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

Eunis Ong

Last updated 21 Nov 2023

Photo Credit: @jo.annee3___, @calvert.wl

About Penang Hill

Known as the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia, Penang Hill (also affectionately known as Bukit Bendara by the locals) has a long and vibrant history, and is definitely a must-visit when in Penang. Set 821m above Georgetown, Penang Hill offers amazing views of the city from the top as well as a chilly climate that's about five degrees cooler than at the lowlands. Due to its breathtaking views, and cool, unpolluted air, it's a popular weekend hangout spot for locals and tourists alike!

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Penang Hill Opening Hours

Different attractions atop Penang Hill have different opening hours, with most closing in the evening by 6PM while others opening late into the night. Do note though that the Penang Hill Funicular Train only operates till 11PM, so you're encouraged to plan your visit accordingly - make sure you don't get stranded at the top!

Opening Hours of Penang Hill attractions:

Attraction	Opening Hours
Penang Hill Funicular Train	630AM - 11PM
The Habitat Penang Hill	9AM - 630PM
Cliff Cafe / Astaka Bukit Bendera	9AM - 6PM
David Brown's Restaurant	9AM - 10PM
Monkey Cup Garden	9AM - 6PM
Owl Museum	9AM - 6PM
Kopi Hutan	9AM - 6PM

Best Things To Do At Penang Hill

1. Hop On The Penang Hill Funicular Train

The most popular and convenient way to get to Penang Hill is by riding the iconic Penang Hill Funicular Train! Located at the foot of Penang Hill, this Swiss-designed funicular runs on one of the oldest funicular systems in the world, and will take you to the top past lush greenery. The funicular's tunnel track is also the steepest in the world and the longest track in Asia, adding to its uniqueness.

The journey takes only between 5 - 10 minutes, and it operates from as early as 630AM! Do note though that the lines can get pretty crazy during peak travel season and weekends, so we'd recommend you to visit early, or to allocate enough time in your itinerary just in case. There are also Fast Lane tickets available for those who'd like to skip the queue. Other ways to get to the top of Penang Hill include driving up a private road (only accessible to vehicles of hillside residents) or by embarking on a challenging yet rewarding one-hour hike.

2. Go On A Nature Walk At The Habitat Penang Hill

Gazetted as a forest reserve since 1911 and set amidst a 130-million year old rainforest, The Habitat Penang Hill 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. There are so many winding trails and gardens for you to explore here, you can even get on an exhilarating zipline when you book your discounted combo tickets on Klook!

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!

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3. Fasten A Love Lock

If you're visiting Penang Hill with a significant other, pop by the open-air observation deck of the Penang Hill Food Centre where you can fasten a love lock on an 80-meter wide fence overlooking the city of Georgetown! This attraction is popular amongst love birds, but also those who may be single but want a nice photo for the 'gram. *winks* Love locks are available for purchase on-site, though you can also bring your own if you'd like.

4. Enjoy Spectacular Views Of The City

Most people visit Penang Hill for the city views which are equally as magnificent in the morning and at night. With a total of 6 peaks and multiple lookout points, Penang Hill offers panoramic views of the island and mainland, from sunrise to sunset. Some people board the first train up to catch the sunrise from the top - you'll even get to catch a glimpse of cotton-like mist on a clear day!

5. Visit Some Historical Buildings

Penang Hill was once a popular expatriate refuge in the olden days, which is why it remains home to some picturesque historical buildings and monuments that feature a fusion of British colonial, Asian, and modern architecture. In fact, there are over 50 historical bungalows located atop the hill, many built in the 1800s as residences and resorts for high government officials (including the Yang di-Pertuan Agung and Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman) and visiting dignitaries.

If you're a fan of history, embark on a historical trail and catch sight of some prestigious properties on Penang Hill. Some other sights you shouldn't miss include the Heritage Post Box (one of the oldest post boxes in Penang, put up during the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837 - 1901) and a majestic 32-Pounder Cannon that weighs 2.75 tons (2,500 kg!). There are also religious buildings including a mosque and Hindu temple on Penang Hill.

6. Unwind At The Highest Cafe In Penang

Did you know that you can visit the highest cafe in Penang here? Tucked away in the Monkey Cup Garden at Penang Hill, Kopi Hutan is where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee and delectable cakes while being surrounded by trees and fresh air. While the cafe serves a relatively small menu, it's still worth a visit for its charming vibe, and if you're looking for a spot to rest your legs a little after some sightseeing.

7. Keep An Eye Out For Rare Flora And Fauna

Penang Hill is home to a number of rare animals and plants which you may encounter while you explore the area! Keep an eye out for cheeky dusky leaf monkeys, giant black squirrels, flying lemurs, and over 100 species of birds, ranging from common garden species to rare deep forest inhabitants. There are guided nature walks you can sign up for (with guides that will bring you to the best spots and point out rare flora and fauna to you), or you can also choose to roam around freely on your own.

For those who love nature and plants, The Habitat and the Monkey Cup Garden are spots to add on to your Penang Hill itinerary. The Monkey Cup Garden is a garden that specializes in pitcher plants or Nepenthes, and is home to over 100 varieties of them!

8. Feast On Local Delights Or Have An Elegant English Afternoon Tea

Feeling hungry? Pop by the Cliff Cafe (also known as the Astaka Bukit Bendera), a three-storey food court where you can feast on a variety of local delights including Penang laksa, rojak, char kuey teow, refreshing ice kacang, and more. The ice kacang here is very popular, and is great as a refreshing snack after walking around for a bit! There's also a beverage stall that sells a great variety of fresh fruit juices that will quench your thirst perfectly.

Do note though that the Cliff Cafe typically closes at 6PM, so if you're planning to have dinner at Penang Hill, you can head to the David Brown's Restaurant & Tea Terrace instead, a true-blue English teahouse where you can have a fancy dinner with stunning views of Penang spread out far below you. The David Brown's Restaurant is set in a beautifully-restored colonial-style cottage and retains its charming ambiance from the 1940s - it is also popular for its high tea experience!

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!

9. Snack On Some Kacang Putih

Ask the locals and they'll definitely know the kacang putih man on Penang Hill! Mr. Sakthivel manages a humble pushcart on Penang Hill, selling the healthy yet tasty heritage Indian snack that consists of chick peas, muruku, corn, nuts, and secret blended sauces that have an addictive kick to it.

The little stall was established in the 1950s by Mr. Sakthivel's grandfather, and has witnessed the whole development of Penang Hill since the early days to what it has become today. The kacang putih has become a popular snack for those who visit Penang Hill, and has even garnered many loyal international fans from all over the world!

10. See Georgetown Come To Life At Night

Penang Hill is great for visiting whether in the day or night, depending on what you're planning to see and do here. If you'd like to visit the attractions here and go on nature or historical walks, we'd recommend heading over in the morning or afternoon, but if you'd like to get a night view of Georgetown, the views from the top are unparalleled at night.

The best spots to get unobstructed views of the city lights at Penang Hill include the love lock area, the main viewing deck, and the Sky Walk. Do note though that it can get pretty chilly and breezy up here at night, so make sure to pack a jacket or sweater if you get cold easily.