Plenty for visitors to explore on hill with rich past

Aerial view of the main arrival point of Penang Hill, including the upgraded Upper Station (left), lined with landscaped paths and viewing platforms as well as David Brown's Restaurant (upper right). — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
There is much for visitors to see and experience at Penang Hill.
Unrivalled panoramas of the island, channel and mainland await at lookout points such as the 360° Skywalk, and East and West Skydecks.
One can also explore natural wonders at The Habitat Penang Hill, Monkey Cup Garden or even engage a guide to go down lesser-known trails.
Historical and cultural landmarks like the Sri Aruloli Thiru­murugan Temple, Penang Hill Mosque, Gatehouse Bel Retiro, Hillside Retreat and 32-Pounder Cannon are worth checking out too.
Families will love Little Village and Toy Museum 5D. Otherwise, tasty treats can be had at eateries like David Brown's Restau­rant and Tea Terrace or Kota Railway Cafe.
The Edgecliff Gallery@Penang Hill – the hill's main information and education centre that opened in 2022 – are also worth a stop.
Perched on the hillside just a stone's throw from the Upper Station, it was jointly set up by Penang Hill Corporation and the state government with five interactive galleries.
Each section – Time Tunnel, Biodiversity, Heritage, Funicular and Cultural – chronicles different aspects of the hill's history, development and allure.
Operations manager Mazlina Mohamad Zainal said these would take visitors of all ages on a well-curated journey through richly layered stories.
'Through archival photographs, historical artefacts and informative displays, one can get a glimpse into the hill's transformation and significance over time.
'One of the key highlights is the detailed narrative on the funicular railway system, which has served as the hill's iconic mode of transport for over a century,' Mazlina added.
More panoramic views await from the rooftop of the colonial-era building, which was built in 1937 by Scottish architect JC Miller according to an art deco aesthetic and named 'Breaside'.
Now restored, Breaside offers a tangible link to the hill's past.
Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the former Astaka Bukit Bendera food court was also being redeveloped into a new, multi-level complex featuring expanded dining facilities with improved accessibility.
'Once completed, it will nearly double the dining capacity, elevate comfort to international standards and offer seamless access to and from Dataran Bukit Bendera.
'This will also promote Penang's renowned street food culture, on the hill,' Cheok said of the project, which comes under the Penang Hill Summit Area Concept Master Plan and includes future upgrades to the nearby quarters at Strawberry Valley.
The upgraded Upper Station, which reopened in February last year, has a scenic waiting area, improved facilities and better accessibility.
'Visitor flow and comfort, especially during peak periods, have significantly improved.
'Rider­­ship data shows an encouraging upward trend, with more than 1.8 million recorded last year.
'As of last May, total ridership stands at 800,000,' Cheok said, adding that maximum coach capacity is 100 passengers per trip, which equates to about 400 to 500 per hour.
By early 2027, there will be an alternative route to the summit via Penang Hill Cable Car, with works currently progressing on schedule.
This is one of the state's most anticipated projects and it aims to balance tourist traffic while also easing long-standing traffic issues near the Penang Botanic Gardens and enhancing the area with better landscaping and green spaces.
'These planned enhancements will significantly contri­bute to the state's tourism sector and bring socio-economic benefits to residents,' Cheok added.
Do note that the Penang Hill funicular service and Edgecliff Gallery @Penang Hill are temporarily closed until June 22.
The funicular service and gallery will resume operations on June 23.
During the shutdown period, visitors may opt for the four-wheel drive service privately operated by Penang Hill Jeep Service Asso­ciation (012-454 1255) at Jalan Kebun Bunga or use the existing hiking routes to reach the summit area of Penang Hill. - By JEREMY TAN

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