Penang Hill Tourism
About Penang Hill
Top 6 Reviews on Penang Hill
THONY-IAN
5.0Wrote on 12 Jun 2024
Penang Hill Hike - Bat Temple, Mysterious Stupas & Cool Breeze
Was in Penang for 3N4D trip. Decided to hike up Penang Hill (PH) instead of the train. Started my hike at 730am on a Sunday via the Bat Temple route. The route was very scenic passing thru a few traditional temples, lookout points, village, private durian & other orchards, flower farm. The trail was of a concrete path, well maintained and not mossy. The highlight of this trail for me was the Golden Stupas (gold spirals) perced on a hill slope overlooking penang bay. Catching the morning sun, this stupas were enchanting n beautiful. There were quite a few local hikers on this trail so i did not have any worry of being lost. There are some posted signs leading to PH at some junctions. This hike upwards till the PH food court took me about 1.5hrs. Air up on the Hill was crisp cool breezy. Crowds started to gather when i was there at 9am. The foodcourt was packed, many for the local dessert fix. Weather was perfect and we could see till Butterworth on this clear visibility day. I took the Heritage trail down. It is about 30% minor jungle tracks and 70% concrete steps bordering the rail track down. The local Grab driver told me its been raining almost everynight yet the tracks were not mossy and slippery. Good traction shoes and care must still be the order of the day on hill slopes. This route down was more direct but more taxing on the knees due to concrete n uneven steps. There are railings (mostly rusted but still sturdy) along the majority of the steps. The highlight of this trail down is the viewing platform of middle station and the rumbling of the train behind you. This is another 115mins down for me. There are a lot of hikers on the trail later in the morning . I encountered 2 groups of school children excl maybe about 80 people on the way down (about 10am). I would rate the hike as safe with moderate difficulty (i do 2-4 hrs hill hike everyweekend), well maintained trails. Its recommended, if you of average fitness n enjoy the outdoors. I also encountered many types of flora & fauna, some crawlies (ants, beatles, millipedes), wildlife (squirrels, birds ). Hope you enjoy the hike like i did.
