Things to do on Penang Hill

Penang Hill Funicular Train

To enjoy cooler temperature and fresh-smelling air, head up to Penang's popular peak Penang Hill where there are plenty to see and do. Cheng Sim shares the things you shouldn’t miss.

Explore the Aviary Ginger Garden

For a small garden, Bellevue Hotel’s Aviary Ginger Garden houses a sizeable collection of Zingiberales, in other words, an order of flowering plants. Stroll along its maze of greener and spot the heliconia, bird of paradise and prayer plants to name a few. What’s not to miss is the different species of birds in the likes of hornbills, pheasants and parrots in garden that were largely rescued. At time of writing, the entrance fee is RM8 for adult and RM5 for children.

Profess your love at Love Lock @ Penang Hill

You don’t have travel as far as Pont des Arts in Paris or Germany’s Hohenzollern Bridge to profess your love to your better half. Enjoy a smooth ride to Penang Hill and visit their famous Love Lock fence that overlooks a lovely view of George Town city. It is a norm to see lovebirds flocking the fence. Each padlock is priced from RM25 and there are permanent ink pens to put your sweet promises in writing.

Visit the heritage bungalows

Due to the hill’s long trace of history during the British settlements, it is to no surprise to find heritage bungalows dotted around Penang Hill. As you step off from the train and walk along the elevated walkway, you will spot The Woodside Bungalow, which is the chosen site for the filming of drama series, Indian Summers. Apart from that, a walk around Penang Hill will guarantee glimpses of other heritage bungalows built in the Colonial Era including the White House, The Nook, Camville and not forgetting Sheriff William Harrinburton’s former bungalow, which is now transformed into Bellevue Hotel.

Fuel up at David Brown Restaurant & Sky Terrace

What’s an evening at Penang Hill without warm scones and a cup of Darjeeling? Teatime is best spent at David Brown Restaurant but if you have an appetite for larger mains, sample their rib eye steaks, chicken Maryland, oxtail stew and roast sirloin with Yorkshire pudding. If refreshment is all you need from all the sightseeing, head over to their Sky Terrace for beautiful view of George Town while enjoying drinks ranging from coffee to Carlsberg.

Admire owlsome pieces at Owl Museum

Sprawled with all things owlsome, this is Southeast Asia’s first owl museum of its kind. Expect floor-to-ceiling collection of owl-themed paintings, sculptures and among its 2,500 pieces sourced from various countries around the globe. If you wish to have a piece to call your own, there are owl-inspired accessories to jazz up your outfit and even, fridge magnets for souvenirs. The admission fee is RM10 for adult and free for kids below 12 years old.

Love Lock @ Penang Hill 

19 Jan 2015: The multi-storey car park right by Penang Hill entrance is now open. Its convenient location is said to increase visitors to the hill by five per cent and has 310 parking bays. A fee of RM2 per hour has been set and it's free for motorcycles.