Penang Hill is the oldest hill station in Malaysia. It comprises a hilly granite mass in the middle of Penang Island reaching an elevation of 833 meters (2723 ft) at Western Hill. Apart from Western Hill, the other peaks that form Penang Hill include Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Bukit Bendera and Bukit Kerajaan. Bukit Bendera, or Seng Kee Sua in Hokkien, is where the funicular railway station is located, is 735 m (2450 ft) above sea level. It was known as Flagstaff Hill by the British, because this was where the British flag used to be raised to signal that mail has come.
It is said that Captain Francis Light was the first to plot a horse track up Penang Hill, way back in 1788. The route starts somewhere near the Botanical Gardens Waterfall. Penang Hill was first developed by the British to escape the tropical heat of the lowlands. During those early days, the lowlands were malaria infested, so Penang Hill was a choice for those seeking convalescence. Indeed a convalescent centre was built on Mount Hygeia for the officers of the British East India Company. It was cool, less humid, and most of all, free from malaria.
Very soon, the government departments were building hill bungalows for their senior officials. These are found mostly around Bukit Bendera. The northern part of Penang Hill is not well developed. Places such as Bukit Kerajaan and Bukit Timah are designated water catchment areas and so no development is permitted there.
During the colonial days, there was a form of segregation among the races. The most prestigious property was Bel Retiro, built in the 1800s as a resort for high govenment officials and visiting dignitaries. It was the favourite retreat of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agung and Tunku Abdul Rahman whenever they visit Penang. Building on the principle that proximity is next to greatness, the senior officers build their bungalows in proximity to Bel Retiro. During colonial time, no non-whites were allowed residences above the Viaduct station. Two locals whose properties came nearest the European boundaries were Khoo Sian Ewe and Chee War Lock, both Municipal Commissioners.
Just as it is fashionable today to own a luxurious condominium, during the early years of the 20th century, it was the in thing to own a bungalow on Penang Hill. Many of the properties owned by the Chinese were given decidedly Western names, for example Mon Sejour, Dolce Domum, Fairmont, Grace Dieu.
Hiking is a popular option to "conquer" Penang Hill. There is the 5 kilometer tarred road popularly called the "jeep track", which is open only to the vehicles of the hill residents. The most popular pit stops along this route are 52 and 84. Here, hikers can get refreshments prepared by volunteers.
There are numerous trails from the lowlands up Penang Hill. Among them are the ones from Moongate, another from inside the Botanical Gardens, yet another from the Air Itam Dam to Tiger Hill, one from Hye Keat Estate and another from the Youth Park.
Getting there
There are three ways to go up Penang Hill: by the funicular train, by jeep and by hiking. To take the train, get details on the Penang Hill Railway
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
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!
The dreamy feel at Penang Hill just before a heavy downpour.
The British-built Penang Hill Railway Station.
The funicular railway line up Penang Hill.
Bellevue Hotel is the only functioning hotel in Penang Hill today.
Bel Retiro, the retreat for the king and prime minister of Malaysia.
Bungalows that used to belong to senior government officers.
Moy Craig, also called Raj Bhavan Bungalow.
The Penang Hill Mosque is located at the Summit.
The Penang Hill Hindu Temple.
Wind vane on the roof of cottage called Through. It has since been renamed Kopah Villa, and now, Bukit Pinang.
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Local Tours in Penang
It is often more practical to book your tours online. You have the luxury of time to go through what are the tours you intend to take, rather than having to make a decision on your feet. Check out the local tours in Penang that you can book online. The tours are provided by Viator, a reputable international tour company.
If you are coming to Penang, you can arrange airport transfer from airport to city in advance. A van will be waiting for you to pick you at the airport. This service is very useful and cost effective if you are arriving as a group.
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Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms. Tim is a Christian. Click here to know more about his beliefs.
