Bellevue Penang Hill Hotel is the highest hotel in Penang, located at 830 meters above sea level at Halliburton's Hill, a mount within Penang Hill. It is a place to enjoy the old world charm of colonial Penang, enjoying scones, buttered toast, jam, half-boiled eggs, and sipping Darjeeling tea, a feeling that is duplicated at other hillstations in Malaysia, such as at Ye Olde Smokehouse in Cameron Highlands and Fraser's Hill.
The hotel was originally the private residence of William Halliburton, the first Sheriff of Prince of Wales Island under the British East India Company in the early 19th century. The hotel also runs an aviary showcasing a selection of birds.
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 Bellevue Hotel 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
Bellevue Hotel is a place to relax and take things easy. The hotel is particularly pleasant in the early morning, as George Town awakens below. The lawn in front of the hotel offers a splendid view of the city.
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
The Great Wall: Hill retreat on Penang Hill built by Khoo Sian Ewe
Finding Accommodation in Penang
If you're going to Penang, you now have the option of finding accommodation in a hotel, or look for one in hostels and guesthouses. To book a room in a star-rated hotel, use the Penang Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers. To find accommodation in a Hostel or Guesthouse, use the Penang Guide to Hostels and Guesthouses. Each link provides detailed listing of the type of accommodation you can expect in Penang. Be aware that you get what you pay for. If you need a certain degree of comfort, then a star-rated hotel may be an ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you are able to forego a bit of creature comfort, then hostels and guesthouses are clean, safe, and incredibly good value for money. For accommodation in other destinations, visit Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers or Hostels & Guesthouses Accommodation Guide.
Bellevue Penang Hill Hotel (5 March 2005)
Another view of Richmond MPPP Rest House (5 March 2005)
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