Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which refers to Flagstaff Hill. Situated about 800 metres above sea level on the northern part of the island, Malaysia's oldest hill resort has cool unpolluted air, historical heritage and environmental significance. Apart from the cool, refreshing climate and the fantastic view at the summit, visitors can also view the picturesque bungalows, a beautiful flower garden and a bird park.
Penang Hill Railway 
The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway from Air Itam to the top of Flagstaff Hill. Construction of the railway took place between 1906 to 1923, at a cost of 1.5 million Straits dollars. The railway was opened to the public on October 21, 1923. The 2,007 m (1 mile 435 yard) journey takes about half an hour and the train may stop at intermediate stations upon request.
Alternatively, there is a 5.1 km (3.17 mile) tarred road known popularly as the "jeep track". It is open only to the vehicles of hill residents. The "jeep track" is also used by off-road motorcycle enthusiast to traverse up the steep terrain. It is a popular hiking route.
Flora 
The most common forest type found on Penang Hill is the hill dipterocarp forest. Growing at higher altitudes are some of the submontane oak-laurel as well as coniferous trees. The Tree fern which is normally associated with higher elevations are also found growing here.
Penang Hill is scientifically important as a type site of many Malaysian plant species. In the past, botanists came here to collect plants for herbaria around the world. It is an area rich in biodiversity and has a great number of endemic species, some of which are so rare that their existence is endangered.
The rare and endangered species include the parasitic plant Exorhopalia ruficeps, which grows in the shady and damp undergrowth. The Penang slipper orchid is fast becoming over-collected and disappearing. The endangered witch hazel Maingaya malayana was rediscovered years ago and has since been propagated.
Fauna 
Large mammals are not found in Penang Hills. Wild boars, small and medium sized mammals such as the squirrels, monkeys and tree shrews can be sighted. A number of species found in these hills are nocturnal. These include the civets, flying lemurs, flying civets and bats.
In the evenings, the characteristic calls of the cicadas and crickets are often heard. If one is discerning enough, the stick insect and leaf mantis may be found well-camoufaged among the vegetation.
Penang Hills have a rich bird fauna. Over 100 species or about 80% of the birds found on Penang Island have been recorded here. They range from the common garden species to rare deep forest inhabitants
Details
Opening Hrs:Mon-Fri: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sat-Sun: 6:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Pricing:
Cable train ride return tickets are at RM4 for adults and RM2 for children.
Contact:
Tel: +60 4 829 9412
More Info:
For more info visit:
http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my/.
