In this blog, you will see Penang Hill Hike on Penang Island. I climbed 1400 steps to the middle hill station and back at night due to the night and mosquitoes. It is very hard to climb these Penang hills.
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera: in Malay or Malaysian language) is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks on Penang Island, Malaysia.
Introduction
Table of Contents
Step out of your feet at that large hill in the distance and let us go climbing! It is an energetic, sweaty hike, but once you reach the top of Penang Hill, the breathtaking panoramic views over Penang Island are well worth it. Originally home to Peninsular Malaysia’s oldest colonial hill station, established in 1787, the peak is now home to a bustling tourist village with hotels, restaurants, ice cream shops, and lots of happy tourists enjoying the fresh air.
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is a hilltop that comprises several peaks of Penang Hill in George Town. It is located in Air Itam, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) west of the city centre of George Town. Penang Hill covers a number of hills, with the highest point at Western Hill, which is 833 metres (2,733 ft) above sea level.
Why Penang Hill Hike is popular among hikers & budget travelers
Penang Hill Hike has become a more popular hike among hikers and budget travelers because it offers an adventure journey through the jungle, nature, and incredible views at the top, without spending any money. Many tourist attractions in Malaysia, such as the ride to Penang Hill is completely free. You don’t need expensive permits, guides, or equipment, making it perfect for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget. The stairs have been built to hike up to the hill, but some of the stairs are ruined and need to be careful.
For hikers, the hiking trail is both hard and challenging, and rewarding. The famous 2000 steps test your energy and stamina, while the cool forest atmosphere keeps the hike fun, and the trails run into the shadow of trees. Along the way, you’re surrounded by green jungle, fresh air, and the sounds of nature—something you don’t get from riding the funicular train.
Budget travelers also love the flexibility. I started in the afternoon and got dark as I climbed to 1500 steps, and was bitten by mosquitoes. The hike should start early in the morning, enjoy the epic views at the top, and return by descending by walking or riding a train if your legs are too tired to hike down. This mix of free jungle adventure and optional paid comfort makes the Penang Hill Hike a nice option.
Another reason for its popularity is ease of access. The trail starts close to George Town and is easy to reach by bus (public transport). Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or even a first-time hiker, Penang Hill Hike provides a real experience without breaking the bank.
Read Also – HIKING ON SHESHAN MOUNTAIN (佘山), SHANGHAI
Penang Hill Train
The top of the hill is accessible via the Penang Hill Railway from its base station at Jalan Bukit Bendera, Air Itam. Penang Hill is mainly a hilly granitic mass.
The hill system is higher towards the northern part, with its highest point at Western Hill, at an elevation of 833 m (2,733 ft) above sea level.
The Penang Hill funicular train timing is Daily: 6.30 a.m – 11.00 p.m Ticket price is (return) Ringgit 30 and can be bought online at https://sales.penanghill.gov.my
Penang Hill Hike Distance & Time
| Trail Difficulty | Hard |
| Duration | 4 – 5 Hours |
| Distance | 5 km |
| Elevation | 833 m (2,733 ft) |
Choosing the Right Route for Your Penang Hill Hike
The Heritage Trail
As my personal hiking experience, “The Heritage Trail” is one of the easiest routes to the top of Penang Hill. It is an up-and-down hike of around 5 km that takes about 4 hours to do.
The funicular train starts from the lower station at Air Itam to the top, which is the most direct way, although it stops at the middle station to get on or get off. There are many steep steps on this path. However, there are many rest areas, amazing points, and you can automatically join many climbers along the way.
I hiked this route through the jungle and liked it personally. You get an epic city view from the top of Penang Hill.
Bat Cave Temple Route
Bat Cave is not Batu Cave, which is located in Kuala Lumpur. This route’s second half is exactly the same as the Heritage Trail. Additionally, they both begin at the Lower Station.
However, the initial part of the Bat Cave Trail avoids many of the steps by making a diversion to a natural cave that is home to some resident bats and has a modest temple honouring the Chinese deity Kuan Yin.
I believe I would have selected this option for our descent if I had known about it beforehand.
The Moon Gate Trail
The Moon Gate Trail is a mix of concrete steps and dirt trails that lead from the Bukit Gantung Cemetery to the top. The Moon Gate Trail is a little more “off-road” than the Heritage Trail. It is not as steep as the Heritage Trail, but it is about a kilometre longer.
The “moon gate,” a circular wooden gate at the beginning that served as the entry of Penang opium tycoon Cheah Chen Eok’s residence, is the source of the name.
The Jeep Track Trail
The Jeep Track begins at Penang Botanical Gardens and travels to the top of the hill via the tarmac route that Penang Hill locals use. The first kilometre of this trail is quite hilly, but after that it becomes less steep. Of all the hiking trails, this one is probably the easiest.
Of course, it is expensive if you hire a jeep, but you can do it.
The Bukit Gantung Trail
The Bukit Gantung Trail, which begins at Rifle Range Flats or Bukit Gantung Cemetery, is the longest of the well-traveled paths to the summit of Penang Hill and is likely the most off-road climb. It mostly travels along dirt routes.
