Explore a different destination  Bel Retiro
Penang Hill Bungalow

      Earth About Me      Bookmark and Share  Follow me on Twitter





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

    • Visiting Penang

    If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!





    Gateway to Bel Retiro (5 March 2005)


    Another view of the gateway to Bel Retiro (5 March 2005)

    Click for list of Penang Heritage Sites




    Compare prices of Hotel Room Rates in Penang

    Use this search engine to find the lowest price of hotel rooms from different Hotel Booking websites. You'd be glad to do your homework!


    Local Tours in Penang

    It is often more practical to book your tours online. You have the luxury of time to go through what are the tours you intend to take, rather than having to make a decision on your feet. Check out the local tours in Penang that you can book online. The tours are provided by Viator, a reputable international tour company.

    Arrange Airport Transfer

    If you are coming to Penang, you can arrange airport transfer from airport to city in advance. A van will be waiting for you to pick you at the airport. This service is very useful and cost effective if you are arriving as a group.



    Follow me on Twitter

    Sign up to Tim's Travel Tips, and let me take you to explore the places in Penang, Malaysia and Asia.

    Please link to me!

    If you enjoy exploring Penang and getting to know its places of interest, place a link from your website or blog to Penang Travel Tips. Let Penang Travel Tips be your window to everything Penang! It is as easy as copying the source code below and pasting it on your site:

    Return to Penang Travel Tips homepage

    What's up at my other websites: Asia Explorers, World Greatest Sites, Flowering Garden, and Earth Documentary

    Penang Travel Tips is written by the Happy Jobless Guy




    Tim's Travel Tips and globe logo are trademark and service mark of Timothy Tye. Copyright © 2008-2010 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.
    Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms. Tim is a Christian. Click here to know more about his beliefs.