Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)

Amazing as it may sound. A cooling environment in the hot and humid weather of Penang. Penang Hill or affectingly known by locals as "Bukit Bendara", is one of the only cool places to visit in Penang. A hill with elevation of about 833 m (2723 ft) has proved that it is one of the main attractions not only to the foreigner but also locals.

The cooling and serenity of the hill especially when you are at the peak will provide a much needed calm and relaxation from the hot and bustling stress by the city of George Town. 

With the temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degree Celsius, it is going to be a place to relax, remember and rejuvenate. 

The hilly and forested Penang Hill are founded by Sir Francis Light during his pack horse track back in the year 1788. However, it was during the 19th century that construction is carried out to build the hill into a place well accessible by local or even tourist alike which brings about the funicular railway construction at the cost of about $1.5 Million.

Depending on the time that is available, you can either go up the hills by foot or by using a famous Swiss made funicular train. Of course if you were to take a more relaxing train to the hilltop, you are going to miss on what nature has to offer such as a mist covered valley, giant bamboo trees, crystal cool pond, farm, wild dogs, birds and of course various species of plants. 

Funicular train leaves every 20 to 25 minutes at 

a cost of RM4 per person that can carry a max of 80 passengers per trip. You can buy your ticket at the ticket counter and after you do that, take some time to visit the gallery that is located behind the ticketing counter. The gallery showcase some of the old Penang Hills history which includes photos and antique items. 

Jungle trekking remains one of the popular activities in Penang Hills. Various attempts were made to climb up the hill by local, foreigner and also hiking enthusiast. Some of the popular trekking route will be from botanical gardens, 

Hye Keat Estate in Air Itam and the most vigorous trail of Tiger hill. 

Ask anyone who jungle trekked to the hill top before and they will gives you two "Thumbs UP"

Before you make any attempt to climb the hill, it is best if you can get some partner to accompany you and to start ascending during the morning. Just a note to remember is that all the jungle trail are not lighted, so just in case you miss time your trek and descend during night fall, bring also a flash light. You do not want to get lost in the dark right? Another way to go up the hill is by hiring a 4WD vehicle which is the least popular choice. Hotel Bellevue provides this service from RM70 to RM130 depending which part of the island are you from.

Some of the activities that are available at The Penang Hills will be:

Visiting a bird sanctuary at the Bellevue Hotel grounds.

Canopy Walk, which is a suspension bridge hanging over the treetops. There is no entrance charge and it is opened seven days a week. You need to walk up the hill if you want to see it.

Mouth watering delicacies from the Bellevue hotel that is located at the hilltop. The price is rather competitive. It also provides room in case you'll like to stay for a night.

Visiting an Indian Temple and Mosque which is built side by side with no racial conflict and tension.

Hold a conferencing or business meetings at the Railway Bungalow on Penang Hills. It has all the audio visual facilities and can accommodate from 30 to 50 participants.

Experience the Flora of Penang Hills. It house some of the interesting plant such as Dipterocarp forest, parasitic plant, Exorhopalia Ruficeps, Hazel Maingaya Malayana and many more.

The Fauna of relatively undisturbed forest are much to look out for too. Wild boars, small and medium sized mammals such as the squirrels, monkeys and tree shrews can be easily sighted.

Others include civets, flying lemurs, flying civets and bats.

And in the evenings cicadas and crickets come out. It is known that about 100 species or 80% of the birds found on Penang Island have been recorded here. They range from the common garden species to rare deep forest inhabitants.

You will also get to see the panoramic view of George Town, Tanjung Bungah and the mainland.

Lastly, visiting souvenir shop at the ground

With so many things to see, to feel, to experience and to look for, no wonder people keeps coming back to this hills. Just experience for yourself and you'll agree with me that Penang Hills is definitely one of the places in Penang worth visiting.