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In this article we will tell you how to get up Penang Hill in 2026. There are many ways to get up Penang Hill, however, it can be difficult to work out which is the best way for you.
The BEST way to get up Penang hill depends on your starting location, budget, time and desired level of comfort and convenience. In this guide we will compare each of the ways to help you choose the best option for you.
If you’re planning a trip to Penang Hill – make sure you DON’T MISS the AMAZING Habitat Eco-project AND don’t miss these AMAZING Penang Hill attractions
How to get up Penang Hill summary
There are three main ways to get up Penang Hill.
- Walk from various locations around Penang (Air Itam and Botanical Gardens)
- Take a jeep taxi (from the Botanical Gardens)
- Use the Penang Hill Railway from Air Itam
Walking is slow, beautiful and challenging and is FREE. There are many walking routes leading up Penang Hill. If you plan to take the Railway you must start from Air Itam – this is enjoyable but can be slow in busy times (fast track tickets available). If you would like to take a jeep taxi you need to start from the Botanical Gardens. This is a convenient option but is relatively expensive. In this guide we will give you MORE detail on each method to get up Penang Hill.
1 Walk up Penang Hill
If you choose to hike up Penang hill, bring plenty of water and wear light loose clothing. You can either start from the Botanical Gardens or from Air Itam. The walk is likely to take 2-3 hours depending on your route, starting location and stopping times.
If you start from the botanical gardens there are two routes. Either walk up the Jeep track and keep following it all the way up to the summit. This is the shortest route but is still challenging and will take a few hours. The jeep track is a steep paved road that leads all the way from the botanical gardens to the summit of Penang Hill.
Alternatively, you can start from the moon gate and walk up to rest station 5. From here you can follow a path along the ridge but leads to the Jeep track. When you reach the Jeep track keep following it up, all the way to the top of Penang Hill. The Habitat is only a few minutes walk from the top of the jeep track.
The hike up Penang Hill from Air Itam is over 4 km and involves a mixture of jungle pathways and paved roads. This route is challenging, especially in the tropical heat. However, this is a great option if you are up for a challenging and rewarding experience. The trek from Air Itam starts at Jalan Lintang.
This is an ENJOYABLE, BEAUTIFUL and CHALLENGING way to get up Penang Hill. There is also a good chance of seeing some stunning wildlife along the way.
Walking Map of how to get up Penang Hill
Four different walking routes…
2 Take the mountain railway from Air Itam
The most popular way to get up Penang Hill is to take the mountain railway which starts in Air Itam. The mountain railway is a lot of fun and allows great views over Penang as you ascend.
However, be aware that the mountain railway can be very busy even on weekdays. We recommend arriving early (if possible before 9 a.m). Be prepared to queue, even if you do buy a fast track ticket. Fast Track tickets allow you to join a shorter queue – but there may still be some waiting – especially in busy periods.
Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Penang hill lower station (in Air Itam). Trains run through the day and into the evening. Operating hours 6.30am – 11pm.
Adult standard ticket (13-59 years old)
- RM15 one way
- RM30 return
- Fast lane RM45 one way
- Fast lane RM80 return
Children’s standard ticket (4-12 years old)
- RM8 one way
- RM15 return
- Fast lane RM20 one way
- Fast lane RM40 return
3 Take a jeep taxi from the Botanical Gardens
The most expensive way to get up Penang Hill is to take a jeep taxi from the Botanical Gardens.
If you plan to get up Penang Hill this way you do not need to book the taxi in advance. Just turn up at the botanical gardens and you will see people waiting. This is a very fast and convenient, however it is also quite expensive. Expect to pay around 150 ringgits to take a cheap taxi up and back down Penang Hill.
Top Tips: If you want to save money try bartering for the jeep. Remember to agree on the waiting time at the top at the number of people (it should be a fixed price but it is worth establishing the number of people when you agree on the price). The jeep operators all have good English.
The Best places to stay in Penang
Hickory Penang Hill
If you want to stay on Penang Hill itself don’t miss the Fabulous Hickory Penang Hill Resort. This large and impressive hotel boasts excellent views, a beautiful natural ambiance and large rooms including family suites. Viewing terraces, balconies and platforms make this the perfect place to enjoy the fantastic BEAUTY of this unique location.
The Eastern and Oriental
If you’re looking to SPLASH OUT – check out the stylish and luxurious Eastern and Oriental Hotel located in Georgetown. The Beautiful colonial hotel has large decadent suites, amazing ocean views, and outdoor swimming pool and incredible fine dining – genuinely some of the BEST food in Penang (and that’s a high standard!)
Lang Hoose
If you’re looking for GREAT VALUE for money, character and style located in the heart of Georgetown’s Historic culture and heritage center – then check out the fantastic Lang Hoose. This is one of the cheaper hotels in Georgetown and offers a convenient location and stylish accommodation.
