Top Hiking Trails in Penang Island, Malaysia
Hiking Trails in Penang Island
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Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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- Data linPenang Island, Malaysia3 contributionsVery Relax environment, nice view and can enjoy very much. Relaxing walk is the most fun of the trip. Cold Weather tooWritten 3 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Lim Yang KwangPenang, Malaysia125 contributionsAs a first timer hiking this trail, it is a very rewarding experience to challenge yourself in battling against motivation and physical strength. Overall, the hike is not very tough, instead, the long distances between 3 of our checkpoints increases the challenge of completing this trail. They don’t call it the longest trail in Penang for no reason.
We started off at Chin Farm Waterfall. It is at the junction right opposite Bayview Beach Resort. There’s a faded yellow sign that points to the rocky path. We parked our car beside the road and started our walk towards Chin Farm Waterfall for about 5-10 minutes. Chin Farm Waterfall was once a famous tourist spot but since years ago it was almost forgotten by people. While we were there, we couldn’t see anyone else. After that we begin our hike following the sign that points towards Bukit Bendera. The trail that you are on now is named Trail 4.
We came across a rainfall containment and you need to look for a narrow path along with thin ropes that leads you to cross the river. It is right beside the structure. After crossing the river, you will continue your trail towards Bukit Laksamana following the Bukit Bendera signage.
Along the path there’s guiding ropes at several steep areas, as well as tree markings, signage etc. There are some section where a tree has fallen so you either need to climb over or crawl underneath it. Keep following the direction to Bukit Bendera and the first junction you’ll reach is Simpang 13. Continue your way towards Bukit Bendera by following the Simpang 13 direction and soon you’ll reach Station 10. This is where the trail from Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang (TRTB) connects with your trail from Chin Farm, in which both will lead to Bukit Laksama. Again, stick to the direction towards Bukit Bendera and the journey will be another 2.8km hike. Along the way you’ll be passing several stations and markings that tells your distance away from Bukit Laksamana.
One last ascend along a narrow path where both sides are cliffs and you’ll reach the summit of Bukit Laksamana at an elevation of 805m. On one side you’ll have a view towards the mountainous hills and another side you can see the Teluk Bahang Dam. There’s a shaded area where you can rest and catch a breath. If you continue hiking from here, you’ll reach Western Hill then ultimately Penang Hill.
We descend using the same path as we ascend and branch towards Teluk Bahang at Station 10. Some areas are very steep for descend so use a hiking stick or guiding ropes if available. After about 3 hours, we reached the base of TRTB. From there we took the public bus - Rapid Penang.
First, Escape bus stop - Taman Negara (Free). This is the last stop for all of the bus service. Then take a 2nd bus opposite Taman Negara bus stop and align at Teluk Bahang Hub (Free). Here you’ll need to wait for the next bus (101 or 102) operating the Teluk Bahang line. Board any of them and your alighting point will be Hard Rock Hotel. Pay RM1.40 per ticket.
We tried looking for Grab rides which is more convenient and saves time but there’s very very limited amount of driver available at that area.
Here’s the summary of the hike: total distance - 6.5km, total duration: 6 hours
Final thoughts: since it’s a long hike, bring enough food and snacks maybe sandwiches, fruits, energy bars for lunch. Have breakfast before the hike. Secondly, bring at least 2 litres of water. Trust me you’ll need more water than you could imagine. Next, hiking boots & hiking sticks are preferred and will make your experience much better. Again, this trail is not very tough in terms of steepness, instead it’s the distance & duration that challenges your hiking experience. This trail is as natural as a jungle trail should be, so without a doubt, it’s a great experience.Written 16 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - jenytoh5 contributionsit is very nice hiking trail , which it is a short trip.and have many way go to top. you can view nice sunrise..which like the picture as i took.Written 12 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- OoiYenKheeKuala Lumpur, Malaysia136 contributionsThis is a place that you can go for do exercise or family gathering or society activities also can. There have mini market that you can buy the drink, food and snack at there but the price got a bit expensive compare at outside. The also got a big playgroud and swimming pool. But public holiday or weekend will be have a lot of people inside the swimming pool so not so suggest.Written 21 May 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Joanna NKuala Lumpur, Malaysia5 contributionsThis was a tough and challenging hike, meant for more experienced hikers. But the fantastic climb through deep forest and the spectacular views from the top of Penang Hill’s old Crag Hotel made it all worthwhile!
Going inside Crag Hotel made me feel as though I was stepping back in time to the colonial British days. So nostalgic!
Peter is an amazing guide who made us feel safe throughout, and his stories made the hike so interesting. I would do this hike all over again!Written 7 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Penang Island
- These places are best for hiking trails in Penang Island:
- Batu Ferringhi Hidden Gems
- Penang Longest Trail
- Bukit Hijau
- Penang Municipal Park
- The back way to Penang Hill