In August 2019, my wish to hike up Penang Hill finally materialised during a family holiday to the Island State.
I found a wealth of information on Hiking Trails of Penang Hill – various trails, distances, maps and respective entry points. Managed by the Penang State Government, the website also provides GPS coordinates of all 26 entrances, navigation guides, including the option to download the Penang Hill Mobile Guide.
As we wanted a moderately challenging workout, we decided on Trail 46 via the Botanic Gardens. From the car park, we turned left immediately after the entrance.
Going up the well maintained road, we were fascinated by the cannonball trees as well as the circular road circuits that weaves through the natural landscape.
Trail 46 turned out to be a continuous step trail that climbs non-stop for 30 minutes. Do note, it is super easy to miss the trailhead, as it is not signposted.
Luckily for us, a local was passing and pointed to the small path leading off the gardens, when we asked for directions. The friendly local also told us to stay on the main trail and ignore all side trails.
Halfway up, we met two hikers who alerted us to a snake on the path and guided us around it. Fellow hiker Janstu identified it as the Malayan Coral Snake – a real beauty but venomous.
It was also at a crucial junction, so we were doubly glad to have their company for the last 10 minutes to Point 46 Rest Area that merges with the Jeep Track, 3.5km shy of the summit.
From here, we continued the hike via the Jeep Track Road, making it to Point 84 (P84) in 15 minutes.
In that short time, we had another snake encounter. To allay the concerns and fears of novice hikers, I usually reassure them by saying “You have to be very lucky to spot one while hiking“. Guess we lucked out that day 😉
Heritage Trail The Moniot Road East trail is an alternative path to the top. It starts just beyond P84, carries on for about 1.5km to eventually merge with private roads near the Lower Tunnel Station to get to the peak.
From P84 onwards, we encountered some steep switchbacks as the Jeep Track gains elevation quickly. We walked into large groups of dusky leaf monkeys, boldly holding their position, only moving away when honked at by the jeeps ferrying visitors to and from the top.
Now that we were higher up, views include occasional glimpses of the city and some beautifully maintained bungalows alongside ones that had fallen into disrepair. A legacy of time past, these bungalows were built by the Europeans and Chinese tycoons.
Arriving at a cross road after 20 minutes, we inadvertently took the longer circuitous route to the Upper Station, approaching by way of The Habitat.
Penang Hill Attractions
At 833 m (2,732 ft) above sea level, the breezy atmosphere and cooler temperature at the hilltop continues to draw visitors all year round. Starting our exploration from the colourful 19th century Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan temple, we passed by other attractions such as the Mosque, Museums, Love Bridge, Heritage Post Box, original train coach, viewing decks, cafes and restaurants.
Blast from the past
I recall as a child, riding in a wooden passenger car up to Penang Hill. The half hour ride with a change of train at Middle Station seemed like a huge adventure for me.
The original carriages of the funicular service were retired in 1977 and replaced with red carriages with fans and sliding doors. Following the 2010 railway overhaul, new tracks and new blue & white air-conditioned cars carry visitors to the top in comfort.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the panoramic 180° views of Georgetown and the Penang Bridge, from the Penang Hill Sky Walk. The encircled sightseeing platform is a magnet for photographers to capture magnificent sunrises and sunsets.
For a truly complete Penang Hill experience, we did consider taking the train down. However, the idea was quickly abandoned when we saw the super long queue at the Upper Station. As a sky of threatening dark clouds loomed overhead, we power walked down the Jeep Track road, covering the 5 km in an hour.
Getting There 1. Funicular Train Service from Penang Hill Lower Station Bukit Bendera, Jalan Stesen, 11500 Ayer Itam Open Daily : 6:30am to 11:00pm Duration : 10 minutes (one way) Frequency : Every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes before 8.00am and after 8.00pm)
| Tickets | (RM) | One-way | (RM) | Two-way | |
| Adult | Child | Adult | Child | Senior* | |
| Malaysian | 6 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Tourist | 15 | 8 | 30 | 15 | 15 |
2. Jeep Service from Botanic Gardens Duration : 30 minutes (one way) Price range : RM160 for 4 pax (return) 3. Hiking trails from various entrances Duration : ranges from 2 hours upwards, depending on entry point Cost : FOC
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