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.
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
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).
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Thank you very much for visiting Penang Travel Tips! My name is Tim. I am the writer of this website. I created it to share with travel enthusiasts information that I have assembled about Penang, which I hope is useful to you, and is as accurate as I am able to put together.
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