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Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill)
Jalan Tunku Yahya Petra Penang Hill, Penang 11300 Phone: +60 4-828 8880About
Bukit Bendera. Probably has the best view of Georgetown and the Penang Bridge, especially at night. Go up via the Penang Hill Railway. Take Rapid Penang bus no. 204 to the last stop (RM2) to get to the lower station. The train, which was upgraded in 2011, is a fascinating little cable train service that lifts you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes. The 19th-century English travel writer, Isabella Bird, called the temperature on the hill 'delicious' because it can be very much cooler than on the plains. More than a century later, Ms. Bird's statement still holds true. The more adventurous (and fit) may want to hike up the hill (remember to take along water). There are several starting points for a trek up the hill including from the Moon Gate (about 300 m from the entrance of the Botanical Gardens) and from inside the Botanical Gardens itself (just before the Reservoir, steep steps behind small bridge, jump from road over water drainage canal). Trail to the top takes 2-3 hr depending on how lucky you will be with choice at junctions, there is no signage. You can also walk up the 5 km long boring paved road which begins beside the entrance to the Gardens. When you reach the summit, you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch, buy a souvenir, try to photograph Georgetown and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungfuls of cool, clean hill air. Leave a good 2-3 hr to get to the top and return once buying your ticket.
Expert Review
"This is a definate 'must see' when visiting Penang. The 830 metre high Penang Hill is well worth a visit for the cooler air, and the lovely views over Penang. To get there, you can either walk to the top, or ride the Swiss made Funicular up the steep hill, Halfway up the hill, you get out and change trains.The Funicular starts operation at 6.30am and departs half hourly.At the top, there is a Kiosk, Restaurant, Souvenir Stalls, Bellevue Hotel, a Mosque, Hindu Temple, Bellevue Hotel, Bird Park ( open 9-6pm) and a Canopy walk if you wish to do.At night, enjoy the view of the lighted bridge and the buildings around the bridge."
- By Mohd Sadath,
28 Aug 2013
