Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), Penang

Bel Retiro is a government bungalow on Penang Hill that was built in 1789 for the governor of Penang, and remains within the exclusive use of the government. It is the most prestigious property on Penang Hill, built as a resort for high government officials and visiting dignitaries. It was the favourite retreat of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agung and Tunku Abdul Rahman whenever they visited Penang. Senior government officers built their bungalows close to Bel Retiro, on the principle of closeness is next to greatness. Although the bungalow itself is out-of-bounds to the general public, one can hike up to its gate, a beautiful brick structure with an arched entranceway.

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Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, or better known as the Penang Hill Hindu Temple, is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. It started off in the 1800's as a small shrine to the Hindu deity Murugan - the deity associated with Thaipusam - by the Indian sepoys and sedan chair carriers, and is located at the summit within Penang Hill called Gun Hill. A trident, or Murugan Vel, was installed there by the devotees. Over the years, it was enlarged and rebuilt. The present-day incarnation of the temple is a very ornate Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style of South India.

Penang Hill Mosque, or Masjid Bukit Bendera, is the only mosque on Penang Hill. Erected in 1966 for the use of Muslims living and working on the hill, the mosque is located a short distance from the Penang Hill Hindu Temple.

This is a 32 pound cannon weighing 2.75 tons. It can fire a 32 pound ball propelled at around 1600ft per second. Usually situated at the lower gun deck, with its muzzle some 2 metres above the water-line, it can reach a target range of approx 1,000 feet. It is made of bronze and was used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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From the 821m-high summit at Penang Hill, you can enjoy fantastic views over George Town and soak up the cooler mountain air, just like the British did when they set up Peninsula Malaysia's first hill station here.

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Penang Hill lies about 5km west of the George Towns city centre and makes for a fun afternoon outing especially when combined with a trip to the nearby Kek Lok Si Temple. Running up the 821-metre high hill is a funicular railway which was built by the British between 1906 and 1923 at a cost of 1.5 million Straits Dollars, so that the British officers could journey up the hill for convalescence or simply to relax and enjoy the cooler air. The funicular railway was only open to the public on 21st October 1923.

A journey up the hill takes about half an hour, and requires changing trains mid station. This is due to the difference in steepness. The lower section, which is 907 meters in length, has a steepness of 50.5% while the higher section, with a distance of 1313 meters, has a steepness of 51.3%. The system operates on a single track with passing loop, with two carriages one going up while the other coming down. The track forks into two to accommodate the two passing carriages. The original carriages which date from 1923 were replaced with newer ones in 1977. One of the original carriages is now displayed at the Penang State Museum. Be aware that you may have to wait a while in order to get on the train.

Admission: RM4 return.

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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, it will cost about 9rm return. Halfway up the hill, you get out and change trains.
The Funicular starts operation at 6.30am and departs half hourly.

The line was built in 1923, and takes about a half hour to reach the top, its quite a slow journey. On the way, you will see the temple, Kek Lok Si, some homes and Guest houses.

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.
The views are magnificent.
You see Georgetown, the mainland and Penang Bridge.

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We made our way to Penang Hill after asking all the relevant directions etc. We had read and were previously told that the Funicular railway was closed down for essential repairs. This in mind we decided to go anyway as 4 wheel jeeps were waiting to take tourists up the steep hill. On arrival at the sight of the railway we discovered that the jeeps were not infact here but another bus ride away at the sight of the botanical gardens, ah 2 birds with one stone ? No, the botanical gardens were also closed for essential maintainance! Never mind we took a jeep up the hill (expensive) about £20, but we had come a long way and were determind to do it. It was worth it the views from the hill were amazing, The belleview hotel open for refreshments and a lovely garden to sit and enjoy a drink and the scenery. Also there are temples, Indian and a mosque.