By train to the top of Penang Hill; a nerve-wracking experience
I think there are some things you should do when you’re in Penang. First of all, visit the old town of Georgetown, eat on Gurney Drive and take the train to Penang Hill.
Penang Hill
The latter was on the morning program, seemed handy because of the heat, so on to the beginning of the Penang Hill. These mountains, known by Malaysians as Bukit Bendera, are about six kilometers from the city of Georgetown and are easily reached by bus or Grab. A return trip by train costs 30 ringgit for adults and is about €6,5. You can also choose to buy a one-way ticket and make the way up on foot. The view is a lot nicer than when you go up by train.
The Habitat
If you can’t get enough of the view and are looking for something challenging, The Habitat is the solution. It is estimated that the Malaysian rainforest is about 130 million years old and you can find the most diverse tropical ecosystem in the world here. This 1.6-kilometer long hike takes you along the most beautiful vantage points of Penang and offers a glimpse into the flora and fauna of Malaysia. The entrance fee of 55 ringgit per person (€12) is used for The Habitat Foundation. An organization that is committed to, among other things, protecting this nature reserve.
Curtis Crest
The Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk is a treetop walk we haven’t seen before. Named after botanist Charles Curtis, this 13-meter high platform is the highest point on Penang. On a sunny day, the 360-degree view even offers a view of Langkawi. Nowadays these hills are mainly visited by tourists, but this area used to be popular with the British who used to play tennis here. Also, it was used by the military as a lookout point. There is not much left of that tennis court, but it certainly offers a beautiful view over the island.
The steepest train ride in the world
Maybe this is mainly because I closed my eyes and clung to a pole with sweaty hands until we were safely on the ground at the top of the mountain. The ‘Penang Hill Funicular Railway’ is the steepest tunnel track in the world and also the longest ride in Asia. Well, there you are in a little train with a hundred other people, that were ten very long minutes.
Enjoying a cool breeze
Penang Hill is not a particular mountain, but a group of mountains together. With the highest point, Western Hill, 833 meters above sea level, you have a beautiful view over the island and especially the capital Georgetown. In the old days, the train wasn’t used to bring tourists to the top, but during the British colony, it was a base for the British. Here they could escape the heat of the island for a while and enjoy a cool breeze.
Small village
If you think now, what delicious it is on that mountain ten degrees cooler than in Georgetown, then you’re wrong. After you (fearfully) sweat out of the train, you immediately notice that it is a bit cooler, but as soon as the sun starts to do its work, you can say goodbye to that cool breeze. Despite the heat, it is lovely to stay here. You get the idea that you have ended up in a small village, where you can not only walk for hours but also enjoy a nice meal.
By train to the top of Penang Hill; a nerve-wracking experience
I think there are some things you should do when you’re in Penang. First of all, visit the old town of Georgetown, eat on Gurney Drive and take the train to Penang Hill.
Penang Hill
The latter was on the morning program, seemed handy because of the heat, so on to the beginning of the Penang Hill. These mountains, known by Malaysians as Bukit Bendera, are about six kilometers from the city of Georgetown and are easily reached by bus or Grab. A return trip by train costs 30 ringgit for adults and is about €6,5. You can also choose to buy a one-way ticket and make the way up on foot. The view is a lot nicer than when you go up by train.
The steepest train ride in the world
Maybe this is mainly because I closed my eyes and clung to a pole with sweaty hands until we were safely on the ground at the top of the mountain. The ‘Penang Hill Funicular Railway’ is the steepest tunnel track in the world and also the longest ride in Asia. Well, there you are in a little train with a hundred other people, that were ten very long minutes.
Enjoying a cool breeze
Penang Hill is not a particular mountain, but a group of mountains together. With the highest point, Western Hill, 833 meters above sea level, you have a beautiful view over the island and especially the capital Georgetown. In the old days, the train wasn’t used to bring tourists to the top, but during the British colony, it was a base for the British. Here they could escape the heat of the island for a while and enjoy a cool breeze.
Small village
If you think now, what delicious it is on that mountain ten degrees cooler than in Georgetown, then you’re wrong. After you (fearfully) sweat out of the train, you immediately notice that it is a bit cooler, but as soon as the sun starts to do its work, you can say goodbye to that cool breeze. Despite the heat, it is lovely to stay here. You get the idea that you have ended up in a small village, where you can not only walk for hours but also enjoy a nice meal.
The Habitat
If you can’t get enough of the view and are looking for something challenging, The Habitat is the solution. It is estimated that the Malaysian rainforest is about 130 million years old and you can find the most diverse tropical ecosystem in the world here. This 1.6-kilometer long hike takes you along the most beautiful vantage points of Penang and offers a glimpse into the flora and fauna of Malaysia. The entrance fee of 55 ringgit per person (€12) is used for The Habitat Foundation. An organization that is committed to, among other things, protecting this nature reserve.
Curtis Crest
The Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk is a treetop walk we haven’t seen before. Named after botanist Charles Curtis, this 13-meter high platform is the highest point on Penang. On a sunny day, the 360-degree view even offers a view of Langkawi. Nowadays these hills are mainly visited by tourists, but this area used to be popular with the British who used to play tennis here. Also, it was used by the military as a lookout point. There is not much left of that tennis court, but it certainly offers a beautiful view over the island.
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