Penang Hill is one of Penang island's featured attractions. Well known for its cool and fresh climate from the tropical heat of George Town, it is a popular holiday retreat to the locals as well as tourists. Penang Hill is also known for its magnificently spectacular panoramic view of George Town, the mainland, the Penang Bridge and the Straits of Malacca which can be viewed from the Penang Hill Summit. The hill, also known as Bukit Bendera or Flagstaff Hill, is  833 m (2,723 ft) above sea level and stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area.

Access to the hill is most enjoyable by the Penang Hill Railway, a two section funicular railway which climbs Penang Hill from Air Itam. The railway was opened to the public on October 21, 1923 and the total journey takes about half an hour, with passengers changing cars at the mid-point station. The train may also stop at other intermediate stations upon request or the alighting of residents living around the hill.

Alternatively, there is a 5.1 km (3.17 mile) tarred road popularly known as the "jeep track". It is open only to the vehicles of hill residents. The "jeep track" is also a popular hiking route. It begins at the quarry of the entrance of Penang Botanic Gardens and it takes a two or three hour leisure hike to reach the top.

The sights on Penang Hill itself is a nice relaxing view. Because of its cool weather, beautifully landscaped flowers of all colours bloom in full glory in the gorgeous flower garden.

Not only are the plants fresh with life but the modestly tiny bird park situated before the entrance of the old Bellevue hotel is alive with cheerful singing and the colourful dashes of the playful birds.

Besides that there is a tea kiosk, several restaurants, souvenir stalls, a mosque, and a Hindu temple for visitors to visit. A number of picturesque bungalows and guesthouses were built around Flagstaff Hill and some are up for rent for those who intend to stay for more than a day.

Numerous trekking trails lead from various starting points in the lowlands to Penang Hill. The more popular trails include the Moongate Trail, trail from Air Itam Dam to Tiger Hill, trail from Hye Keat Estate and trail from the Municipal Park (formerly Youth Park). Some of the trails are used by farmers to transport produces to the markets of Balik Pulau and Air Itam.  Some of the more famous pit stops at the hill are 52 and 84. At these pit stops, the view of island is visible to hikers who are able to get some water and tea prepared by locals stationed on the hill.

Present on Penang Hill is also a 32 counder cannon, rich in historical value. Weighing 2.75 tons. It can fire a 32 pound ball propelled by an 11LB (5kg), gun powder charge giving a muzzle velocity of 1600 ft per second. Usually situated at the lower gun deck, with a muzzle some 2 m above water-line, it can reach the target range of 1,000 feet.
It is made of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin commonly used in 18th and 19th century artillery.
This cannon was probably transported from town to hill as an ornament or to warn the presence of pirates.

Contact:

The Management of Penang Hill Railway

Jalan Hill Railway, Air Itam, 11500 Penang

Tel / Fax: +604-8274490