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Hike up Bukit Bendera

Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Details

Distance

2.5 miles

Elevation Gain

2624.7 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Korey Taylor

Experience this unique route to reach the top of Bukit Bendera (also known as Penang Hill) by utilizing different trails starting from the Penang Botanical Gardens. From the top you have a spectacular view of Georgetown and there are Hindu Temples and Mosques to visit on the summit.

I'll start off with the disclaimer that you can reach the summit via a funicular (Malaysian railway); however, it is rather expensive and the hike offers a unique excursion through the jungle and great views along the way. To reach the start of the trail you need to enter the Penang Botanical Gardens. The trailhead can be tricky to find since there is no sign, so once you enter the park keep left past the office and start heading up the hill. You'll eventually pass a group of white trees on your right and the start to the trail should just be a little further up on the left. The trail initially starts off as a very steep series of stairs until it meets up with a paved road. After 1.75km along the paved road there is a rest area where you can break off from the road onto a dirt track that will take you to the top. This dirt track is called Miniot Road and was one of the original paths used by the British in 1832. This path will take you under the funicular and to the top of Bukit Bendera. Here you can rest, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, and visit the Hindu temples.

For the return trip you can either follow the path back down or take the funicular- depending if you parked at the botanical gardens or not. When I made this hike I took a bus to the gardens and took the funicular back down to a different parking lot where I took a different bus back to my hostel. You have to pay to use the funicular on the way up, however there are very few people who actually choose to take the hiking route up so it's really easy to jump on the railway back down for free! Just make sure you plan out the route to and from the hike so you can decide what's best for you.

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Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife

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Nearby

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