Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)

Located 6km from George Town, Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is one of the most popular destinations in Penang. Penang Hill is actually a complex of hills and spurs and the highest point is Western Hill which is 830 meters (2730ft) above sea level. Apart from the cool climate and the fantastic panoramic view of George Town, Tanjung Bungah and the mainland from the summit, you can also enjoy the picturesque colonial bungalows, a beautiful flower garden and a bird sanctuary. Some of the flora and fauna of Penang Hill are considered as endemic species, and are so rare that their existence is endangered.

The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of a funicular railway in Air Itam (there’s not much places you be seeing such funicular railway system these days!). There is a tunnel which measures 258 feet long and 10 feet wide starting at steepness of 35 feet high, which is the steepest tunnel in the world.

The funicular train leaves every 30 minutes and can carry up to 80 passengers. One way ticket cost of RM4. It takes about half an hour to the top. The funicular train does not go straight to the summit and will pass several small stations, where the locals will alight. There are also some small hotels and guesthouses on this stretch. During holiday seasons, the wait for this ride can take as long as 1hr.

Funicular Train serviceGoing up, 6:30am to 9:30pm. Saturday extend until 11:30pmGoing down, 6:45am to 9:15pm. Saturday extend until 11:15pm

Kek Lok Si Temple

The Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si is situated in (H)Air Itam, a suburb of Georgetown. You can make that by local bus from the Komtar, but you can also make it by taxi. I prefer taxi, because the taxi takes me up the hill (the Kek Lok Si is halfway on a hill). I like to walk down, but not to walk up the hill in a tropical climate.Taxi ride from the KOmtar in Georgetown will cost you about RM20.
The temple was begun in 1890 and, from all appearances, construction really hasn't ever stopped. And it's still going on! The temple is supposedly the largest in Malaysia.The Kek Lok Si project was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.
Without doubt the largest and best known temple in Penang, the Temple of Supreme Bliss, better known as Kek Lok Si, staggered on the hillside overlooking the town of Ayer Itam. Since the olden days, the hills of Ayer Itam are regarded as important geomantically. Known as He San, or Crane Hill, they are recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality. Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddha's, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

The latest addition to the temple complex is the 30.2m bronze statue of the Avalokitesvara - Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin - on the hillside above the pagoda. This statue was completed and open to the public at the end of 2002. If you want to get a close-up look of the Kuan Yin statue, then go left as you get to the furthest hall, which is also the largest and look for the signs for the 'incline lift' to the goddess.
The incline lift is more of a tram -- an elevator-sized glass box mounted on rails which goes up to the terrace above the existing temple where the goddess stands. Use of the lift costs RM 2 each way.

The route up to the 'main' prayer hall of the Kek Lok Si and the pagoda is on the other side of the large prayer hall. From the 'incline lift' you need to cross the hall and go through the souvenir stands to find the desk where you must pay a 'voluntary' donation of another RM 2 to go up to the new prayer hall and the pagoda. Don't worry: you'll receive a ticket!
If you haven't visited the "Goddess of Mercy", then this is the moment to do it now!

The Kek Lok Si project was mooted by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism
Reputedly the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, situated close to the bustling Air Hitam market. The temple's enclave including a pagoda and a huge statue of the Goddess Kuan Yin is prominent. Besides the monastery, a seven-storey pagoda of 10,000 Buddha images displays the essence of an eclectic mix of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. The main hall has colourful souvenir shops. A shrine filled with statues and a courtyard where a large pond full of carp and the tortoises are main attractions. Here a pathway that leads to a stairway will take you to the Pagoda.

Kek Lok Si Temple Night View

Penang Bridge

The Penang Bridge is no doubt one of the many architecture wonders of Penang. Ranks as the longest bridge in Asia and 5th largest in the world, the iconic bridge that took 5 years to complete was the beloved bridge for every Penangtes. It marks the new milestone that brings Penang closer to the world attention.The dual-carriageway bridge connecting Gelugor on the island of Penang and Seberang Prai on the mainland of Malaysia has become a symbol of pride and national landmarks.
Its distinctive design and features saw the Penang Bridge won many awards.
1986 - Grand Award in the United States of America Engineering Excellence Competition sponsored by the Council of Consulting Engineers, Washington.
1993 - FIABCI Special Award (Development and Construction Phase Category) from the International Real Estate Federation of Malaysia.The bridge also play host to an annual Penang Bridge Run since its inception and has become a very popular event ever since. Local & international participant took part in a run that incorporates a marathon, a half-marathon and a quarter-marathon.Perhaps, it was the broad & bold vision of the then prime minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir that the mega scale construction could be realize.





The History of Penang Bridge
In actual fact, the talk about having a bridge linking to Penang was first mooted out in 1950s when traffic condition is in deep chaos. During that time, Penang economy was booming, causing a massive congestion on the Ferry terminal. Ferry’s during that time was the only mode of transport to connect Penang Island to the Mainland.Some suggesting extending the ferry’s service, building a tunnel and some come out with the ideas of a bridge. However the bridge stood out as the firm favorites for the Penangtes. Many hope that with the bridge, their long battle with endless jammed will be eliminated thus brings more business & prosperity to the island.Using the Penang Bridge as manifesto, Dr Lim Chong Eu, former Chief Minister of Penang swept to a landslide victory in Penang party election in 1950s. After that, Penang Bridge has become a standing joke of town as nothing materializes. It has face many obstacle - High construction cost, opposition objection & complication of building such a massive project.
The dream of having a bridge finally triumph when Dr Mahathir took over as Malaysia prime minister. He pushed on with the mega scale project despite many objection and obstacle. His persistency and acute thinking made the reality of Penang having a bridge comes true.On 23 July 1981, Work Minister S. Samy Velu announced that the Penang Bridge would be constructed using the cable-stayed concrete girder of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge instead of the steel-tied arch in the style of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This marks the starts of massive construction projects that will be implemented.
Dr Mahathir sank the first pile in April 1982 to kick off the grand projects and the dream of having a bridge in Penang finally becomes a reality. There will be no more u-turn, says a beaming Mr Loh - One of the many Penangtes that supported the bridge projects from the beginning.