Penang Hill (George Town)

 hill  Add category

Penang Hill is the tallest hill within the Malaysian state of Penang, standing at 833 metres above sea level. The hill lies 9km west of the city centre and borders Ayer Itam to the south. Penang Hill is one of Penang's top tourist destinations, attracting 1.742 million tourists in 2018. The hill's peak can be accessed via the famous Penang Hill Railway, Malaysia's only funicular rail service, or via a hiking trail from the Penang Botanic Gardens.

During the colonial era, the British erected a flagstaff at the hill's summit, serving as a signalling station for incoming mail-ships. Strawberry farms were also built at the slopes, while elegant mansions dot the hill top. The mansions became cooling retreats for senior government officials and even heads-of-states. For instance, Bel Retiro was where Queen Elizabeth II stayed during Her Majesty's tour in Penang in 1972.

Penang Hill is also a vital water catchment area. Many of George Town's rivers, including the Pinang River, originate from the hill.

On a clear day, tourists can enjoy exceptional views of the city centre, as well as the city of Seberang Perai over in mainland Peninsular Malaysia. In 2017, The Habitat, a series of elevated walkways and jungle paths, was opened, allowing tourists to enjoy more scenic views of the entire city, in addition to the 130 million-year-old rainforest that cover the hill.