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Penang Hill
Location Map
Bel Retiro is a government bungalow on Penang Hill. It was built in 1789 for the governor of Penang, and remains within the exclusive use of the government. It is the most prestigious property on Penang Hill, built in the 1800s as a resort for high govenment officials and visiting dignitaries. Bel Retiro Bungalow was the favourite retreat of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agung and Tunku Abdul Rahman whenever they visit Penang. Senior government officers built their bungalows close to Bel Retiro, on the principle of closeness is next to greatness.
Although the bungalow itself is out-of-bounds to the general public, one can hike up to its gate, a beautiful brick structure with an arch entranceway.
Getting there
At time of writing (September 2008) the Penang Hill funicular train is again out of operation. Until the hill train is in operation again, the only two ways to reach Bel Retiro is by either jeep or by hiking. Coming from the jeep track, look for sign pointing to Bellvue Hotel upon arriving at the peak.
What to see and do
Visitors can go all the way to the gateway of the Bel Retiro Bungalow but no farther as it is private property.
Nearby Sights
The following are some of the places you can explore in Penang Hill, arranged in alphabetical order.
Bel Retiro: The most prestigious property on Penang Hill
Bellevue Penang Hill Hotel: Only functioning hotel on Penang Hill
Convalescent Bungalow: One of the oldest rest houses on Penang Hill
Penang Hill Canopy Walk: Abandoned walkway suspended among the trees
Penang Hill Hindu Temple: Temple to Lord Murugan
Penang Hill Mosque: Local mosque for the Muslim community on Penang Hill
Penang Hill Railway: Hill train taking visitors up the hill
Richmond: Rest house belonging to the Municipal Council of Penang Island
Strawberry Hill / David Brown's Cottage: Hillock near the Penang Hill Railway, where plantation owner David Brown built a cottage
The Great Wall: Hill retreat on Penang Hill built by Khoo Sian Ewe
Stretching your budget in Penang
If you are a prudent traveller, you can spend less than $20 per day in Penang, including your accommodation! Here's some useful tips for budget travellers to Penang, to help you manage your budget and have a great time.
Penang Tour Guides
If you're on a shoestring budget, you can explore Penang using the travel articles in Penang Travel Tips. You may print them out for your own personal non-commercial use. However, nothing compares to having a professional tour guide to show you around. If you need a tour guide, contact me and I'll arrange one for you, according to your schedule and interest. If I happen to be free, I would gladly show you around too. Just write to me at:
Finding Budget Accommodation in Penang
If you're coming to Penang on a budget, you'd be pleased to know that there's quite a number of places in George Town as well as in Batu Ferringhi that offers good clean accommodation without costing you an arm and a let. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood, which happens to belong to a friend of mine. If it is occupied, there are plenty of other places that cost less than US$12.00 per night. Here are some suggestions:
Hutton Lodge, from US$8.25
Baba Guesthouse, from US$7.57
E.T. Budget Guesthouse, from US$6.05
YMCA Penang, from US$6.53
Ali's Ferringhi Guest House, from US$9.63
Despite the best intentions to provide you information that is as accurate as possible, do be aware that prices may have changed and exchange rates fluctuated since I wrote this. So please personally and carefully screen through the available accommodation before making your booking, to avoid any disappointments.
Gateway to Bel Retiro (5 March 2005)
Another view of the gateway to Bel Retiro (5 March 2005)
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