Penang Hill

Hills ~ Penang Hill (Read More)

Penang Island's highest point is Penang Hill, which is also known as Flag Hill or 'Bukit Bendera'. At around 800 meters, the hill offers a cooling environment and magnificent view of the island and its surroundings on a clear day. On weekends, locals and visitors head up to the peak to admire the landscape and horizon. Penang Hill is also a place for nature activities such as bird watching and jungle trekking.

Visitors and tourists can traverse several forest trails to reach the peak of Penang Hill, but most will ride up by tram, provided by a railway station at the foothill. This ancient tram service was established since 1923, and it takes about half-an-hour for a tram to ferry visitors to the peak. The tram will then ascend very slowly over a steep track, passing by some rainforest scenery along the way. The air will gradually begin to cool and at mid-way, the hilly winds start blowing. A small gravel road also leads from the foot hill to the top, but only residents who live directly on Penang Hill are permitted to drive on it, otherwise, you have to walk.

A word of advice; if you are claustrophobic or hate being stuck in a tight crowd, avoid using the tram. Instead, hike on one of the many trails (the path from the Botanical Gardens is a good start). It can get really hot and stuffy when many commuters are riding with you in the cabin. The tram station was closed for almost a year but has since resumed its service in 2009.

Once on the peak, you have views of Penang Island from different angles. The gravel paths wind around the hill so you can walk to different points and see different parts of the island. There are even observatory platforms built at different sections for you to gaze at different points of the island. Monkeys and birds are a common sight around the peak.

Resident bungalows, restaurants and even a hotel have been built here, for the convenience of overnight visitors. Despite the obvious development, Penang Hill is still a rich place for wildlife and botanical treasures. Bird watchers frequent the many trails while botanists used to come here to sample endemic plant species. Temple pit-vipers are another common resident, often found perched on garden shrubs and porch awnings.

These snakes, though nocturnal, can be glimpsed basking at cooling spots during the day time. Visitors should take care not to disturb them as they are venomous, though harmless if left alone. This spcies of snake is very docile and placid by nature. One can often find the same individual occupying a spot for weeks! The last tram departs at 11.15 pm from Penang Hill back to the bottom, so you can plan a day trip to appreciate the hill. Penang Hill is certainly worth the time to visit so don't miss this destination if you happen to be in the Pearl of the Orient.