PENANG HILL

Penang Hill

MAP OF PENANG HILL

Overview

Penang hill is the oldest hill station in Malaysia. It comprises a hilly granite mass in the middle of Penang Island reaching an elevation of 833 meters (2723 ft) at Western Hill. The cooling and serenity of the hill especially when at the peak will provide a much needed calm and relaxation from the hot and bustling stress by the city of George Town. With the temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degree Celsius, it is going to be a place to relax, remember and rejuvenate.

History

According to history books, it was Francis Light who first plotted a pack-horse track to Penang Hill from the Botanic Gardens waterfall way back in 1788. During the 19th century, British colonials built bungalows on the hill for private use. Even during the early part of the 20th century, the bungalows on higher ground were home to planters and administrators while the rich Chinese towkays built theirs, which were no less grandiose, on the way up the hill.

Before the completion of the funicular railway, those wanting to travel up Penang Hill had to do so by being seated in a sedan chair (one passenger per chair) held aloft by six bearers. Each bearer was paid 46 cents per trip.

The first attempt at constructing a railway began in 1897, and construction was completed only in 1906. Service was launched in 1923. On 4 December 1979, four modern Swiss-made coaches replaced the slow and rickety old ones. The new coaches travel at an average rate of 1.5 metres per second, and takes about 25 minutes or so to travel along the length of the railway track, which is 2007 metres long. The height at the apex is 701 metres above sea level. In the picture on the right, the new coach is making its maiden journey up while the old one is heading back to the lower station – for the last time.

Although common in Europe and Japan, the funicular railway in Penang is reputedly one-of-a-kind in Southeast Asia.

An actual specimen of the old coach now sits outside the Penang Museum, and serves as a souvenir shop owned by the Penang Heritage Trust. Some of the original houses still stand. These include the Bel Retiro, Convalescent, Grace Dieu and Fairmont.

Location

Penang Hill is located in Ayer Itam, Penang, Malaysia. The hill is situated about 6km away from the city Centre of Georgetown.

How to go

The best way to travel from Georgetown to Penang Hill is by bus. Take a Transit Link bus numbered 1 or 101 to get to Ayer Itam Terminal. There are other buses that can bring you the same destination too. They are Lim Seng bus No. 91 and minibus No. 21. They will go through Lebuh Chulia and to the Ayer Itam Terminal. Rapid Penang 201 can get you to Penang Hill too. There, take the funicular train to the top of Penang Hill.

Activity/Attractions

ü  Visiting a bird sanctuary (Bellevue Hotel grounds).

ü  Canopy Walk (a suspension bridge hanging over the treetops. There is no entrance charge and it is opened seven days a week. You need to walk up the hill if you want to see it)

ü  Visiting an Indian Temple and Mosque (built side by side with no racial conflict and tension)

ü  Go up the hill top by funicular train and visiting the gallery which showcase some of the old Penang Hills history which includes photos and antique (behind the ticketing counter)

ü  Jungle trekking (recommended have a partner and a flash light)

ü  The Fauna of relatively undisturbed forest are much to look out for too. Wild boars, small and medium sized mammals such as the squirrels, monkeys and tree shrews can be easily sighted.

 Mosque & Indian Temple 

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WAY TO REACH THE HILL TOP

Price/Opening hour

v  Bellevue Hotel Bird Park (7 days a week 9am- 6pm)- RM4 (Adult), RM2 (Children)

v  Penang Hill one from 

v  Furnicular train ticket price to hilltop (Fare based on return ticket)( Going up, 6:30am to 9:30pm. Saturday extend until 11:30pm.Going down, 6:45am to 9:15pm. Saturday extend until 11:15pm):

      RM30 (Non-Malaysian adult)

      RM15 (Non-Malaysian child)

      RM8 (Malaysian adult)

      RM4 (Malaysian child)

      RM4 (Malaysian Senior Citizen "Warga Emas" & Students)

Service

• Astaka Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill Food Court)
• Bellevue Penang Hill Hotel
• Crag Hotel

Travel advice

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing like t-shirts and tracksuits. Make sure you drink lots of water and bring a water bottle with you for the hike. Start your hike early in the morning when it is not too hot. And most importantly, before you go, be sure to inform someone that you are off on the hike and let them know when to expect you back.