Penang Hill

Historically,Penang Hill was cleared by Captain Francis Light to grow strawberries. The official name of the hill was Flagstaff Hill (Bukit Bendera when translated into Bahasa Malaysia) but it is today commonly known as Penang Hill.

Known in Malay language as Bukit Bendera, this hill is the first hill station in Malaysia and is about 830 m or 2730 feet above sea level. The temperature at the peak is about 3°C to 5°C lower than the temperature at the hill below. Hence, this hill is an ideal place to escape the heat of the day.

You can hike all the way up the hill, take the funicular train or hire a jeep at Botanical Gardens. The old trains had been replaced and the new ones are able to carry a maximum capacity of 100 passengers/trip. Each trip takes about 5 minutes.

If you plan to take the train, it is a good idea to go up during weekdays from Mondays to Fridays as it is usually crowded during the weekends. During school holidays, sometimes you may have to wait up to an hour to board the train.

Going up during the night time will enable you to see the beautiful bright city below during a clear night.

The funicular train.

The scenery that you can expect to see as the train goes up the hill.

Refreshments and snacks are sold at the tea kiosk on top of the hill. A hotel, police station and post office facilities are also located on the hill. Along the way up, you will see the lush greenery of the tropical rain forest and bungalows that were originally built for the British officials. There is a 11-room Bellevue Hotel that you can stay if you want to but many would prefer to stay at the beaches or city where there are more choices of hotels.

If you are one who prefer to hike, you can hike from Penang Botanical Garden at the Moon Gate all the way to the upper funicular train. The total distance is 5.5km and it will take you about 3-4 hours to reach. It is better to take a guide along with you if you are not familiar with this trail.

You can also hire a jeep at Botanical Gardens to go up the hill but it is only economical if you go as a group.

Some activities that you can do here:

• View of Georgetown from the Viewing Deck
• Take a nature walk on the summit
• See the Old Train at Bukit Bendera Square
• Buggy ride along Summit Road with your family
• See the Heritage Post Box
• See the 250 years-old cannon near the mosque
• There is a Monkey Cup(pitcher plants) Garden but entrance fees are required

Welcome to Penang Hill

See the view of Georgetown from the observatory tower.

Well maintained pavement and flora

Operation Hours & Fares

Open everyday  from 6.30am to 11:00pm

Take note that the ticketing counter at the bottom of the station operates from 6:15am to 9:45pm. 

The fast lane is a priority lane where you get to board the train earlier compared to others. However, the tickets are more pricey compared to the normal lane.

If you are a Malaysian and would like to enjoy promotional rates, come for the sunrise with your MyKad from 6:30am-8am. You need to pay only RM5 for a return trip.

Georgetown as seen from the hill. On a clear day, you could see the first bridge.

Getting To Penang Hill

If you are driving, go towards the direction of Air Itam. It is located near Kek Lok Si temple. There are parking bays available outside the main entrance to the station as well as the multi-storey car park.

You can also take Rapid Penang Bus No. 204 which will stop at the Jetty, Fort Cornwalis, Padang Kota, Komtar, Masjid Negeri, Padang Tembak, Kg. Melayu, Kg. Pisang and Bukit Bendera.

If you are fit and would like to hike up the hill, park your car at Botanic Garden and start your hike at the famous Moongate. It will take you 2.5-3 hours to reach this hill. Along the way, you will be rewarded with the scenic view of the city as well as taking in the abundant of flora and fauna. See the many hiking trails here.

Take the funicular train down the hill if you are too tired to hike down but you will have to find your way back to Botanic Garden at the foothill.

Address: Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, 11500 Air Itam, Penang.

Tel: +604 828 8880 or +604 828 8861 (8:30am to 4:30pm from Mon-Fri)