Penang Hill
Location Map
Convalescent Bungalow is an unused government bungalow on Penang Hill. Located on a hillock called Hygiea Hill, Convalescent Bungalow is one of the oldest of the bungalows on Penang Hill, second perhaps only to Bel Retiro. The earliest structure was erected for the use of senior officers of the East India Company and members of the European community after Penang was elevated to the status of presidency in 1805.
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 Convalescent Bungalow is by either jeep or by hiking.
What to see and do
Convalescent Bungalow is just another empty government bungalow. The photographs below is believed to be that of Convalescent Bungalow, although the design appears to be of a more 1960's addition. If anybody was more information about this bungalow, please write to me at:
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.
Convalescent Bungalow (5 March 2005)
Another view of Convalescent Bungalow (5 March 2005)
View of the Convalescent Bungalow from its stairway (5 March 2005)
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