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Penang Hill is well known for its beautiful trails. If you’re looking for a stunning Penang Hill Hiking trail – we are SUPER excited to share this secret gem with you. We have done a lot of hiking on Penang Hill and this is our favourite Penang Hill Hiking Trail.
In Brief: Penang Hill is a large hill 833m altitude located in the center of Penang island. There are loads of great Penang Hill Attractions (LINK) AND there are also plenty of Penang Hill trails starting from various locations such as Air Itam Dam, Air Itam town, The Botanical Gardens, Tanjung Bunga and even Balik Pulau. With so many trails to choose from it can be hard to know where to start.
In this guide we will recommend a stunning Penang Hill trail which starts at the Moon Gate near the Penang Botanical Gardens. From here you follow the trail up a steep hill until you reach an amazing secret rest station. The route can then be used to keep going up Penang Hill or to circle back down to the Botanical Gardens.
Don’t miss these AMAZING Penang Hill attractions. Or if you’re looking for more inspo around Penang check out these EPIC things to do in Penang.
Important note about choosing a Penang Hill Hiking Trail
Before you read on: NOT every Penang Hill trail lead to the summit of Penang hill. Actually many of the Penang Hill Hiking trails do not lead to the summit at all. SO it is super important to plan your trip carefully. Where do you want to go? AND where do you want to start? In this article we will recommend a Penang Hill Hiking Trail that starts at the Moon gate (near the Penang Botanical Gardens). From this trail it is possible to ascend to the summit of Penang Hill OR you can turn this into a round walk and ascend slightly over half the altitude of Penang hill and then return to the Botanical Gardens (via the jeep track).
Map of THE BEST Penang Hill hiking trail
Does it cost anything to hike on Penang Hill?
No, it does not cost anything to hike on Penang Hill. There are no tickets, permits or entry fees required to explore Penang hill or use any Penang Hill Trail. However, if you wish to use the Penang Hill Mountain Railway (from Air Itam) or take a jeep taxi up Penang Hill (from the Botanical Gardens) – you will need to purchase a ticket.
Penang Hill Hiking Trail – Navigation and Terrain
This Penang Hill Hiking Trail follows a beautiful hilly 6km route. The total trek is likely to take around 2-3 hours (if you follow the round route back to the Botanical Gardens). The trail itself is well worn and not too hard to navigate. There are a few turn offs to avoid – the aim is to stay in the main trail. Using GPS to follow the route is recommended but not essential. ALWAYS stay on the trails when you are trekking on Penang hill. The terrain is pretty challenging with rocks and roots. The muddy ground can also be slippery during or after the rain. This Penang Hill Hiking Trail is relatively well covered by trees so you don’t need to worry about sun protection.
Penang Hill Hiking Trail ROUTE
This Penang Hill Hiking Trail starts at the Moon gate. The Moon gate is a beautiful circular Chinese Gate located on the left hand side of the road that leads to the Penang Botanical Gardens. It is only a few hundred meters from the entrance to the Penang Botanical Gardens.
This Penang Hill Hiking trail starts at the moon gate and leads up the hill. The trail is pretty steep in sections and leads to some steep steps. This is a challenging section of this Penang Hill Hiking Trail. Keep following the steps up the hill.
You will begin to see a view emerge behind you at points. Keep pressing onwards and upwards. Eventually the trail begins to flatten out and leads around to the right. Keep following the SAME Penang Hill Hiking trail (don’t turn off – some trails lead back down the hill).
After a few hundred metres you will reach Rest Station 5. This is an amazing little place to stop at take a break. Rest Station 5 is a popular spot for locals to meet and socialize together. They often serve tea and coffee here.
This is not an official cafe. Just locals hanging out and being lovely. At Rest Station number 5 there is fitness equipment and seating areas to enjoy the beautiful jungle sights and sounds. This really is a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the natural ambiance of Penang Hill.
The facilities and equipment at the Penang Hill Rest Station 5 are surprisingly good. This area really does capture the local culture – a commitment to community, health, well being and nature are all evident at this rest station.
After enjoying the Rest Station, keep following the same trail along the ridge. This Penang Hill Hiking trail goes up a little more – but not as steep as the first section. This ridge section of the trail is very beautiful. There are some amazing view points along this section of trail.
Eventually this Penang Hill Hiking trail reaches the highest point before starting to descend a little. There are a few steep sections along the way.
After approximately 2-3 km from the Rest Station you will reach the Penang Hill Jeep Track. This is a steep patted road that runs from the Penang Botanical Gardens all the way to the summit of Penang Hill. This Jeep Track is used by jeep taxis (one of the ways to get up Penang Hill).
When the Penang Hill Hiking trail reaches the jeep track there are TWO OPTIONS: Either turn right and go down the Jeep all the way back to the Penang Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, turn left and follow the jeep track up the hill a few more kilometers (it’s pretty steep at points) until you eventually reach the summit of Penang Hill. UNFORTUNATELY there is not a Penang Hill Hiking Trail from the jeep track to the top of Penang Hill – so you will need to follow the jeep track if you want to keep going up the hill.
Trekking on Penang Hill – What should you bring?
If you are planning to go trekking on Penang Hill it is essential to be well prepared and well equipped. Remember that the weather can change quickly and without notice, any time of the year in Penang. Some sections of this route could be challenging in the rain. Here are some things to prepare:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Snacks (be careful not to eat in front of the monkeys)
- Good shoes (trainers)
- Light, loose fitting clothing
- Mosquito repellant
- Sun protection may help on some sections but is not essential
LOOKING for a different Penang Hill hiking trail?
If the moon gate trail is NOT what you are looking for, here is some inspiration form some other great hiking trails on Penang Hill:
If you are planning to start your trek in Air Itam you can find a Penang Hill Hiking Trail at the end of Jalan Lintang. This is a relatively direct route up Penang Hill and starts close to the bottom station of the Penang Hill mountain railway.
Alternatively, if you want to start your trek at the Air Itam Dam – you can find a Penang Hill Hiking trail that leads up to Penang Hill from here. OR you can follow a trail that leads up to a scenic and tranquil hill temple that overlooks Balik Pulau (the back of the island)
There is also a Penang Hill Hiking Trail starting in Tanjung Bunga. This trail leads on to a ridge and joins the jeep track part way up.
Just be aware that there are LOADS of trails all over Penang Hill. Navigation can be tricky so always plan and prepare well and consider using additional tools such a GPS to help you navigate.
Penang Hill Hiking Trail – THE BEST places to stay
If you’re all about hiking on Penang Hill – then we recommend finding accommodation in Georgetown – this is relatively close to Air Itam and also the Botanical Gardens – both great spots to get onto a Penang Hill Hiking Trail. There are some EXCELLENT hotels in Georgetown.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel Georgetown
If you are looking for exquisite luxury and colonial decadence, don’t miss the impressive Eastern and Oriental Hotel with its stylish suites, beautiful ocean views and tempting fine dining. The Eastern and Oriental may not be cheap – but it is VERY beautiful and a great place to stay if you’re looking to splash out.
Lang Hoose Budget Guest House Georgetown
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a budget hotel in Georgetown you may be interested in the vintage stylish Lang Hoose (the largest rooms can accommodate up to 4 guests).
Lost Paradise Resort Tanjung Bunga
If you’re looking for somewhere with some UNIQUE character and charm, don’t miss the Lost Paradise Resort. This beautiful little resort is a hidden gem located on the coast road between Tanjung Bunga and Batu Ferringhi. The aptly named Lost Paradise Resort has an eye-catching Balinese and Moroccan theme, 3 outdoor swimming pools and great ocean views. You can also snatch up some fantastic deals here too.
Hard Rock Hotel Batu Ferringhi
AND FINALLY, this one is not close to Penang Hill – but it is definitely worth a recommendation. Don’t miss the fantastic Hard Rock Hotel located in Batu Ferringhi. This brilliant hotel has a fun hard rock theme and all of the HAPPY FAMILY vibes. Great pool, bar, play spaces AND of course an iconic Hard Rock Cafe onsite. What’s not to love?! Also, the Hard Rock Hotel offers the BEST value for money of all of the 5 star hotels in the area.
