T53. Penang Heritage Trail

 

 

T52. Finding Penang Hill

Travel is not about the destination, but the journey too.  This I use as a point in driving all the way north from Kuala Lumpur to Penang Island, Pearl of the Orient.

How different is it now comparing to the pass ten years remain to be seen.  No map this time folks, just head north on the North-South Highway (PLUS) and keep looking for the bridges crossing over into Penang.

 There are currently three options to drive into Penang, by longest and latest bridge from Batu Kawan on the Peninsular side to Bayan Lepas on the island side.  Further north, you can choose the older bridge linking Butterworth to USM.  The third choice is the ever romantic Penang ferry.  We choose the first option because the bridge is new.

Our first destination is the Penang Hill, or better known as Bukit Bendera.  Try translating this to English, it becomes Flag Hill.  Not very accurate translation indeed.

As it is a weekend, we have expected the crowd, but than it wasn't this many visitors in the old days.  O yes, the climbing train is completely new but I guess the rail itself is still the old and reliable one.

You are charged only one way which means the price is still reasonable with GST and all.  It is a breeze climb of about fifteen minutes and you are at the top of the hill. 

Exiting the station, choose the left walkway and you will find souvenir, owl museum, and eating out places.

Walk further around, the picturesque view is presented right in front of you.  This is what we have been searching for.

Enough amenities at the top, there is mosque as well as Hindu temple side by side. Other than that, it is all the way beautiful and panoramic view to keep you and your camera busy.

Form the overflowing queue again, this time is to descend.

So we are back on the ground again, looking for more Penang things.

 

Shaolin anyone?