Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), Penang

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Take an enjoyable funicular rail ride up Penang Hill, 830m above sea level, to have a panoramic view of Georgetown. Penang Hill was established as a cool hill retreat during the colonial days. It was originally called Flagstaff Hill, the locals have always affectionately referred to it as Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera.
The ride takes 30 minutes, with a change of trains in the middle. Along the way you can see bits of wild-looking jungle, possibly some jungle wild-life such as monkeys (for some reason or so, people in the tram get excited when they spot these monkeys), old bungalows of the former colonial masters and some other odd buildings.
At the top of the hill, you'll find a hawker centre, souvenir stalls, a mosque, hindu temple, and the old Bellevue hotel. The hotel is one of several hotel cum sanatoriums which originally dotted the hilltops. The Bellevue has definitely seen better days, and the interior in particular has all the charm of a colonial government hospital.
In the garden in front of the Bellevue is a small aviary garden with several species of parrots and a few hornbills. The birds are beautiful but the cages are a bit too small for them to have room to fly and socialize.
Nature lovers can opt to take a six-kilometre hike up by nature trails accessible from the Botanical Gardens (if you're really in the mood for a lot of exercise).

Funicular train ride return tickets are at RM$4 for adults and RM$2 for children.
Admission to the Bellevue Hotel Aviary Garden is RM$4.

Best time to go is in the late afternoon to catch the sunset and enjoy the night view of Georgetown.
Avoid going to Penang Hill during the weekends and Public Holiday. Long queues and you'd probably be packed like sardines in the tram. Not a good idea...! Just waiting to go on the tram can be such a frustrating experience for some during the peak periods!

The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of the funicular railway in Air Itam. Construction of the railway took place between 1906 to 1923, at a cost of RM1.5 million. The railway was opened to the public on 21 October 1923. The 2,007 m (1 mile 435 yards) journey takes about half an hour and the train may stop at intermediate stations upon request.

Fresh air, coolest place, that's what i feel when my feet step out from the train... It's took 30 mins by train, which built by british in 1880.
From the top of the Penang Hill, we can see the Penang island with The Komtar, George Town and penang bridge.

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If you have the time there is a very pleasant walk from the botanical gardens all the way to the top of the hill. It's part jungle and part asphalt but it is very steep. There are no technical bits but it is hot and humid so take plenty of water and dress appropriately. I enjoyed getting closer to the local monkeys who were my only company at some points. There is a serious warning from the locals, who were all friendly and willing to give advice and directions, don't do the jungle trails above midpoint if you are not sure where you are going. There are a couple of rest stations on the hill where you can get water. Apparently they are replenished everyday and I can confirm that they are clean and appeared fresh. Nothing fancy just a spot in the jungle to take a rest and have a necessary drink. I'm not very fit but if took me two hours to climb up and about an hour to come back down. There are a couple of cafes and stalls at the bottom of the hill selling drinks and food. There are also a few at the top of the hill.

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If you have the time there is a very pleasant walk from the botanical gardens all the way to the top of the hill. It's part jungle and part asphalt but it is very steep. There are no technical bits but it is hot and humid so take plenty of water and dress appropriately. I enjoyed getting closer to the local monkeys who were my only company at some points. There is a serious warning from the locals, who were all friendly and willing to give advice and directions, don't do the jungle trails above midpoint if you are not sure where you are going. There are a couple of rest stations on the hill where you can get water. Apparently they are replenished everyday and I can confirm that they are clean and appeared fresh. Nothing fancy just a spot in the jungle to take a rest and have a necessary drink. I'm not very fit but if took me two hours to climb up and about an hour to come back down. There are a couple of cafes and stalls at the bottom of the hill selling drinks and food. There are also a few at the top of the hill.

2 more images

If you have the time there is a very pleasant walk from the botanical gardens all the way to the top of the hill. It's part jungle and part asphalt but it is very steep. There are no technical bits but it is hot and humid so take plenty of water and dress appropriately. I enjoyed getting closer to the local monkeys who were my only company at some points. There is a serious warning from the locals, who were all friendly and willing to give advice and directions, don't do the jungle trails above midpoint if you are not sure where you are going. There are a couple of rest stations on the hill where you can get water. Apparently they are replenished everyday and I can confirm that they are clean and appeared fresh. Nothing fancy just a spot in the jungle to take a rest and have a necessary drink. I'm not very fit but if took me two hours to climb up and about an hour to come back down. There are a couple of cafes and stalls at the bottom of the hill selling drinks and food. There are also a few at the top of the hill.

Its quite a strenuous hike with lots of steps to jelly up your thighs. Unfortunately I didn't ever reach a summit. After 2 hours of hiking the trail seemed to be going down the other side of the hill so I decided to turn back. There were plenty of other trails that lead off in different directions but as I was stressed for time I had to run myself down the hill asap.

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Penang Hill is an amazing place. A terrifying cable car ride (for me at least), that was built in between 1906 and 1923, it brings you up to the top of the 833 m (2723 ft) high 'hill'. In Ireland this would be called a mountain!

The views up here are beautiful but what really hits you is how different the climate is. Whan it hot and muggy 30+ in George Town it's 25 - 27 up here and feels soooo good:) So take a wander around and you will come across Monkey's and Gecko's - check out the pics ...

I would say that you shouldn't get too close to the wildlife - don't freak them out by setting off your camera flash. Be a responsible traveller!