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Main>Articles>Outdoors & Recreation>Hiking Spots
Penang
Hill
Definately the toughest hill
to climb around Penang, Penang Hill has many a challenge in store for
climbers. Hikers can choose from a range of starting points ranging from
botanical gardens, moon gate, youth park and a myriad of more obscure
sites. The jungle trail will bring hikers to the jeep track at no. 84
while the trails from botanical gardens will join the jeep track at no.
48. There are several tea kiosks along the way to cater to weary hikers.
They are located at no.5 on the jungle trail, no.48 and no.84 on the jeep
track. Free coffee, tea and snacks are available although a small donation
to the operators would be much appreciated. The hike up generally takes
2 hours via the jungle trail which allows the hikers a chance to see nature
up close and personal and is slightly more challenging. On the peak, there
is a food court as well as several places of interest including a bird
park, a kuil and a mosque. There are numerous bungalows dotted around
Penang Hill and interested hikers can explore them for their rich history.
The view from the peak is undisputedly the best, especially after darkness
sets in where the city lights are visible.
Bukit
Hijau (at Island Park)
A very simple trail which
offers excellent scenery on the top of the hill, the Island Park trail
is rapidly gaining popularity among hikers especially residents of nearby
housing areas. After a short trek, hikers will reach a tea kiosk cum rest
area where people usually meet over a cup of coffee. There is also a koi
pond as well as a small waterfall in that area. After that, hikers can
opt to continue trekking for another 15-20 minutes to reach the top of
the hill where they are rewarded with remarkable views of Paya Terubong
and the eastern part of Penang on two different points. As a reminder,
the view points on the top of the hill are rock clusters and hikers should
be extra careful to make sure they don't slip and fall.
Bukit
Jambul
Bukit Jambul
is a relatively simple trail to hike, hence its popularity among amateur
hikers. Usually packed during weekends and holidays, this place should
only be visited during week days and other off-season times as the number
of people who throng to this location during holidays cannot be underestimated.
The trail is well marked and lit at night and there is a well equipped
tea kiosk at the top of the hill which even boasts a gymnasium and television
sets. As usual, free refreshments are available. The top offers a commanding
view of surrounding areas including eastern and south-eastern Penang.
The hike up takes around 20-30 minutes for the average hikers. Food stalls
and vegetable sellers are numerous at the base of the hill and offer a
variety of food for hungry visitors who drop by after a tiring hike.
Pantai
Kerachut
The ultimate
jungle trekking experience, this trail leads you through unspoilt 'hutan
pantai' (don't know what they call that in English). It's a rather strenous
and long trek that begins that the 'End of the World Restaurant' at Teluk
Bahang and takes you up and over several small hills before reaching the
famous Pantai Kerachut, a beach reknowned for its inaccesibility and pristineness.
A more challenging and adventurous thing to do would be to hike there
at night, where you can here the noises of the nocturnal animals. The
night sky over there is UNBELIEVABLE. The stars are spread over the sky
like a magical carpet. Truly a sight to behold. The jetty at Pantai Kerachut
is a cool place to spend the night, where you will try to sleep with strong
winds blowing all around you. Fishing is also a great pastime over there.
Pantai Kerachut is a forest reserve and the reason is that it is home
to a variety of species of animals. There is even a turtle hatchery there
for the visiting turtles. Dolphins have also been spotted there before.
Pantai Kerachut is the perfect place for those seeking to escape the busy
realities of life and pretend being tarzan or something. :)