Penang Island is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Being a small island covering 295 sq km (Singapore is three times larger in size), it certainly packs a big punch in terms of alluring charm and fascinating attractions.
The island’s historic capital, Georgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial buildings, vibrant street art and diverse multicultural setting. Penang, also known as Malaysia’s food capital, boasts a world-famous street food scene.
In this first part of a series on Penang, let’s explore Penang Hill, which offers amazing views of Georgetown from the top and many places of interest for visitors to enjoy.
Hop On The Penang Hill Funicular Train
To go up the hill, visitors ride the iconic funicular train, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, making it one of the oldest funicular systems in the world. It has undergone several upgrades and overhauls over the years.  The current Swiss-designed funicular runs on a tunnel track with a steepness of 28 degrees, which is the steepest in the world (Wikipedia) and its 2 km track is the longest in Asia, adding to its uniqueness.
Unlike cable cars, funicular railways are systems whose vehicles are pulled by a cable (hauling rope) and run on rails to travel back and forth between stations. The funicular train takes passengers to the top in seven minutes. To date, this funicular railway system is the only one of its kind in Malaysia, transporting over 1.5 million visitors on the average yearly.
Here are some of the attractions on Penang Hill.
Experience the wonders of a rain forest that is 130 million years old
The Habitat is a world-class eco-tourism facility located on the fringes of a 130-million year old pristine rainforest on Penang Hill. This world-class ecotourism site, the first of its kind in Malaysia, aims to promote environmental consciousness and conservation awareness tourism.
Penang Hill also received the status as Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2021. Nature Walks @ Penang Hill offer visitors the opportunity to go on self-guided walks along three interesting bypaths on the summit of the Hill. There are also nature walks by experienced guides.
The star attraction at The Habitat is Curtis Crest Treetop Walk, the highest viewing platform in Penang, where you can soak in mesmerising 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island. Curtis Crest has a total length of 100m and forms a semi-circular loop at about 820m above sea level.
Another attraction is the 230m Langur Way Canopy Walk, which comprises two 115m ribbon bridges that make it the longest double span stressed ribbon bridge in the world and the only one in a pristine rainforest! Â The bridge offers a unique view of the canopy layers in the rainforest, where more than 50% of biodiversity in the rainforest, reside.
Visitors can also experience the rainforest at a whole new level with the Flight of the Colugo zipline experience through the rainforest canopy, guided by a professionally-certified aerial trail team.
Visit Historical Buildings
Penang Hill is home to picturesque historical buildings and monuments that feature a fusion of British colonial, Asian, and modern architecture. In fact, there are over 50 historical bungalows located atop the hill, many built in the 1800s, some of which have been converted into boutique hotels as well as budget lodgings.
Other interesting sights include the Heritage Post Box (put up during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 1800’s) and a majestic 32-Pounder Cannon that weighs 2.75 tons (2,500 kg!). There are also religious buildings including a mosque and Hindu temple on Penang Hill.
Fasten A Love Lock
You don’t have travel as far as Pont des Arts in Paris or Germany’s Hohenzollern Bridge to fasten a lock. Penang Hill offers its very own Love Lock fence where you can fasten a love lock on an 80m wide fence overlooking the city of Georgetown. Love locks are available for purchase on-site.
Unwind with a cuppa on the hill
Did you know that you can visit the highest cafe in Penang here? Tucked away in the Monkey Cup Garden is Jungle Coffee is where you can enjoy drinks and snacks while being surrounded by trees and fresh air.
If you’re planning to have dinner at Penang Hill, you can head to the David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace where you can enjoy dinner with stunning views of Georgetown. The restaurant is set in a beautifully-restored colonial-style cottage and is also popular for its high tea experience.
See Georgetown Come To Life At Night
Penang Hill is great for visiting whether in the day or night, depending on what you’re planning to see and do here. If you’d like to go on nature or historical walks, you can head over in the morning or afternoon, but if you’d like to get a night view of Georgetown, the views from the top are unparalleled at night.
With a total of six peaks and multiple lookout points, Penang Hill offers panoramic views of the island and mainland, from sunrise to sunset.  Do note though that the funicular train operates from 6.30am to 10pm (till 11pm Fri to Sun), so you’re encouraged to plan your visit accordingly.
