Although Penang Hill is a famous attraction in Penang Island, but I cannot recall when was my last trip to this tallest hill in Penang, especially through taking the funicular train. In the past, most of the locals might be reluctant to go up Penang Hill due to the train system was very inconvenience. Just imagine you need to wait 30 mins for the train to pick you up to the middle station, and you need to walk out and take another train going up to the top station. The whole process could easily take you an hour's time. Would you feel comfortable if you are in the train fully filled with people? At least I don't think so.
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| Previous Version Funicular Train |
However, this uncomfortable train service had been ended since 3 years ago, after it being replaced with the new version of funicular train from Switzerland that able to send you directly from the ground to the top station within 5 minutes' time. 5 minutes??? Yes!!
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| Latest Version of Funicular Train |
The fast train speed and few new attractions being introduced in Penang Hill such as Owl Museum and Monkey Cup Garden made me so excited to give it a visit. So, after made some arrangement, finally we were there.
When we arrived then only we discovered that the foothill station had being change to a new look.
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| Penang Hill (Foothill) |
Beside the ticketing counter and souvenir shops being nicely arranged at each side of the main entrance, installation of the roof also shielding the visitors from expose to direct sunlight or the rain drops. There are also some 'bench' ready for those who are tired or need to wait for someone.
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| Penang Hill (Foothill Station) |
Meanwhile, there is a big red signboard that we noticed for the first time since our last visit. The big word 'Penang Hill 1923' (Bukit Bendera is referred to Penang Hill in Malay) clearly stand on top of the station, telling the visitors that Penang Hill railway service was opened to public in year 1923. Remember to take a photo before you get into the station. Of course you could also snap it during return trip...hehe.. :). Meanwhile, could you notice the cannon in the photo below??
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| Penang Hill (Foothill Station) |
Although we were there around 10am, but the queue to purchase ticket already long enough to make us wait for 15 mins before our turn.
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| Penang Hill Train Ticket Counter |
While queuing, I try to study the train ticket price listed beside the ticketing counter...
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| Penang Hill Train Ticket Price List |
For round trip ticket, Malaysian adult is charged RM8 while foreign adult visitor is charged RM30. Children aged between 4 to 12 years old and the student( include college & university student) are entitle for half price ticket. In case you are visiting Penang Hill with your family members, then you might want to consider the Family Package. If you are looking for one way ticket, then you would be charged slightly higher price for single trip, if to compare with round trip ticket.
As a reminder, for Malaysian, please get MyKad ready during you purchase the ticket. One MyKad only entitle for one ticket. During our last trip, the long queue during ticket purchasing process was mainly due to the locals not get the MyKad ready, and time wasted for them to collect it from friends and relatives waiting on the other sides.
After paid for RM16.00, we finally got out ticket.
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| Penang Hill Train Ticket (Front) |
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| Penang Hill Train Ticket (Back) |
I still remember the old time ticket was just a thin paper but now it being replaced with printed card with bar code. Thumb up!
Upon got into the entrance, there are cupboards storing the historical photos that telling the visitors on the old time of Penang Hill.
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| Penang Hill Historical Photos |
Before we entered the actual train station, the ticket need to be scanned.
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| Train Ticket Scanned Counter |
If there is a crowd and you need to queue up, just looking for the sign below to get an estimation on how long you need to wait before on-board.
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| Estimation on Waiting Time |
Due to the new train travelling speed is very fast, we just wait for 5 to 10 mins and then came to our turn. When we got into the train and it started to move, I started to time the journey from bottom station to top station. The whole trip only taken 5 mins!!! Just imagine previously we spent 1 hour for the same journey but now only 5mins. I felt nothing during the first trip from bottom to top station. However, the return trip made me feel like got into a roller coaster, but really excited.
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| Interior of the Funicular Train |
Oh ya, the new train now is equipped with air-conditioner already.
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| Penang Hill Railway (Taken from Top Station) |
I shall share out the attractions found in Penang Hill in the following post.But here I would like to share a bit on the transportation. Due to some technical issue, the multi level parking space for Penang Hill visitors still could not be occupied during our visit. Besides, the parking lot along the road side are also limited. However, there is a free parking space located around 5 mins walking distance away from the station. Even though with this open air car park, please try to be there as early as you can. I did experience where totally no parking space for me when I arrived at 11am.
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| Open Air Parking Space |
If you think car parking is an issue, perhaps you could consider to take the Rapid bus. We managed to take the bus with route number that could bring you to Penang Hill.
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| Rapid Bus 204 |
In overall, Penang Hill is worth to visit, especially to those who never being there or someone like me that not visiting it for many years. Enjoy!!
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