[02] Botanical Garden - Penang Hill via Step Trail 46

Elevation	735 m (2,450 ft)
Distance	5.1 km
Location	Penang Island
Country	Malaysia
Starting Point	Botanical Garden
Destination	Penang Hill
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Latest Attempt	31st May 2008

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Penang Hill or also being called Bukit Bendera in Malaysia official language Bahasa Malaysia. For local Hokkien Penangites, they often called it as "Seng Kee Sua". A hill resort comprising a group of peaks, the major hill system of Penang Island. It stands 735 m (2,450 ft) above sea level and located about 6km from the city centre of Georgetown. It stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. Penang Hill is the cooler climate and core summit area has an average temperature ranging from 20°C to 27°C. The mean minimum temperature is consistently below 21°C. The hottest months are between December and April while the coolest months are between June and October.

There are several accessibilities to travel up to Penang Hill. The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway in Air Itam. Journey takes about half an hour and the train may stop at intermediate stations upon request. A return trip costs MYR 4 for adult and MYR 2 for children. One way trip costs MYR 3 for adult.

Alternatively, there is a 5.1km tarred road known popularly as the "Jeep Track". It is open only to the vehicles of hill residents. It is a popular hiking route. It begins next to the entrance of Penang Botanical Garden. and it takes a 2 or 3 hours leisurely hike to reach the top. If you are fit enough, you might be able to reach the top less than 2 hours. Some of the more famous pit stops at the mountain are 47 and 84. At 84, the view of island is visible to hikers which are able to get some water and tea prepared by locals stationed on the hill. So far, 84 is the last pit stop with drinks before the top of Penang Hill.

On top of Penang Hill, more commonly known as Summit Road. or Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, leads from the top station to the western part of the hill right towards Western and Tiger Hill.

Numerous trekking trails lead from various starting points in the lowlands to Penang Hill. The more popular trails include the Moongate Trail, trail from Air Itam Dam to Tiger Hill, trail from Hye Keat Estate and trail from the Municipal Park.(formerly Youth Park). Some of the trails are used by farmers to transport produces to the markets of Balik Pulau and Air Itam.

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