1.2K

Thinking about visiting Bukit Bendera, also known as Penang Hill? This iconic hill offers panoramic views of George Town. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiking enthusiast, or just looking for cool activities to do in Penang, Bukit Bendera is the perfect spot to experience the beauty of Penang from a new perspective.

Having explored Penang Hill, we can say it is a one of Penang’s top attractions and a must visit destination if you are visiting Malaysia.

Curious about how to reach, what to see and do at Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill? Let’s dive right into it!

Penang Hill/ Bukit Bendera: Everything you Need to Know

How to Reach Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill?

From the foothills of Bukit Bendera, you can reach the Bukit Benera or Penang Hilltop in three ways – by main road, cable car, or hiking.

1. Paved Main Road

The 4.7-kilometer-long paved road from the base is the main route to reach Penang Hill. Several jeeps offer transport service to the visitors.

You can hire the entire Jeep or share it with other people. The Jeep ride costs around RM 160. A few people walk up the paved road to the Penang Hill. Be cautious of the passing cars and jeeps due to sharp turns on the road and steep inclines.

2. The Funicular Train or Cable Car

Also known as Penang Hill Railway, the funicular train service is one of a kind in the country and is the most commonly used route that starts at the foothills and runs until the top of Penang Hill.

Book Bukit Bendera tickets + Temple sighseeing tour (with hotel pickup) for the BEST DEAL!

Bukit Bendera Tickets/ Penang Hill Tickets

There is no entry fee to Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill. It is open to visitors and foreign tourists for FREE. The below ticket prices are applicable only if you choose to go via cable car or Furnicular train.

The tickets at the counter are issued in batches, and you might have to wait for your board to turn the funicular train. At times, you might have to wait for up to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can purchase the online ticket one day before your visit day.

Also, note that the round-trip ticket is valid for one day only. If you plan to stay at the top of Penang Hill, it is better to purchase a one-way ticket and buy your return ticket on the day you leave.

Person	Category	MyKad, MyKid, MM2H, and iKad Holders		Non-MyKad Holders/ Foreigners
		Normal Lane	Fast Lane	Normal Lane	Fast Lane
Adult	Round Trip	RM 12	RM 40	RM 30	RM 80
	One Way	RM 6	RM 25	RM 15	RM 45
Children (Aged 4 – 12 years)	Round Trip	RM 6	RM 20	RM 15	RM 40
	One Way	RM 3	RM 10	RM 8	RM 20
Senior Citizen (60 years old and above)	Round Trip	RM 6	RM 6	RM 30	RM 60
Differently Abled	Free

The tickets purchased are not refundable.

The special sunrise rate for MyKad and MyKid holders is RM 3 for the tickets purchased between 6:30 AM and 8 AM (applicable on certain days for the tickets purchased at the counter).

Furnicular Train or Cable Car Timings

The Funicular service or cable car to Bukit Bundera is operated on all days. The Timings are as follows.

Funicular Service	6.30 AM – 11.00 PM *The last trip from the lower station to the upper station is at 9.45 PM.*The last trip from the upper station to the lower station is at 11.00 PM.*The funicular runs on a half-hourly basis and additional trips will be run if necessary.
Ticket Counter	6.15 AM – 9.30 PM

3. Penang Hill Bukit Bendera Hiking

Hiking the Penang Hill is the best way to escape the crowds of the funicular train service. We hiked up Penang Hill via the Moon Gate Trail and descended via the Heritage Trail.

Other modified routes exist, but most of them converge at some point. It is best to start the hike to Penang Hill during the day hours.

Most of the hiking route is lined by trees. The trees and plants will protect you from the direct sunlight, but you can feel the humidity.

You do not need a guide to hike Bukit Bendera. With proper preparation and a good sense of direction, the trails can be tackled without help from guides. The trails are marked in OSMAND.

Download the offline maps and load the GPS file from the official website before hitting the trail.

Bukit Bendera Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail is the most popular route and is pretty straightforward until the end. The trail initially has guided steps, followed by a steep hiking path. It is the easiest hiking route to Bukit Bendera.

You will pass through the middle station, Claremont station, and Viaduct junction. After the Viaduct junction, a cement route will lead you to the top.

The initial stages of the trek offer a breathtaking view of the city. The trail also has interesting views, with the train passing by often. After the viaduct junction, the trail is filled with different shades of green on either side. Remember to take a moment and enjoy the different plants.

• Duration: 2 Hours
• Hike Distance: 3 Km
• Difficulty Level: Easy – Moderate

Bukit Bendera Moon Gate Trail

The Moon Gate Trail starts from the yellow arched entrance. The trek starts with a mix of cement stairs and a hiking trail for a few meters. There is a gradual ascent until you reach the rest area.

After that, the hike is flat for a few meters, gradually descending. There is a restroom en route for convenience needs.

Continue following the jungle until you reach the Viaduct station. From there, the trail joins the Heritage Trail. This hike is a favorite of all hiking lovers and one of the best way to reach Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill.

• Duration: 3 Hours
• Hike Distance: 6.2 Km
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Did you know? Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill is not a singular peak but rather a range of ten hills.

Must-Visit Attractions at Bukit Bendera, Penang Hill

The hilltop offers magnificent views of the sunrise and sunset. For all the photography enthusiasts, ensure you do not miss out on basking in the light of the golden sunlight at Penang Hill.

Several attractions are spread over the hilltop. Most have an entry fee, while some are free. The activities are catered to all age groups. It is easy to walk around as the direction maps are kept at important places.

A golf cart can also be hired for RM 30 per person to take you around the Bukit Bendera or Penang hill.

Here are top 10 things to do at Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill.

1. The Habitat – the World’s longest two-span stressed ribbon bridge with other spots, including Langur Way canopy walk, Penang Hill Swings, and Curtis Crest Treetop Walk
2. Teddyville Museum
3. Telescope Viewing Deck
4. Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff
5. Masjid Bukit Bendera (No entry fee)
6. Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Hindu Temple (No entry fee)
7. The Gate House (No entry fee). You can cross the gate but cannot go inside the house.
8. Little Village @ Bukit Bendera
9. Viewing Deck (No entry fee)
10. 32-Pounder Cannon and Victorian Postbox (No entry fee)

Parking Facilities

Ample parking is available at the foothills of Penang Hill. However, due to the crowds, finding a space might be a challenge. Several paid parking spaces are available in the vicinity.

Read Next: George Town Penang: What to do and best places to visit

Network Availability

Penang Hill has good reception from all network providers. But while hiking, expect a spotty network along the trail.

Best Time To Visit Bukit Bendera

Penang Hill can be visited throughout the year. Although the rainy season starts in May and ends in September, it doesn’t rain all day or throughout the day. You’ll get time to explore even if you visit during the monsoons.

The best time to visit Penang Hill is during the early morning and late evening when the weather is pleasant for exploration. If you’re hiking, you can start anytime, as most of the trail is in the shade.

Restaurants at Penang Hill

Several restaurants at the top of Penang Hill offer spectacular views from their outdoor seating, balconies, and glass walls. The vibes are impeccable, but the food is expensive. There are also several snack and juice bars at the top.

You might have to walk a few meters to find the nearest restaurant in the foothills. It is better to carry some food, especially if you have kids.

Hotels at Bukit Bendera, Penang Hill

It is impossible to see all the sights at Penang Hill in just one day. Several resorts are available at the top of Penang Hill, but we highly recommend Hickory Penang Hill. It is the best hotel in Bukit Bendera of all!

If you found this blog helpful, please comment below. Your feedback will encourage us to produce more helpful content.

For more destination guides, travel tips and tricks, inspiration, itineraries, and detailed hiking guides, subscribe to the newsletter.