Penang, Malaysia - View from the Top of Penang Hill

At a height of 820 metres (2,700 feet), daytime temperatures at the top of Penang Hill are a cool 20-27°C (68-80°F) compared to the humid lowland temperatures of around 31°C (88°F). Besides the cooler climate, Penang Hill is probably the best place for a scenic view of Penang Island - at least on a bright and sunny day. One can get a good view of Penang's capital of George Town and the straits separating the island from the mainland. A view towards the south are the suburbs while the view at another angle are the other forest covered hills.

George Town from the top of Penang Hill

View of the lowland suburbs

Forest covered hills

Penang, Malaysia - Top of Penang Hill

For most, a half day trip to Penang Hill is sufficient but an overnight stay is possible for those planning for a quiet night. The only hotel here is the Belleuve, which actually is a a colonial looking bungalow house converted into a 12-room hotel. The rooms are okay (nothing fancy) but at RM180-210 (USD54-62) per night, you can get better rooms in the lowlands. Then again, it is the only hotel on top of Penang Hill and does have a homely atmosphere.

What is there at the top of Penang Hill? Well, there are a few shops and vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. The last time I was at Penang Hill, there was a person doing henna (non-permanent tatoo). There are a few local eateries and a colonial-style David Brown's restaurant. There is also a children's playground and trails leading through the forest. Great place to enjoy the serenity of the area and a quiet evening but not the place for fun and excitement.

Stalls selling souvenirs at the top of Penang Hill

Mosque for Muslims

Hindu Temple

Penang Hill's Belleuve Hotel

Trail leading to the forest

Entrance to David Brown's Restaurant

Penang, Malaysia - Going Up to Penang Hill

Riding on the funicular train whether to the top or down Penang Hill, offers a beautiful view of the hill's rich flora and fauna. Starting from the base station, the train initially passes through tropical lowland rainforest. As the train train travels upwards, coniferous trees and ferns associated with the highlands begin to dominate the hill.

On my recent trip to Penang Hill, I was lucky enough to spot a few macaque monkeys, squirrels, tree shrews and some 'exotic looking' birds if it was exotic enough. I think I even saw a wild boar unless it was a lost overfed dog. In the evening, cicadas and crickets came out and could here them making their sound - nature's symphony orchestra I guess.

Going up to Penang Hill

Railway track up the hill

Passing through the forest

Penang, Malaysia - Penang Hill

Penang Hill (known as Bukit Bendera in Malay) is a hill station (some call it a hill resort) located about 6 km (4 miles) from George Town, state capital of Penang. This hill station is about 820 metres (2,700 feet) above sea level and a the popular travel destination on the island. Temperatures at the top are definitely cooler compared to the lowlands. You can actually see Penang Hill clearly from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area.

The Penang Hill Railway is funicular train system taking visitors between the base station at Air Hitam (literally means black water) and the top of Penang Hill. The Swiss-made trains can take up to 100 passengers on each journey. You can also hike to the top starting from the Penang Botanical Garden and passing through thick forest. Only an option for those with strong leg muscles and beware of the slippery slopes after a rain shower - I'll take the train.

Base station to Penang Hill

The funicular train

Tunnel through Penang Hill