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Top 10 Hiking Trails in Penang

 

Aside from cultural heritage and diverse communities, Penang is endowed with luscious forests, adventurous mountain trails, and mighty hills, perfect for those who enjoy a good hill climb! Exotic orchids, farms, wildlife, waterfalls, and mountain top views are just a few of the Island's attractions.

 

To enjoy the best view of your hiking trail, begin your hike early in the morning, when the weather is cooler and less humid. To avoid a large crowd and get the best photographs, visit between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Hiking in Penang should be avoided on rainy days as the paths can become slippery and muddy. The best time of year to visit Penang is between November and January, when nature is at its peak!

 

Here are 10 hiking trails in Penang:

1. Penang Hill (Bukit  Bendera)

Credit: ArrivalGuides

 

Penang Hill has a long history as the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia, dating back to 1700. As it is Penang's main hill, it has a variety of starting points and trails that lead to the top, including Moongate Highway 5 (jungle trail), Botanical Gardens trail, and the popular Heritage trail. The popular Penang Hill trail is a less-traveled back trail that starts off easy with light uphill steps. While the first hour is a steady ascent, the second hour is quite difficult, with steep uphill steps and rugged trails. At the end of the trail, you'll find some mixed fruit stalls selling frozen and fresh juices! To catch a glimpse, try this trail.

 

Distance: 8 Km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time Taken: 3-3½ hours

 

2. Penang Hill via Heritage Trail

Credit: Penang Hill Heritage Trail 

 

The Penang Hill Heritage trail, at an elevation of 833m, is the most popular hiking trail in Penang. On weekends, this path is popular with cyclists and hikers. There are red, white, and pink arrows to guide you through the trail. There is also a funicular train that takes you up the hill for about RM 15 at the counter on the foothill. On your way to the Claremont Sub-Station at the top, you may encounter many barking dogs. You must tread carefully until you reach the Top Station because the path is littered with stairs, rocks, mud, and tree roots.

 

Distance: 4.7 Km
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Time Taken: 2½ hours

 

 3. Penang Hill via Botanical Gardens

 

The British established the Penang botanical gardens, also known as Taman Kebun Bunga or the Waterfall Gardens, in 1884. The traffic here is moderate, but it can increase on weekends. This hiking trail provides several routes to the top of Penang Hill. You'll see cactus gardens, herb gardens, monitor lizards, wild boars, aquatic gardens, lily ponds, and much more along the way!

 

Distance: 9.8 Km
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Time Taken: 4 - 5 hours
Best Time: November to January

 

4. Penang Hill via Moongate Highway 5

Credit: Pinoymountaineer

 

The moon-shaped doorway at the trail's beginning inspired the name of this trail. This hiking trail, located along the botanical gardens' roads, provides a more jungle trekking experience, with some of the most difficult climbs and steep steps. At the top of Penang Hill Station 5, there are some tea stalls selling Chinese tea, warm water, coffee, and biscuits.

 

Distance: 11.6 Km
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Difficult
Time Taken: 4 - 5 hours

 

 5. Bukit Jambul

Credit: Trip Advisor

 

This path is an easy climb back trail with moderate traffic. The majority of the staircases here lead to Bukit Pasir, the hill behind Bukit Jambul. There are tea kiosks at the summit for those fitness enthusiasts who prefer herbal tea and hot water. This hilltop offers a spectacular view of the Penang Bridge and the surrounding cityscape!

 

Distance: 1.3 Km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Taken: 40 mins to 1 hour
Entrance: Beside Bj Cove, Bayan Lepas, Penang

 

6. Kerachut Beach Trail

Credit: Wandering Jornal

 

This is a moderately travelled easy climb back trail. Staircases leading to Bukit Pasir, the hill behind Bukit Jambul, are prevalent here. For those who prefer herbal tea and hot water, there are tea kiosks at the summit. This hilltop offers a spectacular view of the Penang Bridge and the cityscape below!

 

Distance: 7.2 Km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time Taken: 3 to 3½ hours
Location: Penang National Park

 

7. Titi Kerawang to Balik Pulau

Credit: Penang Travel Tips

 

This is a one-of-a-kind hiking trail that takes you to Penang's hidden waterfalls, which are about 500 metres from the starting point and surrounded by lush green forests and beautiful wildlife. This trail is a visual feast, with fruit orchards, exotic Bao Sheng durian farms, and aromatic ginger flowers! Many visitors enjoy picnicking at 'Titi Kerawang,' which translates as "old bridge."

 

Distance: 10 km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Taken: 3-4 hours

 

8. Monkey Beach to Muka Head LightHouse

Credit: NICKCHAN.NET

 

The Muka Head Lighthouse, built during colonial times in 1883, is Penang's oldest lighthouse and offers the best panoramic views of the city. The lighthouse is a 10-minute boat ride (RM 50 per boat) from the monkey beach in Penang National Park. Aside from wildlife like monkeys, squirrels, white-bellied sea eagles, and birds, you can also enjoy water sports on the beach while eating and drinking!

 

Distance: 6 Km
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time Taken: 3-4 hours
Location: Penang National Park
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm, Lighthouse closes at 3 pm

 

9. Batu Ferringhi

Credit: Localocal

 

This trail, known for its white sandy beaches, begins at a small entrance opposite the Bayview Hotel. This is a simple hiking trail that even children will enjoy. After about 10 minutes of walking, you will come across a waterfall. Some routes will take you to the Batu Ferringhi dam and aqueduct, which were built during British rule and provide drinking water to the surrounding communities. You can also take a quick swim at the Chin farm and the river.

 

Distance: 5.7 Km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Taken: 3 hours

 

10. Youth Park (Taman Flora)

Credit:Penang Monthly

 

Though this recreational park does not have a traditional hiking trail, it does provide several pathways to the tops of Penang Hill, Mount Cendana, and the Western Hill! It is also a popular fitness destination for many sports enthusiasts, and it houses a variety of activities such as mountain biking, fitness centres, skating rinks, and more!

 

Distance: 8.5 Km
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Taken: 4-5 hours
Opening Hours: 6 am to 5:30 pm

 

Step out of your comfort zone and explore different trails with us at Howei! Discover a world of adventure by clicking the link below.

 

Perpaduan Charity Hike 2023

https://howei.com/event_details/perpaduancharityhike

 

Battle Of Bukit Cendana Ultra Challenge (BOBCUC) 2023

https://howei.com/event_details/battleofbukitcendanaultrachallenge2023

 

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