PENANG HILL

Penang hill is also called Bukit Bendera mean Flagstaff Hill in Malay. Historically, this hill was discovered by Francis Light during his horse track in around 1788. He plotted the hill and started to build bungalows for private use of the British Colonials during 19th Century. The British colonials were liking the hill due to the cooler temperature comparing to the lowland. The former sheriff of Penang, William Halliburton, was staying in a bungalow, Bellevue, now called The Penang Hill Hotel.

Today, Penang Hill is one of the famous attractions in Penang with stunning views of the city on a clear day. When I reached the top, I could feel the cooler temperature with misty air. I enjoyed the green trees and birds on the hill. Then, I visited an Indian Temple ( Thirumurugan Temple) , and ginger garden. Penang Hill Hotel is further up the hill and great place to have high tea with great views.

The centre of the island is dominated by jungle-clad hills, and at 821 metres above sea level, the atmosphere is pleasantly temperate. Penang Hill – which actually refers to a collection of peaks – also offers excellent panoramas of Georgetown and the surrounding hills, as well as views of Penang Bridge and the mainland. Take some time to walk to all the viewpoints, and you will realise that Penang’s concrete conurbation really only occupies a fraction of what is otherwise a very beautiful, green island.

View from Penang Hill

There are two options to get to the top. Hardy walkers can follow the jungle trail, which starts in the Botanical Gardens (Waterfall Road). It climbs steadily – and at times, steeply – to the summit of the hill and the walk can get pretty steamy, especially in the middle of the day, so it is probably best to start early to avoid the worst of the heat.
Alternatively, you can travel in the relative luxury of an air-conditioned funicular railway carriage, which sets out from the base station at Air Itam (Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera; T: (04) 828 8861). Originally built in 1924, the tracks and rolling stock were completely replaced in 2011. The modern, hi-tech train lacks some of the character of the traditional red-and-white carriages, but the ride to the top, which cuts an astonishingly steep path through the surrounding jungle, is good fun all the same.

There are two options to get to the top. Hardy walkers can follow the jungle trail, which starts in the Botanical Gardens (Waterfall Road). It climbs steadily – and at times, steeply – to the summit of the hill and the walk can get pretty steamy, especially in the middle of the day, so it is probably best to start early to avoid the worst of the heat.
Alternatively, you can travel in the relative luxury of an air-conditioned funicular railway carriage, which sets out from the base station at Air Itam (Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera; T: (04) 828 8861). Originally built in 1924, the tracks and rolling stock were completely replaced in 2011. The modern, hi-tech train lacks some of the character of the traditional red-and-white carriages, but the ride to the top, which cuts an astonishingly steep path through the surrounding jungle, is good fun all the same.
There are two options to get to the top. Hardy walkers can follow the jungle trail, which starts in the Botanical Gardens (Waterfall Road). It climbs steadily – and at times, steeply – to the summit of the hill and the walk can get pretty steamy, especially in the middle of the day, so it is probably best to start early to avoid the worst of the heat.
Alternatively, you can travel in the relative luxury of an air-conditioned funicular railway carriage, which sets out from the base station at Air Itam (Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera; T: (04) 828 8861). Originally built in 1924, the tracks and rolling stock were completely replaced in 2011. The modern, hi-tech train lacks some of the character of the traditional red-and-white carriages, but the ride to the top, which cuts an astonishingly steep path through the surrounding jungle, is good fun all the same.

Railway Carriage

David Brown’s restaurant (Strawberry Hill; T: (04) 828 8337) offers a tranquil escape from the crowds. Set in an old colonial bungalow, with beautiful gardens and unparalleled views over Georgetown, this recreates colonial living at its best.

The restaurant also serves a good selection of sandwiches and soups, as well as traditional English fare, including roasts with Yorkshire pudding and Beef Wellington.

Thirumurugan Temple