Table of Contents
In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about the Habitat Penang Hill eco project. If you are visiting Penang in 2026 we highly recommend that you pay a visit to the Habitat Penang Hill.
The Habitat Penang Hill is an innovative eco-project located at the summit of Penang Hill. The Habitat is designed to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of the unique and beautiful ecosystem and biodiversity at the summit of Penang Hill.
In this article we will try to answer all of your questions about the Habitat. How do you get there, how much does it cost, what can you do there and is it worth a visit?
Don’t miss these AMAZING Penang Hill attractions. And of course. How could we forget? We also have an amazing guide on the most EPIC things to do in Penang
IN BRIEF – The Habitat Penang Hill
We absolutely love the Habitat and we are very excited to recommend it in this article.
The summit of Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is an impressive 833 m above sea level and covered in a 130 million year old rainforest. At this altitude the climate is noticeably cooler than sea level in Penang. At the summit of Penang Hill the temperature stays around 20 – 30 degrees and there is commonly a gentle breeze. This creates a unique climate that supports the biodiverse ecosystem found in the area.
Even a short visit to the Habitat on Penang Hill is refreshing to your mind, body and soul. The Habitat is a truly beautiful place to reconnect with nature and experience the remarkable beauty and biodiversity of Penang Hill.
How much does it cost to visit the Habitat?
Entrance to the Habitat Penang Hill costs RM60 (roughly £12 or $15) for an adult ticket and RM40 (roughly £8 or $10) for a child’s ticket or a senior citizen. Children are considered 4 – 11 years old and senior citizens are 59 years and older. Infants 0-3 years old are FREE of charge.
Family Package: RM160 (2 adults and 2 children). The walk in price is the same as pre-booking online. The Habitat is open Daily 9am – 7pm. The BEST time to visit is early morning or in the evening for the Sunset Walks.
You can also arrange a tour guide (book in advance). This costs an additional RM200 and tour guides can take groups of up to 10 people.
Where is the Habitat located?
The Habitat is located at the summit of Penang Hill around a 5 minute walk from the Penang hill mountain railway top station. This is a very central and convenient location on Penang hill.
What is THE BEST way to get to the Habitat?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on how to get up Penang Hill
There are three main ways to get to the Habitat on Penang Hill. You can either walk up Penang Hill, take the Penang hill mountain railway from Air Itam or you can take a Jeep Penang Hill from the botanical gardens. Hiking up Penang Hill is a beautiful that’s challenging option. This is a long steep uphill hike in the tropical heat. The Penang hill mountain railway is a fun way to get to the summit of Penang Hill however it can be slow during busy periods due to queueing time. You can get to the summit of Penang Hill using a jeep taxi, however the jeep taxis are quite expensive.
Hike from the Botanical Gardens
If you start from the botanical gardens there are two routes up Penang Hill. 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 that leads to the Jeep track. When you reach the Jeep track keep following it up, all the way to the top of Penang Hill. Habitat Penang Hill is only a few minutes walk from the top of the jeep track.
Take a jeep taxi from the Botanical Gardens
Another way to get to the Habitat Penang Hill is to take a jeep taxi from the Botanical Gardens. This is a very fast and convenient way to get up Penang Hill, however it is also quite expensive. Expect to pay around 150 ringgits to take a cheap taxi up and back down Penang Hill. If you plan to get to the Habitat 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.
Hike from from Air Atam
Another way to get to the Habitat Penang Hill is to hike from Air Itam. This is likely to take 2-3 hours. 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 up Penang Hill from Air Itam starts at Jalan Lintang. The other route starts by the Air Itam reservoir.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection. If you’re in Air Itam – don’t miss the incredible Kek Lok Si Temple.
Take the mountain railway from Air Itam
The most popular way to get to the top of Penang Hill is to take the Penang hill mountain railway which starts in Air Itam. The Habitat Penang Hill is only a short walk from the top station. The Penang hill mountain railway is a lot of fun and allows great views over Penang as you ascend. However, be aware that the Penang hill 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. During busy periods a fast track ticket is highly recommended. You will probably still have to wait but your waiting time will be much reduced.
Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Penang hill lower station (in Air Itam). Trains run through the day and into the evening.
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
What wildlife can you see on Penang Hill?
The Habitat is part of the Penang Hill UNESCO biosphere Reserve. This incredible ecosystem has remarkable biodiversity including a wide range of species of plants, fungi and animals. There are some species that are purely endemic to the summit of Penang hill.
The best way to see wildlife at the Habitat Penang Hill is to plan to take plenty of time on your visit, and go slowly and quietly. If possible try to visit for a sunset walk – many of the species at The Habitat Penang Hill can only be seen in the evening or at night. However, if you do not have a lot of time to visit there is still a very good chance of seeing at least some wildlife at the Habitat Penang Hill.
A short visit to The Habitat Penang Hill
Even if you are only able to take a short visit to the Habitat Penang Hill, there is a very good chance that you will see a range of animals, insects, birds and plants. Even on a short visit you are likely to see millipedes, butterflies, birds, and Langur monkeys (Dusky Leaf monkeys). The beautiful dusky leaf monkeys are commonly seen on the Langur canopy walk playing in the trees. They have a lovely temperament and tend to be more timid than Macaque monkeys.
The Habitat Penang Hill is also a great place to see a wide range of beautiful plants, flowers and trees. Along the trails are various gardens with different plant types such as ginger plants and herbs. Don’t miss the Tropical Pitcher plants (also known colloquially as Monkey Cups).
These beautiful plants are carnivorous (they digest insects!) and are often found in the high-altitude rainforests of Malaysia. In addition to the beautiful wildlife at the Habitat Penang Hill, you can also enjoy stunning 360 views over Penang Island from the Curtis Crest walkway.
A longer visit to The Habitat Penang Hill
Penang hill is home to some very beautiful species. If you are lucky you can see tortoises exploring the leaf litter and they sometime wander onto the trails.
If you are able to take a longer visit to the Habitat Penang Hill especially during the evening or at night there is a chance of seeing a wider range of Wildlife. This area really is beautifully bio-diverse, however the best way to see this is to take your time, go slowly and quietly. Here are some examples of the beautiful and celebrated animals that can be seen at the Habitat Penang Hill. The spiny turtle can also be seen around Penang Hill from time to time.
If you are lucky you may see a Sunda Culugo (The Malayan flying lemur). “Flying Lemur” is a misnomer. The Sunda Culugo is not a lemur and it glides rather than flying. These beautiful animals tend to stick in the trees and feed on leaves, shoots, flowers and fruits. At the Habitat Penang Hill you may also catch a glimpse of the elusive Black Giant Squirrel. This is one of the largest squirrels in the world. Keep you eye open for lizards scuttling along the paths and up trees.
There are also some endemic species (found ONLY on Penang hill), for example, the Penang Hill vampire crab. This creepy critter apparently found its way to the summit of Penang hill when this area was covered by oceans, and it decided to hang around here. They use water-filled cavities in plants as their Habitat. Don’t you love nature? Centipedes and millipedes can also be seen around Penang Hill.
Oh yeah, and keep your eye out for a Racket tail drongo. These ingenious birds can produce up to 17 different calls. They have been known to use this special skill to steal other animals’ food. For example a Racket tail drongo may imitate an eagle call to scare monkeys away and steal their food.
What can you do at the Habitat Penang Hill?
There is a lot to do at the Habitat Penang Hill. We recommend allowing at least a full morning or afternoon to visit the Habitat Penang Hill. Here are some of the amazing attractions that you can experience at the Habitat.
Langur canopy walkway – Habitat Penang Hill
This is probably the first attraction that you will see when you visit the Habitat Penang Hill. The Langur canopy walkway is a suspension bridge, through the beautiful canopy. No trees were cut down making this impressive walkway. ALSO it is very strong and can hold 50 elephants!
The Langur Canopy Walkway is one of the BEST places for spotting the charming Dusky Leaf monkeys playing in the tree tops.
The Curtis Crest walkway
The pictures really do say it all. This is the most prominent part of ESCAPE and the apex of Penang Hill. The Curtis Crest Walkway offers and unrivalled view over Penang Hill and Penang island. To explore the Curtis Crest Walkway you do need to climb a few flights of stairs but it’s well worth it.
is probably one of the main highlights of the Habitat Penang Hill. The Curtis Crest walkway is a circular walkway affording a breathtaking 360 over Penang Island. This is the highest viewpoint in Penang.
You do not need to purchase any additional tickets to walk around the Curtis Crest Walkway and you can stay up there as long as you want.
Habitat Penang Hill Garden Trails
Around the Habitat Penang Hill you can also enjoy 1.6km of trails and gardens. The trails are well paved and along the way you can enjoy viewpoints, a tree swing, gardens and seating areas.
Enjoy exploring the trails. This is a great chance to get some photos of the beautiful Habitat Jungle. SLOW down and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the Malaysian jungle.
Habitat Cafe and gift shop
At the exit to the Habitat Penang Hill, there is a beautiful Cafe and Gift shop. The cafe serves a range of pastries, cakes and drinks including coffees and ice creams.
The cafe has an outdoor seating area to enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle. The beautiful gift shop sells gifts including soaps, books, clothes, toys and more.
When you exit the Habitat park you are around 1-2km from the Penang Hill Railway Upper station. The Habitat have a FREE buggy shuttle service to return guests to the main section of Penang hill. Alternatively you can walk back along the road.
Some additional experiences at The Habitat Penang Hill
The Habitat Penang Hill also offers a range of additional experiences and activities. These may need to be booked or arranged in our fun and we also recommend contacting the Habitat Penang Hill to make sure they are available:
- At the Habitat Penang Hill you can also do Wild immersion virtual reality RM20
- Forest bathing – inspired by the Japanese discipline Shinrin-Yoku is about slowing down and saturating yourself in the beautiful ambiance of the rainforest. Nature-based therapy includes breathing exercises, meditation, tea tasting and more. Forest Bathing at the Habitat Penang Hill costs RM100 per person (roughly £20 or $25) available at 10.30am Saturdays and Sundays. This price INCLUDE entrance to the Habitat.
- If you are looking for a beautiful and exhilarating adrenaline rush don’t miss The Flight of the Colugo Zipline. 3 ziplines, a rope bridge and an abseil. We recommend contacting the Habitat Penang Hill in advance to check that this will be available on your visit. Tickets for the zipline must be purchased at the ticket office on arrival at The Habitat Penang hill. Tickets cost RM30 (around £6 or $8). Wear trainers. You will also need to purchase an entrance ticket to the Habitat to use the zip line.
- Sunset walk – this Experience starts with a guided nature walk led by one of the awesome nature guides at the Habitat. The guided walk accumulates at the stunning Curtis Crest treetop walk. The Penang sunsets are absolutely stunning. The sky fills up with a rich palette of colours, this is the perfect time to enjoy the remarkable beauty of the Penang Hill Habitat. Many creatures remain hidden in the day and begin to adventure out as the sun drops below the horizon. The sunset walk costs RM75 for an adult and RM55 for a child or senior citizen (this includes entry to The Habitat Penang Hill). Available on Saturdays and Sundays from 5.30pm onwards.
- They also offer wilderness camping experiences at the Habitat Penang Hill. Contact the Habitat team for more details.
Top tip: If you want to UPGRADE your ticket to include the sunset walk speak to a member of staff and pay the additional RM15 per person.
Guided tours – if you are hoping to learn more about the amazing natural history and heritage of the Habitat Penang why not try a guided tour? The experienced and knowledgeable guides will help you learn and connect with this incredible Habitat. Guided walks cost an additional RM200 for a group of 1 – 10 people (roughly £40 or $50). This cost does not include entry fees to The Habitat.
What are THE BEST place to stay to visit the Habitat Penang hill?
There are many great hotels, resorts and guest houses in Penang. If you are planning to visit the Habitat Penang Hill, we recommend taking a hotel on Penang Island. If you choose a hotel in Batu Ferringhi,m, be aware the journey to the base of Penang Hill is likely to take around 1 hour. Alternatively, if you choose a hotel or Guest House in Georgetown it is possible to get to the base of Penang Hill in about 30 minutes.
The Eastern and Oriental Hotel
If you are looking for exquisite luxury Colonial Decadence don’t miss the stunning Eastern and Oriental Hotel located in Georgetown. This superlative property is located right by the coast affording breathtaking ocean views amidst incredible five-star luxury. The dining out the eastern and Oriental hotel is genuinely remarkable. The Eastern and Oriental Hotel may not be cheap but it is truly excellent.
The Hard Rock Hotel (Batu Ferringhi)
If you are looking for a resort that offers family fun and good vibes at excellent prices don’t miss the Hard Rock Hotel located in batu ferringhi. This is not very close to Penang Hill, however it is an excellent location for enjoying many of the activities in Penang.
Hickory Penang Hill Resort (Penang Hill)
If you are looking for a hotel which is actually located on Penang Hill itself check out the Hickory Penang Hill. This beautiful Hotel offers fantastic views and excellent facilities, perfect for enjoying the natural ambience of Penang Hill.
The Lost Paradise Resort (Tanjung Bungah)
If you are looking for a property with unique character and charm, check out the incredible Lost Paradise Resort in Tanjung Bungah. This unique property has a fusion of Moroccan and Balinese artwork and architecture.
