Penang Hill Hiking Trails: All You Need To Know For The Best Hike Experience At Bukit Bendera

Jacey Hen

Last updated 21 Mar 2024

Bukit Bendera hike Penang Hill hiking trails

Photo Credit: @joshuakoay, @lynnway18, @thehabitatpenanghill (Instagram)

Head Up To The Highest Point On Penang Island!

Take a break from the city attractions of Georgetown and turn to the abundance of nature available on the island of Penang. Affectionately known as Bukit Bendera by the locals, Penang Hill is the hill first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia, but also a must-visit spot for nature lovers when in Penang.

With its highest point set 833m above Georgetown, Penang Hill offers amazing views of the city from the top, as well as a chilly climate amidst the 130-million year old rainforest surrounding it. With its breathtaking views and cool air, it is no wonder that hiking here has also become a popular outdoor activity in Penang amongst locals and tourists alike!

Get Discounted Tickets To The Habitat At Penang Hill!

Hiking Up Penang Hill

Plan an exciting day out to get some fresh air and a good sweat by hiking up Penang Hill. Whether you're a seasoned hiker searching for new routes or simply just a nature lover wanting to explore the area, we've prepared this simple guide of several hiking trails available for you to discover for your next hike (all of which are free of charge and open to the public!).

There are several trails for you to hike up the hill with, with varying difficulty levels, hike duration and starting points. In this guide, we've included the basics of what you'll need to know about each trail, so that no matter what type of hiker you are - from beginners, to hiking enthusiasts - you will surely find a trail for you from this list!

If you'd like to find out other available attractions and facilities here during your visit, do read our complete guide on Penang Hill to learn more!

Things To Do

Penang Hill Travel Guide: Things To Do, Opening Hours, Best Time To Visit

Penang Hill is one of Penang's most popular attractions yet is home to some of the city's best-kept secrets. Check out our visit guide on the best things to do at the top of Penang Hill!

Penang Hill Hiking Trails

1. Heritage Trail

We're starting off the list with a popular and a relatively easier route, which is hidden near the Penang Hill Funicular Train Lower Station. The Heritage Trail sticks closely to the train route and is the most direct path to the top, with multiple rest stops along the way and plenty of stairs on the first half that makes it more suitable for hiking even on wetter days.

Don't underestimate this hike though, as the steep steps will still give your calves a good workout! Another alternative route to avoid the stairs would be to start your hike via a dirt trail near the Bats Cave Temple, which interconnects with the Heritage Trail midway.

Starting point: Penang Hill Lower Station
Average Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: 4km
Difficulty: Average

2. Jeep Track

Another pretty straightforward hike would be the Jeep Track, which starts from the Penang Botanic Gardens. This trail is mainly a tarmac road that leads straight to the summit and gets its name because its used by the vehicles belonging to the residents of Penang Hill.

The hike up is steep and more tiring at the start, but it gets much easier after a kilometre or so. Along the way, you can opt to take an alternative trail to the top called the Moniot Trail, a dirt track that would take a longer time to complete but offers much better views.

Starting point: Botanical Gardens
Average Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Distance: 5km
Difficulty: Easy

3. Moongate Trail

Another trail you can take from the Botanical Gardens would be the Moongate Trail, a popular trek amongst the locals. The trail is named after the moon-shaped entrance that greets you at the start of your hike, with a lively Moon Gate 5 rest stop along the way.

This is one of the harder routes, with plenty of steep uphill sections and tricky steps, but we promise you that the hike is worth the challenge as you get scenic views and an intimate experience with the rainforest jungle!

Starting point: Botanical Gardens
Average Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: Hard

4. Bukit Gantung Trail

If you're looking for a little bit more distance in your hike, follow the Bukit Gantung Hiking Trail which will bring you through the Bukit Gantung hillside first before leading you deeper in and towards Penang Hill. Regular hikers have maintained and improved this trail over the years, so it is now much more hike-friendly, even for beginners who would like to challenge themselves. The path is made of concrete steps and mostly dirt paths, with Station 39 and Station 84 on the way for those who need a little break.

Starting point: Bukit Gantung Cemetery or Rifle Range Flats
Average Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Distance: 7km
Difficulty: Average

Bonus: Scenic Nature Walk At The Habitat

To truly reach the highest point of the island, head over to The Habitat at Penang Hill. Gazetted as a forest reserve since 1911 and set amidst a 130-million year old rainforest, The Habitat allows visitors to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Go on a nature walk surrounded by a myriad of flora and fauna - plants, trees, insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals that call The Habitat home.

Make sure you don't miss out on the 230m Langur Way Canopy Walk and the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk where you can soak in mesmerizing 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island from the highest viewing point in the city. #KlookTip: Views here are amazing on a clear day - we'd recommend checking the weather forecast before planning your visit!

Get Discounted Tickets To The Habitat At Penang Hill!

Looking For More Penang Hill Hiking Trails?

Don't worry, these are not all! From a challenging Batu Ferringhi hike to an exciting waterfall trail, there are still over 20 more trails for you to discover, many of which are interconnected. Start planning your hiking route now by getting the complete trail map from the official Penang Hill website.

Best Time To Visit Penang Hill

All hiking trails are open for us at any time of the day, but do note that the weather gets gets very hot and humid as the day goes on. Most locals here recommend starting your hike as early as 6AM in the morning, where you'll be able to reach the top at approximately 8AM on average. Not only do you get cool weather, but there'll be lesser crowds too, especially at the famous rest stops and up at the summit.

What To Bring

If this is your first hiking experience, here are some things you should definitely bring along for an optimum experience:

Water (bring lots of it!)
Snacks
Small body towel
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Cash (to buy food and drinks at the top)
An extra set of clothes

Things To Do Eat & Drink

Penang Hill Food Guide: Restaurants, Cafes, And Drinks At The Top

Planning a visit to Penang Hill? Check out our list of restaurants and cafes to grab a bite and rest your legs at!

Get Discounted Tickets To The Habitat At Penang Hill!

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