Penang Hill Hike: A Complete Guide to the Best Trails and Attractions

Do you love nature and hiking? If so, you should definitely visit Penang Hill, one of the most popular destinations in Penang Island. Penang Hill, or Bukit Bendera in Malay, is the highest point on the island, offering amazing views of the city and the surrounding rainforest. It is also home to a variety of attractions and facilities that cater to different interests and preferences.

Penang Hill Hike is a great way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Penang Hill. There are several hiking trails available for different levels of difficulty and duration, ranging from the easy and direct Heritage Trail that follows the funicular train route to the challenging and scenic Moon Gate Trail that passes through various landmarks and rest stops.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Penang Hill Hike, including how to get there, how to choose a hiking trail, and what to expect on each trail. You will also discover some of the best attractions and facilities on Penang Hill that you can enjoy after your hike. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun adventure, or a cultural experience, Penang Hill Hike has something for everyone.

How to Get to Penang Hill

Penang Hill is located about 6 km from Georgetown, the capital city of Penang Island. There are different options to get to Penang Hill from Georgetown or other parts of Penang Island, depending on your budget, time, and convenience.

The Funicular Train is a great way to get there~

By Funicular Train

The easiest and fastest way to get to Penang Hill is by taking the funicular train that leaves from the Lower Station at Air Itam. The funicular train is a modern and comfortable ride that takes you up to the Upper Station at the top of Penang Hill in about 10 minutes. The train operates daily from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, with a frequency of every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.

The price for a round-trip ticket is RM30 for adults and RM15 for children (4-12 years old) for foreigners, and RM12 for adults and RM6 for children for Malaysians. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket counter at the Lower Station. You can also buy a fast lane ticket for an additional RM10 per person if you want to skip the queue.

By Bus

Another option to get to Penang Hill is by taking a public bus from Georgetown or other parts of Penang Island. The bus number is 204, which runs from Komtar Bus Terminal in Georgetown to Air Itam Market near the Lower Station of the funicular train. The bus operates daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, with a frequency of every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 40 minutes during off-peak hours.

The fare for a one-way trip is RM2 per person. You can pay by cash or by using a Touch 'n Go card. You can also use a Rapid Penang Tourist Passport that gives you unlimited rides on all Rapid Penang buses for 7 days for RM30 per person.

By Taxi or Grab

If you prefer more comfort and convenience, you can also take a taxi or Grab car from Georgetown or other parts of Penang Island to Penang Hill. The approximate cost for a one-way trip is RM20-RM30 per car, depending on the distance and traffic. The time for a one-way trip is about 15-20 minutes.

You can hail a taxi on the street or book one through a phone call or an app. You can also use Grab, which is a popular ride-hailing app in Malaysia that offers fixed fares and easy payment options. You can download Grab from Google Play or App Store.

By Car or Motorbike

If you have your own car or motorbike, you can also drive to Penang Hill from Georgetown or other parts of Penang Island. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the traffic. You can use Google Maps or Waze to navigate your way to Penang Hill.

There are parking options available near the Lower Station of the funicular train. The parking fees are RM2 per hour for cars and RM1 per hour for motorbikes. You can pay by cash or by using a Touch 'n Go card.

Here is a map that shows the location of Penang Hill and the different transportation options:

Credits: Penang Hill Official Website

How to Choose a Hiking Trail

Once you get to Penang Hill, you can choose from several hiking trails available for different levels of difficulty and duration. There are factors to consider when choosing a hiking trail on Penang Hill, such as:

- Difficulty level: The difficulty level of each trail depends on the elevation gain, distance, terrain, and duration of the hike. Some trails are easy and suitable for beginners, while others are moderate to challenging and require more stamina and experience. You should choose a trail that matches your fitness level and hiking skills.

- Scenery and attractions: The scenery and attractions of each trail vary depending on the location, direction, and elevation of the hike. Some trails offer panoramic views of the city and the sea, while others offer lush greenery and wildlife sightings. Some trails also pass by or end at some of the attractions and facilities on Penang Hill, such as The Habitat, Bellevue Hotel, David Brown's Restaurant, etc.

- Accessibility and safety: The accessibility and safety of each trail depend on how easy or hard it is to access the trail from the main road or the funicular station, and what precautions or equipment are needed for the hike. Some trails are well-marked and well-maintained, while others are more obscure and rugged. You should choose a trail that is easy to find and follow, and that has adequate signage and facilities. You should also wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring enough water and snacks, apply sunscreen and insect repellent, and avoid hiking alone or in bad weather.

Here is a table that compares the different hiking trails on Penang Hill based on these factors:

The Best Hiking Trails on Penang Hill

In this section, we will describe each hiking trail in detail, using subheadings for each trail name. We will mention the difficulty level, distance, duration, elevation gain, terrain, scenery, attractions, accessibility, safety, and tips for each trail.

There are different trails for different levels of difficulties~

Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail is the most direct and easiest trail that follows the funicular train route from the Lower Station to the Upper Station. It is suitable for beginners or those who want a short and simple hike. The trail has multiple rest stops and stairs along the way that make it easier to climb.

- Difficulty level: Easy

- Distance: 3.25 km

- Duration: 1-2 hours

- Elevation gain: 700 m

- Terrain: Paved road with stairs

- Scenery: City view and rainforest view

- Attractions: The Habitat, Bellevue Hotel, David Brown's Restaurant, etc.

- Accessibility: Easy to access from the Lower Station of the funicular train

- Safety: Well-marked and well-maintained

- Tips: Bring a jacket or sweater as it can get cold at the top; watch out for monkeys that may snatch your food or belongings

Moon Gate Trail

The Moon Gate Trail is a moderate to challenging trail that starts from the Moon Gate arch near the Botanical Garden and ends at Station 5 on Penang Hill. It passes through various scenic spots and rest stops such as Station 84, Viaduct Station, etc. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers or those who want a longer and more adventurous hike.

- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging

- Distance: 4.62 km

- Duration: 2-3 hours

- Elevation gain: 800 m

- Terrain: Dirt path with rocks and roots

- Scenery: Rainforest view and wildlife sightings

- Attractions: The Canopy Walkway, The Tree Top Walk, The Curtis Crest, etc.

- Accessibility: Easy to access from the Moon Gate arch near the Botanical Garden

- Safety: Somewhat marked and maintained; some sections are steep and slippery

- Tips: Bring enough water and snacks as there are no shops or facilities along the way; wear sturdy shoes and gloves as there are some ropes to assist you in climbing

Botanical Garden Trail

The Botanical Garden Trail is a long and steep trail that starts from the Botanical Garden and ends at the Upper Station of the funicular train. It passes by or near some of the attractions and facilities on Penang Hill such as Lily Pond, Parliament House, Waterfall Garden, etc. It is suitable for advanced hikers or those who want a challenging and rewarding hike.

- Difficulty level: Challenging

- Distance: 6.25 km

- Duration: 3-4 hours

- Elevation gain: 900 m

- Terrain: Dirt path with rocks and roots; some paved sections

- Scenery: Rainforest view and waterfall view

- Attractions: Lily Pond, Parliament House, Waterfall Garden, etc.

- Accessibility: Easy to access from the Botanical Garden; need to pay an entrance fee of RM5 per person

- Safety: Somewhat marked and maintained; some sections are very steep and slippery; need to cross a stream at one point

- Tips: Bring enough water and snacks as there are no shops or facilities along the way; wear sturdy shoes and waterproof clothing as it can get wet and muddy

Other Trails

There are some other trails available on Penang Hill that are less popular or less accessible, but still worth exploring if you have more time and energy. Some of these trails are:

- Moniot Trail: This is one of the oldest and most historical trails on Penang Hill, named after Jules M. Moniot, who was the surveyor-general of the Straits Settlements at the time. It is a 3 km trail that runs from Halfway House to Mon Sejour and The Retreat, passing by some of the oldest bungalows and cottages on the hill. It is a moderate trail that offers a glimpse of the colonial past and the botanical diversity of Penang Hill.

- Rifle Range Trail: This is a 4.41 km trail that starts from Rifle Range Road near Air Itam Dam and ends at Station 46 on Penang Hill. It is a challenging trail that climbs steeply through dense rainforest and bamboo groves. It is a secluded and quiet trail that offers a sense of adventure and solitude.

- Bukit Cendana Trail: This is a 4.43 km trail that starts from Bukit Cendana Road near Youth Park and ends at Station 84 on Penang Hill. It is a moderate trail that follows a ridge with scenic views of the city and the sea. It is a popular trail among locals and cyclists who enjoy the fresh air and the natural beauty.

Go On a Hike in Penang Hill Today!

Penang Hill Hike is a wonderful activity for anyone who loves nature and hiking. It offers a variety of trails for different levels of difficulty and duration, as well as a range of attractions and facilities for different interests and preferences. Whether you want to enjoy the panoramic views, the cool climate, the cultural heritage, or the wildlife diversity, Penang Hill Hike has something for everyone.

If you are interested in trying Penang Hill Hike, you can book your tickets online or at the Lower Station of the funicular train. You can also visit trip.com website to find more travel tips, deals, and packages for your Penang trip. Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the best hiking destinations in Malaysia.