Bellevue Penang Hill Hotel

Penang Hill
Location Map

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

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!