Penang Hill Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Picture Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Picture Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Picture Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Picture Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Picture Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia


Zoom up this hill in a modern funicular car to visit historic sites and enjoy panoramic views of George Town far below.

Towering high above bustling George Town on Penang Island is Penang Hill. Come here for cool sea breezes and amazing views. You’ll also get to see the remaining rainforest on Penang Island.

Penang Hill is an area that also includes Flagstaff Hill (or “Bukit Bendera”), Government Hill, Tiger Hill, Bukit Laksamana and nearby Western Hill, the tallest peak of all. The connecting ridge at the top is known as Strawberry Hill, although the planned strawberry fields never eventuated because the thick vegetation proved to hard to tame. Some trees on the hill station are over 100 feet (30 meters) high.

Don’t miss Bel Retiro, a bungalow from 1789 that proudly sits on Government Hill. The still operational Bellevue Hotel at the top is another local icon and so is the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan, an ornate Hindu temple.

Treat yourself to a Penang laksa in the foodcourt of the Cliff Café or to a high tea on the al fresco terrace of the hilltop restaurant. If you are on a budget, simply bring a picnic and have lunch among the pitcher plants in the Monkey Cup Garden.

From the lookout you can see Langkawi’s emerald mountains on a clear day. If you come here at night you’ll be treated to mesmerizing views of the thousands of lights in the valley below, outlining the shape of George Town.

A ride on the Penang Hill Funicular Railway is the highlight of any visit to Penang Hill. It is one of Asia’s steepest and longest funicular tracks. Its antique, wooden cars have gradually been replaced by faster, motorized wagons of Swiss design. Leaving from the base station at Air Itam, you will reach the top of Penang Hill in under 5 minutes.

The first funicular train from 1897 is on display at the upper station. You could spend all day here because the first ride up is early enough to catch the sunrise and the last ride down is late in the evening.

You can also hike the nearly 5 miles (8 kilometers) to the top if you follow the trail up from the quarry at Penang’s Botanical Gardens. Bring enough bottled water and sun protection.

Plan a trip to see Penang Hill

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Areca Hotel Penang
Hompton by the Beach Penang
Lone Pine, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

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Popular places to visit


Top Penang Hill Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Bellevue The Penang Hill Hotel, Bukit Bendera

Bellevue The Penang Hill Hotel, Bukit Bendera

2 out of 5
Bukit Bendera Pulau Penang, George Town, Penang
Bellevue The Penang Hill Hotel, Bukit Bendera
DeView Hotel Penang

DeView Hotel Penang

3.5 out of 5
18 Jalan Pasar, George Town, Pulau Pinang
DeView Hotel Penang
Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang

Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang

3.5 out of 5
33, New Lane, (off Macalister Road), Georgetown, George Town, Penang
Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang
Ascott Gurney Penang

Ascott Gurney Penang

4 out of 5
18 Persiaran Gurney, George Town, George Town, Penang
Ascott Gurney Penang
Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL PARTNER HOTEL

Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL PARTNER HOTEL

4.5 out of 5
53 Persiaran Gurney, George Town, Penang
Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL PARTNER HOTEL
Penang Marriott Hotel

Penang Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
55 Persiaran Gurney, George Town
Penang Marriott Hotel
JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La

JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La

4 out of 5
Magazine Road, George Town, Penang
JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
Tropics Eight Suites

Tropics Eight Suites

3.5 out of 5
11A, Gottlieb Road, George Town
Tropics Eight Suites
Hotel Waterfall

Hotel Waterfall

3 out of 5
160 Jalan Utama, George Town, Penang
Hotel Waterfall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Penang Hill

Penang Hill offers a delightful mix of activities for tourists, including serene nature trails and several scenic hiking paths that showcase the area's natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local markets and explore key attractions that highlight the rich culture and history of the region. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Penang Hill promises a memorable experience amidst its stunning landscapes.

Shopping

Gurney Plaza, located 4.8km from Penang Hill, offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Nearby, Pulau Tikus Market and Tanjung Bungah Market, both 3 and 6.4km away respectively, provide a local flair with fresh produce and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Penang Golf Resort, enjoy a scenic round of golf surrounded by lush landscapes, perfect for relaxation and camaraderie. Nearby, City Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while Kelab Tentera Udara provides a tranquil golfing experience amidst nature, ideal for unwinding and rejuvenating your spirit.

Adventure

At ESCAPE Adventureplay, dive into thrilling water slides and family-friendly activities, located 8.0km from Penang Hill. For water sports enthusiasts, PKSA Penang Water Sports Centre offers exhilarating outdoor adventures 6.4km away. Don't miss Bertam Souk & Water Park, 16.4km away, for more fun and entertainment!

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit Kidland Penang, an arcadeAdventureZone located 6.4km from Penang Hill. This vibrant venue offers thrilling games and a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the sights.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Penang Hill

Penang Hill offers a delightful mix of cultural and outdoor experiences, with must-visit attractions such as the Habitat Penang Hill, Euthrope, and the Penang Hill Mosque. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views from the top of Penang Hill and explore its temples and modern towers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a cultural adventure, Penang Hill is a perfect destination for a memorable holiday.

  • Gurney Drive: This lively esplanade is perfect for a romantic stroll or a family outing, featuring a stunning seaside promenade. Relish local street food at the hawker stalls and enjoy beautiful sunset views over the water, making it a memorable experience.
  • KOMTAR: As Penang's tallest building, KOMTAR offers fantastic city vibes and panoramic views from its observation deck. Explore shops and eateries within this modern tower, immersing yourself in the vibrant urban atmosphere of George Town.
  • Kek Lok Si Temple: A stunning example of Buddhist architecture, Kek Lok Si Temple boasts intricate designs and serene gardens. With its rich cultural significance, this temple offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the region.

Best time to go to Penang Hill

The best time to visit Penang Hill is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April82.6°F (28.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October81.3°F (27.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November80.2°F (26.8°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Penang Hill

To save money on your trip to Penang Hill, consider visiting between September and November when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or check for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Wednesdays for the best rates. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotel stays, and activities for additional savings. To explore the area, utilise public transport options, which are generally affordable, and seek out free activities to enjoy the local culture without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Penang Hill are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Penang Hill about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Penang Hill is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Penang Hill is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Penang Hill with your flights and activities.