Penang Hill

At the heart of Penang Island, just nine kilometres west of George Town, Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera locally), was once a hill station that offered a cool respite for government servants and army officials of the British Empire based in the city. Since 1923, residents and visitors alike have been able to reach the top of Penang Hill by the Penang Hill Funicular railway. The two-kilometre journey used to be a 30 minute, two train affair; today the modern train flies up the steep incline in just 5 to 10 minutes single journey.

At 833 metres above sea level the views from the top are panoramic, taking in George Town and across the Penang Strait to mainland Malaysia. You’ll also find Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Hindu Temple, Tua Pek Kong Temple and Masjid Bukit Bendera and souvenir shops. Then there’s the 130-million-year-old rainforest that swathes the summit is protected as the UNESCO-recognised Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, criss-crossed with pathways and canopy walkways. Nestled among the forest are the old bungalows once used by the colonial British – while most historically fell into disrepair, many have been given a new lease of life, restored as boutique hotels and resorts in the lush surrounds of the hilltop.