Penang Hill – Penang Malaysia
Malaysia is an enchanting place. The smells of rich food blows across the streets. There is the constant purr of scooters zipping up and down the streets and the sight of gorgeous clouds billowing over the sky change minute by minute.
Penang is one of Malaysia’s most culturally potent areas. Founded in 1786, it’s rich in history and a great destination for any traveler. Penang Hill is one particular stop that is a must! At around 6 kilometers away from the city center, the top of the hill stands at it’s tallest 833 meters (2,733ft). The view from the top overlooks all of Penang city and the Georgetown area, from the island to the mainland.
Made a friend on the way to Penang Hill.
The best way to get to the top is by using the Penang Hill Railway. This is a small train that can take loads of people to the top and back down again. You will want to take bus #204 to the base of the hill where you can find round trip tickets for 30 ringots (just under $7 USD). The ride takes only a few minutes so don’t worry about standing or getting a good seat. It may be a little cramped depending on how busy the day is but it won’t last long. I opted for a one way ticket but we’ll get to that in a second.
The train up is almost an experience in and of itself. Taking you straight through the jungles surrounding Penang Hill. You are packed in pretty tight but if you work your way to the first car and stand, you can get a view out the front. Hold on tight as it ascends pretty quick.
You can tell by the temperature that you’re not on a mountain. It’s noticeably cooler at the top than anywhere else in Penang. Once you get to the top there’s actually a lot more to do than just enjoy the view. There’s temples, ice cream, and even an owl museum. To see all the attractions of Penang Hill CLICK HERE. If you’re willing to fork over some money and take your time checking out all the attractions you could easily spend a few hours at the top.
“Love Lock” at the top of Penang Hill is a fail-proof way to ensure your relationship is sealed forever.
Alternate Route Down Penang Hill
My friend faces off with a monkey hiking down from Penang Hill.
From the top you can just as easily get down using the Penang Hill Railway – HOWEVER, if you are feeling physically fit and adventurous, you can hike down a long steep road to the botanical gardens on the other side of the mountain. Like I said, this hike isn’t for the faint at heart (or for those with bad knees). It’s a steep decline the entire way down but goes straight through the jungle and offers some interesting sights for us westerners that are easily amused by monkeys or giant millipedes.
The hike is 5 kilometers and if you’ve never seen wild jungle you definitely should take it. You’ll find everything from pitcher plants to different species of monkeys. It was well worth it to me, not to mention the end game -botanical gardens.
The Entrance to the Botanical Gardens.
Although not very high on the TripAdvisor list of things to do on Penang Island (#20), it is definitely worth going to while in the vicinity. It’s a very large beautiful garden that showcases some of the best foliage Malaysia has to offer.
These beautiful gardens offer a great option of a place to go running. A lot of the visitors here are actually attracted to go running and will run all over the gently sloped hills. If you’re not health conscious though be sure to keep an eye on your Pepsi. The monkeys there have a taste for the sugar.
To view the original article click here or the link below!
http://www.pathandpavement.com/2015/11/16/penang-hill-a-journey-to-the-top-of-an-island/
