Penang Hills & Penang Parks
o Forest Recreation Park and Museum: Located within the 100-hectare Forest Recreation Park, the museum was built using various species of wood as well as other forest produce and houses a collection of forest produce from all over the country. The park features footpaths and flowing streams and is home to countless species of flowering plants, ferns, insects, birds, butterflies, snakes and lizards.
Opening hours - 900am to 500pm
Admission fee: RM1.00 (adult)
RM0.50 (children)
o Penang Hill: Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill is 830 metres (2730ft) above sea level. Visitors can ascend to the top by either hiking up or by traveling in the funicular train which has been operational since 1922. Apart from the cool, refreshing climate and the fantastic view at the summit, visitors can also view a beautiful flower garden, bird park and picturesque bungalows. There are bungalows for rent and a hotel for those who want to stay for more than a day. Refreshments and snacks are sold at a convenient tea kiosk located on top of the hill.
There is a good walking trail up the hill. It takes 4 hours to reach the top and is recommended only for the more energetic. The jungle trail begins at the ‘moongate’ on Jalan Air Terjun, approximately 300m from the entrance of the Penang Botanical Gardens.
The funicular train service begins at 6.30am and ends at 9.30pm (weekday) & 6.30am and 11.45pm (weekend).
Fare: RM4.00 (adult)
RM2.00 (children)
o Penang National Park: Located at the end of the famous Batu Feringghi Road and past the fishing village of Teluk Bahang at Penang’s northern tip, the park offers some excellent trails through the rainforest. To reach the park, visitors can opt for a 30-minute boat ride from Teluk Bahang village or a jungle trek for about 90 minutes from Teluk Bahang. Attractions at the park include Teluk Duyung, a broad bay protected by the Cape of Muka Head and Pantai Kerachut. It is a popular beach also known as Monkey Beach for the large numbers of monkeys found here. There is an old burial ground of Achehnese origin in the area.
Pantai Kerachut is a white-sand beach popular as a picnic and camping site. It is also a site where the green turtles come to nest from April to August while the Olive Ridley turtles come in between September and February.
The area contains a meromictic lake about one square kilometre in size, where fresh water from the island’s streams meet sea water. During dry seasons and low tide, the lake is a mudflat and when the tide rises, sea water gradually fills the lake while fresh water remains on top of the denser sea water. Certain fish, birds and reptilia have adapted to living within this unusual environment.
Opening hours: 8.30am – 6.30pm.
o Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is an oasis of peace and tranquility with lush green surroundings, tropical plants and the vibrant colours of Penang’s flora. The 30-hectare garden also features a waterfall. Created in 1884 by the British, it was meant as a tribute to Charles Curtis, its first superintendent who collected botanical specimens from the surrounding hills which have since become significant samples in the world’s major herbariums. The gardens are also well known for their Rhesus monkeys.
Opening hours - 7.00am to 7.00pm
Admission is free.
