get exhausted after walking 30% of the distance to the cafe. 30 minutes of walking and sightseeing distance from Monkey Cup Garden Penang Hill, stood Penang Hill's oldest victorian Post box. Another 20 minutes of walking from the penang hill oldest post box, will arrive to Penang Hill top. There's a restaurant there which is popular with ABC ice kacang and avacodo milk. Quite crowded. Service was fast. Seatings were limited. After we had 1 hour of break, we continue our hiking from penang Hill to MOONGATE. Around 2 hours walking distance. I need to make a highlight for Checkpoint 39. AED HEARTSTART defibrillator is available here. Apart from that, I also saw water station, and toilet available at this Checkpoint. This is very new to me, and I have to admit this is my first encounter of such facilities in the middle of a hiking route. Good views of Penang Bridge from here. I also saw a beautiful staghorn fern hanging on the tree. At Checkpoint 5, there's a sepak takraw field and also water/cofeee station guarded by Jason. From Checkpoint 5, you can choose staircases route or trail route to complete your hiking to MOONGATE. I heard from the locals, the material to build the staircases are bought by donation from the locals. Love the clean trail all the way from air itam dam-penang hill-moongate. We were. Lucky to had great sunny weather for our day hike. By the way, the guardian at Checkpoint 5 mentioned there're many who get lost during their hike. Please do hiking with experienced locals. Would love to come back again
Cathleen XCathleen X
10
There are many things you can do here if you love nature. If you don't, your options are very limited. It can be quite physically challenging to find some picturesque spots, so please wear sweatproof or waterproof make up if you're here to take pictures! First get tickets up the funicular/train. For locals it's RM12-40. For non locals it's slightly more expensive. - Nature Hike - The nature hike was very interesting. It is rich in both history, and flora and fauna. I took Bypath C, then took my own way around. You can follow the trek recommended but it's very flexible. You can choose your own adventure, just make sure you know how to get back up to the funicular station using the map provided as guidance. It's actually very cooling and windy so hiking here is very nice. Also the hike trails are concrete pavements so its not very challenging. There are some steep climbs, but nothing you can't overcome if you are somewhat fit. You can observe and hear all kinds of interesting flora and fauna. There are many photo opportunities and panoramic view of the island from the hiking trails. You can see some old kilns or furnace along the trail that was probably used for forming the metal parts required for the train or other construction work. There are many bungalows along the way, and the old map provided seems to suggest they were erected during the British occupation. If these trails do not satisfy you, you can try the Tiger Trail that is up the road from the Monkey Cup Cafe. I didn't have enough time for that, will come back and try to complete that! - Food - After the hike, I went back to area near the furnicular station to have shaved ice dessert (RM5-12) from Lily's. I think it's called Cliff Cafe? The char kuay teow (RM8) is highly recommended by locals but personally never tried. - Others - There are other attractions along the way. There's this 'Little Village' near the furnicular station but didn't have the time to explore it. The binocular is pretty fun to play with but there is a learning curve. You may spend the first RM1 to learn how to use it, and the next RM2 can be used to enjoy the view. There are talented artists who can sketch portraits and draw caricatures for RM30 and above. If you're planning to get small souvenirs like keychains and magnets, go to the shop in the parking lot building. RM5 for magnets and keychains.
Natasha LimNatasha Lim
10
Kitty and I recently took a trip up Penang Hill, a popular destination in Penang. We were joined by two friends who had never been there before, and we were excited to show them this iconic landmark. The highlight of the trip was definitely the funicular train ride up the hill. It's a bit of a thrill, especially since the trams are much faster than they were when we last visited eight years ago. The ride takes you through three stations: the lower station, the mid station, and the top station. The views from the windows are breathtaking, and it's a great way to get a glimpse of the beautiful scenery of Penang. Once you reach the top, you'll enjoy the hill top view, but it's important to note that the hill is not very accessible for people with mobility challenges. There are lots of steps and hills, so it's not ideal for those who use wheelchairs or have difficulty walking. We decided to visit the Habitat, a place that offers stunning sunset views. We arrived around 5:30 PM, which was perfect timing because the weather was cooling down. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, and we spent a good amount of time taking photos and enjoying the view. However, we did have to contend with some long waiting times for the tram. The wait to go up to the Hilltop can be around an hour, and the wait to come back down can be anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour. It's definitely something to keep in mind if you're planning a trip. Here's a tip: If you're heading back down, make sure to get your queue number at the station first. They'll give you a number and let you know when the tram is ready to go downhill. This way, you can explore the area around the tram station while you wait. Overall, Penang Hill is a great place to visit for a day trip. The tram ride is fun, the views are beautiful, and the Habitat offers a unique sunset experience. Just be prepared for the long waiting times, and make sure you have comfortable shoes for all the walking! Kitty's Take: Kitty loved the tram ride as well. She said it was like a mini-rollercoaster! She also enjoyed the views from the top, especially the sunset from the Habitat. She agreed that the waiting times were a bit of a challenge, but she said it was worth it for the experience. Final Thoughts: We would definitely recommend a visit to Penang Hill, especially if you're looking for a scenic adventure. Just remember to plan your time wisely and be prepared for some waiting. And if you're visiting with friends or family who have mobility challenges, you might want to consider alternative options.
DoraemonDoraemon
00
This year in December 2024 we had a school reunion get together group of 25 of us to visit Penang Hill. We were all from Taiping Convent school but we decided to explore Penang Hill together n enjoy each other’s company there. Many of us were 1st timers there. First our tour bus took us to the foothill. We purposely chose a weekday for our trip to avoid the crowds .during weekends n public holidays. At the base station at Jalan Bukit Bendera , Air Itam , we still got to queue up to buy our 2 way train tickets. For senior citizens like us , we got a good discount. When the train arrived, it was already quite packed but we were ushered into various carriages. It was a rather eye opening experience. At certain parts when the gradient was rather steep, the train lurched slightly backwards. Otherwise on the whole the train was rather fast . I was told this is the only operating funicular train in the whole of Malaysia! This train has been taking millions of visitors both local Malaysians as well as foreign tourists up to the peak of Penang Hill since 2014. The peak is about 2733 feet above sea level. We don’t need to physically climb up ( at our age it is an impossible feat anyway ) to such a height n yet we can so effortlessly enjoy the panoramic view of the whole Penang island. We were greeted by such breathtakingly beautiful scenery. We saw all the tall iconic landmarks of Penang from a distance as the weather was good. We also enjoyed breathing in the fresh, clean , crisp n invigorating air all around us. It was so cool n relaxing n we really enjoyed the warm friendship n camaraderie amongst us. For such a spectacular view of lush greenery , one can actually admire the splendor n beauty of Mother Nature at her best. Alas all good things must also end. It was time for us to go downhill cos the tour bus only gave us an hour to spend up Penang Hill. With a heavy heart, we bade goodbye to this beloved place. I would recommend you not to miss this opportunity to pay this place a visit. You will never regret.
Bee Leng LeongBee Leng Leong
00
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera): *Overview:* Penang Hill, located in Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia, is a popular hill resort offering stunning views, refreshing climate and various attractions. *Main Attractions:* 1. Panoramic views: 360-degree views of George Town and surrounding islands. 2. Penang Hill Railway: Historic funicular train. 3. The Habitat: 130-million-year-old rainforest with walking trails. 4. Penang Hill Mosque (Masjid Bukit Bendera) 5. Penang Hill Hindu Temple (Kok Lok Si) 6. Bellevue Hotel (historic hotel) 7. Penang Hill Botanical Gardens 8. Nature walks and hiking trails 9. Monkey Cup Garden 10. Owl Museum *Activities:* 1. Hiking and trekking 2. Nature photography 3. Birdwatching 4. Guided tours 5. Picnicking 6. Horse riding (seasonal) 7. Shopping at the night market (weekends) *Information:* 1. Address: Jalan Bukit Bendera, 11500 Air Itam, Penang. 2. Phone: +604-828 8880 3. Hours: 6 am - 10 pm (daily) 4. Admission: Free (some attractions may charge) 5. Railway ticket: RM10 (round-trip) *Tips:* 1. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. 2. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen. 3. Avoid visiting during peak hours (10 am - 4 pm). 4. Respect local wildlife and environment. *Getting There:* 1. Drive: 30 minutes from George Town. 2. Taxi: 20-30 minutes from George Town. 3. Bus: 204, 303, 306 from Weld Quay Bus Terminal. 4. Penang Hill Railway: From Air Itam to Penang Hill. *Nearby Attractions:* 1. Kek Lok Si Temple 2. Air Itam Market 3. Penang National Park 4. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm 5. Tropical Spice Garden *History:* 1. Established in 1923 as a hill station. 2. Historic railway built in 1906. 3. Popular retreat during British colonial era. *Conservation Efforts:* 1. Habitat restoration 2. Wildlife conservation 3. Sustainable tourism practices Penang Hill offers breathtaking views, diverse attractions and a refreshing escape.
Sarvesh GuptaSarvesh Gupta
20
On 25 July 2023 I was visit this Hill, You will get to see all this by going up the hill, Mother Nature Breathtaking Views Heritage & History Cultural Diversity Other Attractions One of the top touristic place in Penang. Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks on Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located in Air Itam, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) west of the city centre of George Town. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which actually refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak. Penang Hill covers a number of hills, with the highest point at Western Hill which is 833 metres (2,733 ft) above sea level. The hill stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. It was used as a retreat during the British colonial period, and is now a popular tourist destination in Penang. The top of the hill is accessible via the Penang Hill Railway from its base station at Jalan Bukit Bendera, Air Itam. To date, this funicular railway system is the only one of its kind in Malaysia, transporting over a million visitors to the peak of Penang Hill as of 2014. Penang Hill is mainly a hilly granitic mass. The hill system is higher towards the northern part with its highest point at Western Hill, at an elevation of 833 m (2,733 ft) above sea level. Other than Western Hill, there are a number of peaks in the region, such as Bukit Laksamana (Malay for Admiral Hill), Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Haliburton's Hill and Government Hill. Flagstaff Hill is 735 m (2,450 ft) above sea level. A number of small rivers and streams originate from the region. Sungai Pinang (Malay for Penang River) is the largest of the rivers, and it starts from a number of tributaries in the area.
AFZAAL KHAN NIAZIAFZAAL KHAN NIAZI
00
Nearby Attractions Of Penang Hill
Stesen Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang
Penang Hill Lower Station
Thean Kong Thnuah Temple
妙香林寺 Beow Hiang Lim Temple
Shan Din Di Mu Niang Niang Temple
Penang Hill Hike
Penang Hill Heritage Trail
海会塔@妙香林寺 Beow Hiang Lim Temple & Memorial Park
Jinggangshan Penang Hill Temple
Ai-Cha Pekan Air Itam 爱茶
Stesen Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang
4.3
(3.8K)Click for details
Penang Hill Lower Station
4.2
(246)Click for details
Thean Kong Thnuah Temple
4.5
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妙香林寺 Beow Hiang Lim Temple
4.1
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Nearby Restaurants Of Penang Hill
Penang Air Itam Laksa
118 Cafe 饮食中心
Flame Restaurant
Western Village
Hillview Cafe Penang Hill
Beng Chin Garden
Spink In The Sky (Event space)
Air Itam Market Duck Rice
En En Coffee Shop
亚依淡哑巴Laksa Air Itam Food Court Laksa Bisu
Penang Air Itam Laksa
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118 Cafe 饮食中心
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Flame Restaurant
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Western Village
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang, Malaysia
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Overview
4.2
(2.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
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Description
Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks near the center of Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located within the Air Itam suburb, 9 km west of the center of George Town. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which actually refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak.
attractions: Stesen Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang, Penang Hill Lower Station, Thean Kong Thnuah Temple, 妙香林寺 Beow Hiang Lim Temple, Shan Din Di Mu Niang Niang Temple, Penang Hill Hike, Penang Hill Heritage Trail, 海会塔@妙香林寺 Beow Hiang Lim Temple & Memorial Park, Jinggangshan Penang Hill Temple, Ai-Cha Pekan Air Itam 爱茶, restaurants: Penang Air Itam Laksa, 118 Cafe 饮食中心, Flame Restaurant, Western Village, Hillview Cafe Penang Hill, Beng Chin Garden, Spink In The Sky (Event space), Air Itam Market Duck Rice, En En Coffee Shop, 亚依淡哑巴Laksa Air Itam Food Court Laksa Bisu
