This is the story of my journey conquering the ascending hill during a Penang Hill Hiking session. If you’re looking for a test of stamina, this hike is definitely for you!

 

Penang Hill is the perfect destination if you’re looking for challenging hiking trails with plenty of steep inclines and declines. Depending on which way you’re headed.

I never did this hike with intention; it all happened by accident. However, I decided to have a torturous Penang Hill hiking session by chance after a quick morning visit to the gorgeous Penang Botanical Gardens. An adventure that would leave my legs feeling heavy for days after navigating several hiking trails and steep steps.

The Penang Hill hike is one of the most popular trails on Penang Island and can be pretty crowded on weekends and holidays. If you’re looking for a more challenging and less crowded hike, I recommend heading up early in the morning to avoid the crowds and perhaps when the Malaysian heat is not so overwhelming.

The Penang Hill Trail is a challenging route, not recommended for those who are not physically fit or fear heights. It is full of rocky terrain, narrow paths, and steep drop-offs. However, if you are bold enough to take on this challenge, the rewards are worth it. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Georgetown and the surrounding areas, including Butterworth.

Come with me on another hike through this incredible Malaysian destination because Penang is a sight to be seen from all sorts of vantage points.

 

 

What inspired my Penang Hill Hiking session 

The original idea was to visit the Penang Botanical Gardens, walk to the Municipal Park and use a Grab driver to take me to the funicular train, which goes up Penang Hill.

Therefore, the inspiration came from nothing except my love of walking; on the way to the Municipal Park from the Botanical Gardens, I saw a trekking entrance called Moongate 5. So I might hike through the trails instead of taking the Funicular train and see how far I went (which was to the end once I got too deep). And that’s how the inspiration for the Penang Hill hiking adventure came to pass.

The hike itself is pretty straightforward. Several slippery slopes and awkward terrain, but the challenge comes with the ascent, it’s naturally all uphill, and it doesn’t relent until you reach your final destination.

 

 

 

What to wear on the Penang Hiking Trail

Make no qualms about it; I was unprepared for this hike, and looking back, it was a little foolish. However, I did have water and a good pair of shoes, but that’s it.

The hike is quite strenuous, so I recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. If you have long hair, tie it up to avoid it from getting caught on anything.

The sun can be pretty harsh, mainly if you’re not used to hiking in tropical climates. Bring a hat and sunglasses when hiking. A first aid kit is always good if you scrape on the rocks or fall.

It would be best if you also did the hike in pairs; I was foolishly alone. While it’s not an overly extreme hike, it has rough terrain and slippery conditions in parts, and it’s quite a vertical trek.

 

 

Penang Hill Hiking Trails

Hiking can be an incredibly fulfilling form of exercise, especially on Penang Island, where you can take in the breathtaking natural scenery.

Penang Hill boasts multiple hiking trails, ranging from well-maintained paved roads to steep sections, each offering unique difficulty and beauty. These trails include beginner-friendly options like the Moongate Trail or Moniot Trail and more challenging routes such as the Kapitan Trail.

Every trail presents stunning views of the surrounding greenery and landscapes, making it a perfect destination for hikers of all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting, Penang Hill’s hiking trails have something for everyone.

Some of the Penang Hill hiking trails available are the following:

• Moongate Trail
• Penang Hill Heritage Trail
• The Habitat Trail
• Western Hill Loop
• Bukit Laksamana Trail
• Bukit Gantung Hiking trail
• Moniot trail
• Tiger Hill trail

 

 

Taking the Penang Hill Heritage Trail

Penang Hill Heritage Trail is a journey through time with breathtaking views and an opportunity to explore the culture and history of Penang Hill. It is a must-visit destination for those who love nature and enjoy hiking.

The Heritage Trail is a combination of stunning scenery and fascinating historical sites. This remarkable journey begins from the Penang Hill Railway Station and stretches until Strawberry Hill, where you can see the entire island of Penang. Visitors also see fascinating landmarks, such as colonial bungalows, temples, and beautiful gardens.

The heritage trail is a testament to Penang Hill’s rich history and culture. Visitors will undoubtedly be enchanted with this enchanting journey that it offers.

 

 

 

 

 

Where my Penang Hill Hike Began

After I hired a grab car for sightseeing in Malaysia, I began my hike to Penang Hill from the Moongate 5 entrance area, which is located near the Penang Botanical Gardens. The duration of the hike depends on your pace and how often you take breaks. Typically, it takes about two to three hours to complete the hike. Although there are resting stations and a halfway house, they are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The views during the hike are breathtaking, whether the weather is clear or cloudy. You can see the entire Georgetown, including the towering apartment buildings and other areas of Penang. I highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting Penang Island.

 

 

My experiences through the Penang Hill Hike

The Penang Hill hike is well-marked, so following the trail wasn’t too difficult. I was unprepared, but I had the basics of water and a good pair of shoes, which held me in good stead. Throughout the hike, I was mindful of my energy and rationed my water as I went along.

I never felt lost, and Google Maps is astonishing and your best friend while travelling. Even for a trail, it lets me know where I am headed, so I know my path even if unfamiliar with the area. It also gave a rough estimate of how long it takes to reach the resting and final destinations.

The real challenge came with the ascent; it’s a steep incline up, and there are parts where you have to scramble over rocks and through slippery and slim tracks. Funnily enough, the most challenging bit came when you went off the trail and had to walk on the road for the remainder of the hike after final rest station 84. You would think that would be the most straightforward bit, but the ascent became a real grind at that point and much more steep.

Once I reached the top, the views were worth it, but that was furthest from my mind then; I went straight to the main food hall and spoilt myself with local cuisine and ice cream.

Do I recommend the hike? If you’re fit, you’ll cope fine, but if you’re not used to hiking, give this one a miss. The Penang Hill hike is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it’s also a perfect spot for sunset watching.

Ultimately, this hike didn’t even compare to the three-day grind of hiking in Nepal, so I felt and did have the stamina to keep going.

 

 

What you’ll see on the Penang Hill Hiking trails

If you’re looking for an exhilarating hike in Penang, the Moon Gate trail is definitely worth considering. This trail offers breathtaking views that will leave you mesmerized. As you ascend the trail, you’ll come across various rest stations, which provide an opportunity to catch your breath and take in the stunning views of Penang. The panoramic views only get better as you climb higher.

While on your journey, you’ll also come across the Thaneermalai Sree Balathandayuthabani Devasthanam temple, an impressive Hindu temple in the Batu Ferringhi area. This temple is located near the Moon Gate trail but not accessible from the trail. Nonetheless, it’s still worth admiring this beautiful temple from a distance.

As you trek through the jungle, you’ll come across several notable landmarks, including the old stone, a half-falling rock that’s hard to miss. Additionally, there’s the rainbow rock, which is slightly off the track but still worth checking out. While hiking through the jungle, you might spot other small objects of interest, but they’ll require more energy to reach your final destination.

 

 

 

 

Things to do on Penang Hill

Why take you on the hike and not let you know what awaits at the top? It’s sensational and will make the steep hike worth it.

Penang Hill is blessed with several tourist spots close together that you can check out; they are:

 

The Habitat Penang Hill

With an elevation of 800 meters, Habitat Penang Hill is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature. The hiking trails are marked and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

You can enjoy the fresh air in one of our numerous parks, but you can also experience the thrill of walking along the canopy walkway, which allows you to get up close and personal with the trees and the forest floor. You can also visit the butterfly garden to observe local wildlife.

Additionally, plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as watching caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies or observing them as they feed on nectar at the Butterfly Garden before flying off into the wild. The Habitat is an ideal place to spend a day or two exploring the beauty of nature.

 

 

 

The Penang Funicular Train

Penang Hill Railway, also known as the Penang Funicular Train, is the oldest means of transportation to reach Penang Hill. The Penang Hill Lower Station is located in Air Itam, the starting point for the train ride up the hill.

The Penang Hill Railway was constructed in 1923 by a Swiss company and was later handed over to the Penang municipal council in 1930. After it was closed in 1986 for refurbishment, it was finally reopened in 2002. The funicular train ride up the hill has two stops: the Penang Hill Middle Station and the Penang Hill Upper Station.

Penang Hill is a popular tourist destination in Penang, and the Penang Hill Railway is the most convenient way to reach it. The Penang Hill Corporation operates the Penang Funicular Train daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The one-way ticket fare is RM4 for adults and RM2 for children, while the round-trip ticket costs RM8 for adults and RM4 for children.

 

 

Earthquake & Typhoon Pavilion Penang Hill

Experience the phenomenon of an earthquake and typhoon all in one place at the Earthquake & Typhoon Pavilion on Penang Hill! Walking through the pavilion, you will first feel the ground shaking beneath your feet as an earthquake simulation begins.

The winds will pick up as the typhoon simulation kicks in – watch out for flying debris! The attraction is a fun and educational experience for all ages, so check it out when visiting Penang Hill.

 

The Penang Hill Viewing Deck

The Penang Hill Viewing Deck is one of the best places to enjoy a panoramic city view. Located at the top of Penang Hill, the deck provides visitors with a breathtaking 360-degree view of George Town and the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or want to enjoy a stunning view, be sure to check out the Penang Hill Viewing Deck.

 

 

Little Village @ Bukit Bendera

Little Village @ Bukit Bendera is a hidden gem in Penang’s hills. This charming village boasts numerous traditional shops, restaurants, and delightful accommodation options.

Visitors can wander the winding streets and discover charming courtyards and hidden alleyways. The village is also home to several temples, providing an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Malaysian culture.

Furthermore, Bukit Bendera offers breathtaking views of the city below, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a sunset or take in the sights. Whether you’re looking for a unique place to stay or want to explore something different, Little Village is worth a visit.

 

Hindu Temple Penang Hill and Masjid Bukit Bendera

Penang is a city of breathtaking beauty, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away. If you want to experience some of the most stunning views of Penang, then you should visit the Hindu Temple on Penang Hill. This temple is known for its awe-inspiring views of the city and the sea, and it’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Penang.

Another unique religious site in Penang is Masjid Bukit Bendera, the only mosque in Malaysia with an elevator. Located on a hilltop, this mosque offers stunning cityscape views, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking for a place to pray or want to take in the spectacular views, the Masjid is worth a visit.

These two religious sites offer a unique and memorable experience, combining stunning views with rich cultural heritage. So, whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual pilgrim, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, add the Hindu Temple and Masjid to your list of must-visit destinations in Penang.

 

 

 

Dine and treat yourself at the Penang Hill Food Court

The Penang Hill Food Court is a local favourite, serving delicious Malaysian cuisine at affordable prices. The court is located in the heart of George Town and is convenient for locals and tourists.

The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including nasi lemak (coconut rice), laksa (spicy noodle soup), and satay (grilled skewers). And you won’t believe the ice cream, which is the perfect recipe after a strenuous hike. The food is cooked to order and served with a smile by the friendly staff.

The court is also open late, so it is an excellent place for late-night snacks or dinners. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the Penang Hill Food Court will please.

 

 

 

Would I do the hike in Penang Hill again?

In a nutshell, nope, once was enough. As much as I loved the experience, I do not feel the need to endure it again, at least not anytime soon and maybe not alone.

The pain I felt for the next 48 hours wasn’t worth it, even with the incredible views and food at the top, because there was a much more convenient way to reach the top to see the same gorgeous views and attractions.

If you’re considering the Penang Hill hike, go for it, but be prepared for a challenging ascent. But the views from the top make it all worthwhile. And remember to enjoy the local cuisine once you reach the food hall!

Just be sure to come prepared with water, sunscreen, and, most importantly, a good pair of shoes. Enjoy!

Have you hiked to the top of Penang Hill? Please share your experiences in the comments below.