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Penang Hills Penang Hill is a collection of several low peaks with heights of 830 meters or 2,700 feet above the sea level. At the foothill, the lowest of the 3 stations station is 9 km from Georgetown and only a kilometer from the Air Itam Market In malay, this place is called Bukit Bendara which refers to "Flagstaff Hill", one of the peaks. The whole area known as Penang Hills is not a plateau but a short mountain range comprising these peaks. The highest of them all, Western Peak at 2,733 feet and the rest are Names of the peaks are - "Tin" Hill or Bukit Timah aka Admiral Hill, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Haliburton's Hill, Fern Hill, Strawberry Hill, and Government Hill. Flagstaff Hill is 735 m (2,411 ft) above sea level. I have sorted out this write up on Penang Hills into few sections Part 1 - Colonial Bungalows The earliest bungalows to be built on Penang Hill was done at the end of the eighteen century. That was the time before the railways was installed. The early buildings made with simple wood, bamboo and atap roofing. These sheds were meant to providing shelter for visitors who were curious to experience the cool British weather in tropical Penang. There were also quite few tracks used to reached the hill top bungalows before the Railway was built. Visitors could rode on horse back, carried on a "Doolly' or sedan chairs. There would be done by 6 coolies. Lucky to have a picture showing the sedan chair using the "Waterfall" route Pix# 1 The Sedan Chair or Litter
Sir Francis Light mooted the idea of having bungalows to reminisce the cool weather and to avoid the malaria causing mosquitoes of the lowlands. Hence "Bel Retiro" was built for him and later evolved into a building meant for the Governors of the Straits Settlements to be used as a retreat. There was a total of 52 hill bungalows built on Penang Hills, all are either privately owned or by the Penang State Government. By now, almost all of them are more than 100 years old. Another very old Convalescent Bungalow was completed in1803, As times passed, Chinese miners and Penang businessmen started joining the affluent crowd but their buildings would have to be situation on land which are in a lower elevation, as compared the British government owned building Pix# 2 Scene of construction A scene of the convicts recruited to do the buildings
A section of the few better known bungalows Pix# 3 The Convalescent This could be the oldest building on the hill done in the year 1803. That was based on hearsay but one record confirmed that it was already there in 1818. The building was left to decay though some evidence suggested that the building was attended to in the 1960s, The Convalescent Bungalow is a heritage building on Penang Hill. It will be redeveloped into an eco-friendly hotel with 250 to 300 rooms
Pix# 4 The Bel Retiro Bungalow Nothing much to say about this place other than the information it is out of bound to public, a rest house for high officials and looked well kept
Pix# 5 The Lomond Bungalow Sanatorium, Retreat, or Home? The bungalows up on the Hill played different roles throughout Penang’s history. The first structures to appear on top of Penang Hill were almost certainly a flagstaff for signaling the arrival of shipping, Then there is a small building to house a military detachment. These were in place by 1793, with the soldier’s task being to maintain a lookout and send signals to the town, although The occupants were able to spend their considerable free time cultivating a garden. ...
Pix# 6 The original Craig Hotel Built as a bungalow in 1890 and then it was converted into a hotel in 1895, the Crag Hotel now managed he Armenian Sarkies Brothersby who also oereates the E & O chains in George Town, Other well known set ups are Raffles in Singapore and the Strand in Rangoon.
Pix# 7 The Craig Hotel Crag Hotel was very popular before World War II After the war it remained empty for 10years. From 1955 the site became the Uplands School run by the Incorporated Society of Planter until 1977.The Penang State Public Works Department took back to upkeep the building. Once It was used as a location for the 1992 Academy Award winning French film "Indochine" Story about colony of French Indochina. It was renovated and re-branded as Aman Crag and the hotel will have a total of 28 rooms in 2019
Pix# 8 The Great Wall This is the house that Khoo Sian Ewe Built. Reputed to be the highest building in the hill and by a non European
Pix# 9 The Edgecomb Bungalow The two storey house is built above the road, with stone stairs leading up to it. There is a large semi circular garden area at the front facing the road, with a door leading out to it. The main door is around the back of the house. Inside the ground floor the interior walls have been destroyed, but it was possible to make out the outline of several rooms.
Pix# 10 The Woodside Bungalow The only point notable is that this place used as a location for the filming of the "Indian Holiday". building is now turned into Hillside Retreat
o Pix# 11 The Hillside Bungalow Hillside Bungalow was built in the early 1900s and now classified as Class II heritage in the Penang Hill Local Plan 1998 and Penang Hill Special Area Plan 2016. Hillside Bungalow is one of the classics that showcases the British colonial style and the use of high-quality materials. The house was once used as a rest house for British government officers. After independence, it was turned into a rest house for public servants, but was left vacant thereafter. The bungalow has being refurbished as from 2016 and renamed as Hillside Retreat to serve as Guest houses
Pix# 12 The Edgecliff Bungalow Edgecliff is the place to go to learn about the history of Penang Hill. It’s only about 200 m from the Top Station on the edge of a cliff . The view poimt offers a great views of George Town, way down below.
Here are a couple more pictures of the sedan chairs seen on Penang Hills Pix# 13 Another Sedan chair with enclosure
Pix# 13 usual procedure with 6 human bearers
Pix# 14 The Great Wall
The old bungalows of Penang Hills encapsulate the unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty that defines the region. These remnants of a colonial past stand as a testament to the island's rich heritage and serve as a link between the present and the bygone era. Exploring these bungalows offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the grandeur of the past while celebrating the cultural diversity of Penang, Malaysia. Part 2 - Flagstaff Hill - Bukit Bendara Pix# 15 Hill Top Recreation area This is the playground with the Tea Kiosk as backdrop
Pix# 16 View of the Top station Looking northwards the station and the Tea kiosk as back drop
Pix# 17 A more up to date looks - Recreation area The same scene as shown in Pix No.10
Pix# 18 The Post Office & Police Station Two importanat landmarks here. Located side by side, the post office was first opened in 1894 and the first police station was built in 1929
Pix# 19 More Views - Hill Top George town Modern days picture in color taken from the playground area
Pix# 20 More Views - Hill Top from afar Same Post Office building but tis time taken from a vantage point behind the Post Office
Pix# 21 View of Georgetown Sorry! back to old but nostalgic picture with not so clear details
Pix# 22 Our involvement - Color prints came to Malaysia In 1974, we started having color prints. On the first opportunity we had we traveled to nostalgic spots to record our Showing in those places. Here on Penang Hills was one of those. Some old pictures from prints came up fine while others from original negative prints were compromised
Pix# 23 Visit to Penang Hill - the Top Resort area Sorry! This pix slightly blur but each old picture is equally precious
Pix# 24 The Tea House Another picture salvalged
Oh yes we went back to Penang Hills fairly often
Pix# 26 The "gang" in Penang Hill Good memories from the good old days
Part 3 - The "Top" Station Now we come to that segments where pictures of the tracks and trains are assembled Starting from the "top" station to the lower ground station Pix# 27 Top Station 3/1 Train emerging from the tunnel
Pix# 28 Top Station 3/2 Colorful version of an old photo, car doing park up at the Top Station, meaning that the Jeep track was usable by then
Pix# 29 Top Station 3/3 The Tunnel in color
Pix# 30 Top Station 3/4 The wooden train leaving for the Tunnel
Pix # 31 Top Station 3/5 Old pictures approaching the upper entrance to the tunnel at the "Viaduct"
Part 4 - The "Middle" Station Pix# 32 Middle Station 4/2 Train leaving the Middle Station on the downward run to the lower station
Pix # 33 Middle Station 4/3 Train leaving the Middle Station on the upward run to the "viaduct"
Up till now the page, has shown picture of the hill top and the two hill stations. Paused her to switch over to other equally interesting topics Part 5 - The Trains & Tracks The effort to create Penang Hill began with a proposal by three British residents, D. Logan, Joseph Heim and Alan Wilson and the formation of a private company in 1897, with funding from the colonial administration. When the railway first started there were only 2 trains made to move from the Top station to the Lower station transporting 10 passengers and a driver. The train used steam power to turn the wheels at the lower station. This was eventually replaced by the Pelton Turbine with water under pressure from a dam on Air Itam Dam. In its first year, it ferried 35,201 passengers and made a total of 4,021 trips. Anyway this Railway was short lived and had to be shut down plaque by operation and financial problems. Part 5a - Tracks Pix# 34 The Hill Railway Lines pre-World war Full view of the tracks before the Tunnel section
Pix# 35 The Hill Railway Line This sight of the By Pass is very nostalgic to me. This is the all important moments when the two trains bypass one another. As a kid I always marveled at the fest.
After World War I, Arnold R. Johnson, a local engineer was sent to Switzerland to learn the technique of the funicular train system which was operated by using electric power. A couple of years later, he returned to Penang in1920 and start the work to built new train. He built 4 coaches with wood total was cost USD1,573. The then new funicular railway was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Running over a distance of almost 2km, it was opened to the public on October 21, 1923. The Railway boasted of having the steepest tunnel track in the world, i.e. 27.9 degrees. So officially the railway line was launched on 1st January 1924 Pix# 36 The mid-point I am not the only one! Photographers at that time felt that this was the moment to capture
Pix# 37 The Hill Railway Line on the hill A feeling of that 27* incline and the hills in Hye Khek estate as foreground
Pix# 38 The Hill Railway Line After the Middle Station a short level segment before the steep uphill climb
Pix# 39 The Hill Railway Line Mid-point this time both trains had the trailers added. Coming in for the by pass
Pix# 40 The Hill Railway Line And now after the bypass
Pix# 41 The Hill Railway Line Beginning of the steep segment - now in color. In the background, arrival to Lower Station via Hill Railway Road parking lot and Air Itam Village
Pix# 42 The Hill Railway Line Fast forward This must be the last of the Gen 2 train
Pix# 43 Now the era of Penang Hills scene in color A modern version of the scene after the tunnel
Part 5a - The few types of Trains Gen 1 Early Trains Pix# 44 Different types of train This must be he earliest Gen I type train, judging from its size and the date that came with the pictures. There were only 2 trains used this system stretching from Top to Lower Station The journey cost 46 cents which was a hefty amount especially for laborers. Each coach carried only 38 passengers and the journey took one hours. Very often it was difficult to get the train moving and laborers or passenger needed to get down to get the train and system working. This set up ran from 1901-1905. After which the whole system was shut down
Gen 2 Reconstructed Wooden Train Pix# 45 Then the Gen 2 type Train The train were made after the World War I to accommodate 40 passengers. More than before. The first carriages were wooden with defined first and second class compartments in each one. The four carriages were in use on the railway for over 50 years until they were retired in 1977 The new set of train were made after the World War I to accommodate 40 passengers. The tracks were changed into having 2 segments. One from Lower Station to Middle Station and the second part onwards to the top station. Some calculations was to done overcome the daunting task of making up the steep incline near the tunnel.
Pix# 46 Then the Gen 2 type Train This was a larger train to accommodate 40 passengers. More than before.
Pix# 47 This train followed the old design but the first type using wood. Sorry the color and the date do not math as there was no color print in 1950. train approaching Middle Station
Pix# 48 Trains through the era Very clear picture of the Wooden Coach
Pix# 49 Trains through the era Could be my last picture of the train under Georgetown City control
Pix# 50 That lamp in front replaced by a Penang Logo This black & white picture looks more authentic. Signaling the change over from Municipal Council to Penang Government control
Pix# 51 The brown looking Trains Perhaps this could be the last year one get to see the coaches in their own original colors before the change to show the State controlled colours
Pix# 52 Brown Trains era Very nice composition showing the train on the track
Pix# 53 Same scene - Trains from far I know by the date that this color picture is real but the shadows hides the color of the coach
Pix# 54 A closer look at the train No more in wood colors, seen though this a black & white picture. The train just passed Thean Kong Tuan temple
Pix# 55 Certainly used for many years It was repainted to look different and now more dramatic as in colors
Pix# 56 Trains has its colors changed again This is the yellow and blue version following the State colors
The Penang Municipality, George Town managed and maintained the railway from its opening until February 1, 1977, when it was taken over by the Penang state Government. Pix# 57 New colors for the Coach Now in colour could see the beige and pale blue colors on the coach. I think the dates all got mixed up
Pix# 58 Trains through the era A train with wagon and Air Itam as its backdrop
Pix# 59 Trains through the era That very iconic viaduct near the "Thean Kong Thuan" Temple
Pix# 60 Trains through the era A close up view
This set of trains were used for nearly 55 years in service before replaced by a Swiss made coach on 21st November 1977, So sorry about the confusing dates printed on many pictures. Most important the picrures show that trrain were given a change of colors during the take over Gen 3 Swiss Trains The old coaches were replaced with the red carriages which had fans and automatic sliding doors. Each of the red Swiss-made carriages can hold up to 80 people, mostly standing. They were in use for over 30 years until 2010. The new Swiss coaches was made from aluminum instead of wood but still using the old design. These train could take up to 80 passengers at one time The new traveling time was reduced to only 25 minutes Pix# 61 Trains through the era The is the Gen 3 red-and-white colored carriages. They were constructed this time made with aluminum. The added features were only included at a later stage. These carriages were into service in 1977. These coaches accommodated up to 80 passengers
These red & white had replaced by the blue-and-white Swiss-made carriages. Pix# 62 We got ourselves involved A memorable time with the kids and seeing their pictures once more
Gen 4 Modern Trains Pix# 63 An Update to today's scene 22 February 2010, the 87-year-old funicular railway was closed for an upgrade to a new system at a cost of ;63 million. New tracks were laid, and new cars purchased to increase the passenger capacity and the speed of the train. A new base station and a public car park were also constructed. The timber from the old railway track was re-used in the construction of a new four-storey Penang Hill Visitor Centre at the top The current set of trains is a set of 2 coaches moving from the lower Station right up to the Top Station It could stop at the Middle sation upon request. They are fully air-coned and each coach could carru up to 100 passengers and completing the ride in 4.5 seconds This train was introduced in 2011
Pix# 64 the current pair of Trains Posed with that iconic viaduct
Pix# 65 Today's Trains Good catch fully air-con
Part 6 - The Lower Station At last reaching the starting point for the train ride up the hills and also the end of my page with collection of pictures Pix# 66 The Lower Station Must be one of the earliest picture. I have no idea what that dark shed was for and right in front of the station building. The railway track is almost clearly visible in full
Pix# 67 The Hill Railway Station & Tracks The old iconic scene! This picture gives an even clearer - without the shed in the foreground blocking out the station building
Pix# 68 The Hill Railway Station - Sea level level This pix is a much newer picture, After the many years the original building and facade retained
Pix # 69 Bottom Station in color Came 1974, that\s the year colored photo print arrived in Malaysia
Pix# 70 The Bottom
station in modern days
Pix# 71 The Bottom
station as wee sees it now.
Pix# 72 The Bottom
station in modern days
All that's left of Penang Hills for me are these pictures of a wonderful era. The scenes reminded me of the exclusive privilege of having spent so many hours on Penang Hill while many saw it as their once in a lifetime experience. The peace, quietness and coolness of the past have gone. All the good taste of the past had altered dramatically and to be in Penang Hills for different reasons. One last paragraph! Part 7 - Pictures of Penang Hills With all the fond memories of Penang Hills I cannot missed that part where I saw the Hill Railways daily from the garden of our house in Air Itam. Here are examples of what I have got.
Pix# 73 The Overall view
of the hills.
Pix# 74 Then the Middle
Station
Pix# 75 Then the famous
tunnel that I always admired
Pix# 76 The Edgecliff
I have finally completed my story and shared my version of historical Penang Hills. In the more recent years, I have also accumulated good numbers of colored pictures taken from Penang Hills but have not selected them or inclusion in this page. I treasure those old pictures showing the past as more important and not allowing these colorful recent pictures to dilute and confuse the scenes. With my constraint capabilities, I am so thankful that I am allowed the time to compile a story on this topic which is very close to my heart for my own remembrance
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Pix# 19
Pix# 25 More visit to Hill Top Resort area 
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