Penang Hill Railway



         




Penang Hill Railway
Location Map


Penang Hill Railway

Penang Hill Railway is a funicular train that goes from Air Itam to Penang Hill. The idea of a railway line up Penang Hill was put forth as early as 1897, before motor vehicle was even introduced to Penang Island. It was built by the British between 1906 and 1923 at a cost of 1.5 million Straits Dollars, so that the British officers can journey up the hill for convalescence or simply to relax and enjoy the cooler air. The funicular railway was only open to the public on 21 October 1923. The 2007 meter (1 mile 435 yard) journey is the most convenient way up Penang.

A journey up the hill takes about half an hour, and requires changing trains at mid station. This is due to the difference in steepness. The lower section, which is 907 meters in length, has a steepness of 50.5% while the higher section, with a distance of 1313 meters, has a steepness of 51.3%. The system operates on a single track with passing loop, with two carriages one going up while the other coming down. There they meet, the track forks into two to accommodate the two carriages.

In 1923, a new railway track was built to replace the one from 1906. With it, a "new" station was also built. The original carriages which date from 1923 were replaced with newer ones in 1977. One of these carriages is now displayed at the Penang State Museum.

I am writing this article in September 2008, at a time when the Penang Hill Railway was not running. It broke down in June 2008, and until today, it has still not been fixed due to several issues, not least of which, the reluctance of the federal government to release funds for the repair.

Getting there

The Penang Hill Railway Station is located at the end of Jalan Bukit Bendera. You can reach it by taking Rapid Penang Bus U204. Click here to view the Rapid Penang Bus Routes.

Nearby Sights

The following are the sights near the Railway Station at the foot of Penang Hill:

  • Jade Emperor's Pavilion: Temple to one of the most important deity in the Taoist pantheon. From the Penang Hill Railway Station, walk down Jalan Bukit Bendera until you see a lane with an arch on the left. That's the arch for the temple. Enter through the arch, and follow the road uphill to the Jade Emperor's Pavilion.
  • Bat Cave Temple: A unique Tua Pek Kong Temple built into a cave and inhabited by bats. The route there is almost the same as to the Jade Emperor's Pavilion. From the Penang Hill Railway Station, walk down Jalan Bukit Bendera until you see a lane with an arch on the left. That's the arch for the Jade Emperor's Pavilion. Enter through the arch, and follow the road uphill. Before arriving at the Jade Emperor's Pavilion, you will see a junction to the right. Turn right and follow that lane. It leads to the Bat Cave Temple


  • The following are sights near the Railway Station at the top of Penang Hill:

  • 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
  • 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.




    Penang Hill Railway Station Square at Air Itam (23 January 2005).


    The old Penang Hill Railway Station of 1923 (23 January 2005).


    The train at mid-station (5 March 2005).

    Click for list of Penang Infrastructures










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