Penang Hill - Funicular

Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak.

Penang Hill is mainly hilly granitic mass. The hill system is higher towards the northern part with its highest point at Western Hill, at an elevation of 833 m.

The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway from Air Itam to the top of Flagstaff Hill. Construction of the railway took place between 1906 to 1923.

The mean minimum temperature is consistently below 21°C. The hottest months are between December and April while the coolest months are between June and October.

The eastern face of Penang Hill is well served by a series of roads and paths, for example, Moniot Road, Viaduct Road, and Tunnel Road.

Moniot Road is named after a Frenchman, Michael Jules Moniot who surveyed it between 1846 and 1855. Moniot Road has been declared a Heritage Trail in 1995 by the Governor of Penang.

Funicular Train

> Only type of funicular train in Malaysia.

> a convenient way of going up to Penang Hill.

> Trip take about 35 to 40 minutes .

> Stop at the mid span - to change for another funicular train.

> A few stations - e.g. Viaduct & Moniot station lead to some bungalows and residents.

Things seen in Penang Hill

> A mini bird park

> a hotel depicting the history of Penang Hill

> a telescope to see the view of Georgetown

> Flora and fauna - picther plant

> An Indian temple with a cannon

> on top - an English design cottage house or a rest house.