Across the Straits of Malacca, you will find Penang Hill located on the island of Penang. Here you can ride on the funicular railway, explore enchanting nature trails, walk among 30m high trees, and glory in the gorgeous views of the island. Situated about 800m above sea level on the northern part of the island, Malaysia's oldest hill resort has much to offer in the way of its cool unpolluted air, historical heritage and environmental significance.
At the foot of the hill is the Penang Hill Railway, one of the world's oldest funicular systems. Built in 1897, but commissioned only in 1923, the railway has a track of about 2,007m ascending to a height of 710m above sea level. The pleasant ride up takes about 30 minutes with passengers having to change trains midway.
On the way up, look out for the various residences dotting the hill, the lush vegetation and occasional Macaque monkeys. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas of Penang Island. On a clear sunny day, the entire eastern half of the island and the mainland, as well as the Straits of Malacca are visible. At the summit, a food court, fruit and souvenir stalls and a hotel can be found. The original funicular train is also on exhibit here.
Several private bungalows dot Penang hill. Most of these Victorian styled buildings have stood the test of time because of the hardy materials used in their construction. Among these, stands the fill's oldest bungalow, 'Bel Retiro', the holiday residence of the Governor of Penang. Many of the hill's bungalows that were once open to the public, are now privately owned and are thus not accessible to outsiders anymore.
The hotel's Aviary Garden boasts a unique collection of pheasants, pea fowls, crown pigeons, parrots, hornbills, macaws, Bali mynahs and Nicobar pigeons. A wide collection of art works by local and regional artists is scattered throughout the hotel. 2km away lies the Canopy Walk. It is supported by towering tree trunks all along its 220m walkway.
You are literally walking among the trees as you traverse the length of the canopy walk some 30m high in the air. Penang Hill also offers visitors various nature trails. The Penang Hill Forest Challenge trail comprising the jeep track and forest trail, begins from the Upper Station and ends at the Telok Bahang Recreation Park. The entire 11.3km route takes about 6 hours to complete.
The best time to experience Penang Hill is at night when the island lights up and Penang turns into a dazzling jewel. Following your return trip down, take some time to visit Penang's myriad attractions. The Kek Lok Si, Asia's largest Buddhist temple, just a stone's throw away from the foot of Penang Hill, is a good place to begin. Scroll to the picturesque Botanical Gardens or journey into the past at the many heritage sites in the city.
From its spectacular golden beaches to its evergreen hills, from its rich mix of modern and colonial architecture to its sizzling potpourri of tantalising cuisine and enchanting cultures, this Pearl of the Orient is a truly mesmerising tourist destination.
