Penang Hill Heritage Trail

Daze in Nature home stay at Balik Pulau Penang

Haven for hikers

 Haven for hikers

---

• 
  
  

A picturesque spot on the way up to Penang Hill.-BERNARD SEE/The Star

PENANGITES are a lucky lot when it comes to hiking as there are reportedly more than 30 trails that lead up to Penang Hill for them to choose from.

Most of these trails start from the Penang City Park and Penang Botanic Gardens and they are very popular with not only locals but also visitors from all over the world.

Healthy pursuit: Hikers passing by a spot with a panoramic view of Penang island while making their way up Penang Hill to the No 5 rest area. — BERNARD SEE/The Star

Penang-Langkawi ferry service suspended

Penang-Langkawi ferry service suspended

THE ferry service from Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal to Langkawi will be temporarily halted from today till March 31, said Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief executive officer Sasedharan Vasudevan.

Passenger ridership, he said, had dwindled from around 150 to only about 20 people per ferry since the movement control order (MCO) started on Wednesday.

“Operation of the two ferries will be temporarily stopped.

“The ferries run by private companies were taking about 220,000 people a year, but with the MCO, it is not profitable to operate during this period.

“People mainly visit Langkawi either for leisure or work, and presently, both are not possible since all are staying home or working from home, ” said Sasedharan.
v The scene at the port in George Town was quiet, where people usually gather near the ground transport area to board the ferries and cruise liners.

The gates leading to the main Penang Port Commission office were also locked, barring outsiders from entering the premises.

Meanwhile, the Penang International Airport was a picture of calm, with both the arrival and departure lounges being quite deserted.

Only a handful of passengers, all in masks, were waiting for domestic flights, while the electronic flight information board showed the ‘Cancelled’ sign for most of the flights.
v Major fast food outlets at the departure lounge were empty with only several people at the counters for takeaways.

~The Star~

Penang Hill funicular train service to shut down for 7 days

Penang Hill funicular train service to shut down for 7 days


The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days. -NSTP File pic

The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days from June 18 for the second bi-annual scheduled maintenance works.

According to a statement issued by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), the train operations will resume on June 25.

"PHC schedules two major scheduled maintenance every year for the funicular system under the supervision of the engineers from the funicular manufacturer (Garaventa AG from Switzerland) to ensure tip-top running condition and meet stringent safety compliance.

"PHC also conducts regular checks and maintenance of its funicular system on daily, weekly and monthly basis, plus routine inspections that are carried out after operation hours," the statement said.

According to the statement, during the shutdown period, visitors may opt for the privately-operated jeep service from Botanical Gardens, or take the existing hiking routes to reach the summit area of Penang Hill.

"PHC would like to thank all visitors for their patience and continuous support to Penang Hill. Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted," the statement added.

Members of the public can contact PHC at 04-8288880 or send an email to inquiries@penanghill.gov.my for any clarification. -- Bernama

Penang Hill Train service safe despite recent incidents: PHC

Penang Hill Train service safe despite recent incidents: PHC



The Penang Hill funicular train is safe for use as the two recent service disruptions did not affect the integrity of its operation, according to the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC).

PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the funicular train undergoes daily, weekly and monthly inspection and maintenance according to standard operating procedure.

“The funicular train consists of various components so we undertake strict regular maintenance and inspection to ensure it is in good condition and safe for use,” he said when contacted today.

“Comprehensive maintenance is done twice a year and at that time the funicular train operation is fully shut down for two to three weeks to enable works to be carried out thoroughly and properly,” he said.

Cheok said the two cases of service breakdowns within two weeks this month which caused visitors to the hill resort to be stranded were isolated incidents.

“Actually, the two incidents involved different problems, with the Dec 4 case attributed to human error caused by a worker pressing the wrong button at the operations place.

“Because of that the alert and warning button was automatically activated, causing the operation system of the funicular train to stop. Checks by the PHC team showed that there were no defects,” he said.

In the latest incident last Saturday, the malfunction involved a damaged seal of the hydraulic brakes of the train, he said.

Engineers and technicians took more than 10 hours to identify the problem and rectify it.

“We are investigating to determine how the seal could have been damaged just after two years when it was meant to last four years.

“The seal was made by a foreign company and this is the first such malfunction in the 10 years of operation of the funicular train,” he said.

He said the recent incidents had not affected visitor arrivals at Penang Hill.

After service resumed at 4.45pm yesterday following Saturday’s disruption, the flow of visitors has been like what is normally seen during school holidays.

“PHC accepts all feedback from visitors and we will do whatever we can to make the service safer and more comfortable. I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience, especially those who came after the two incidents,” he said.

On Dec 4, more than 500 people were affected after the train service was disrupted for more than two hours from 10am while last Saturday night’s incident left more than 900 visitors stranded. - Bernama

Botanical Garden eyes UNESCO World Heritage listing

Penang’s Botanical Garden eyes UNESCO World Heritage listing

The Penang government is hopeful that the state will get the distinction of having the fourth botanical garden to be listed under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said there are three UNESCO-listed botanical gardens worldwide, namely the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the United Kingdom, and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden in Brazil.

Jagdeep said what makes Penang’s Botanical Garden stand out is that it is completely natural whereas the others were man-made.

“Even Nigel Taylor, the curator of Singapore Botanic Gardens, said he was very confident that our botanical garden has a big potential to be listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site,” he said in a press conference here today.

Jagdeep also hoped that the physical works on the Penang Botanical Garden’s Special Area Plan (SAP) could be kick-started by this year.

The Penang Botanical Garden’s SAP, which was proposed in March 2011 and approved and gazetted on July 4 this year, consists of 25 detailed projects, including seven main projects.

According to Jagdeep, the seven key projects are the construction of a central visitor centre, plant conservation and research centre, Malaysiana Boulevard, nature’s amphitheatre, viewing tower and viewing deck, as well as restoration of garden mall and service yard facilities, nursery and irrigation system.

“For the time being, we are working on developing a timeframe for the key projects, and we would prioritise the 2.35-hectare central visitor centre,” he said.

Penang Botanical Garden curator Dr Saw Leng Guan said the entrance of the garden would be relocated approximately 700 metres away from its original position to the central visitor centre once the project was finished.

Saw said the existing parking space would also be relocated and centralised in the central visitor centre as well.

“Visitors would then be ushered into the garden, which would help in reducing traffic congestion and make it more accessible to the public,” he said.

-- BERNAMA

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

ENTOPIA BY PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM



Recently relaunched after an extensive facelift, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is a large butterfly enclave with about 15,000 butterflies, dragonflies, and fireflies. It is an ideal place to entertain and educate both children and adults alike.

Operating Days Monday - Sunday
Operating Hours 9.00am - 7.00pm
Contact Number +604 888 8111

Entrance Fee

RM49.00 per adult (with MyKad; 13 to 59 years old)
RM65.00 per adult (without MyKad; 13 to 59 years old)
RM29.00 per child (with MyKad; 4 - 12 years)
RM45.00 per child (without MyKad; 4 - 12 years)
RM29.00 per senior citizen (with MyKad; 60 years and above)
RM45.00 per senior citizen (without MyKad; 60 years and above)

Email
info@entopia.com

Website
https://entopia.com/

Address
830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Penang, MALAYSIA

~info courtesy of mypenang.gov.my~

Hiking trail in Balik Pulau in a sad state

Hiking trail in Balik Pulau in a sad state



Dangerous condition: A man walking on the broken planks at the Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang.

Old habits die hard in new Malaysia as seen in the garbage strewn along a hiking trail leading to the popular Teluk Kampi beach here.

Broken benches and damaged items could also be seen there.

This, plus the unkempt facilities, mar the beauty of the Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang.

Nature lovers are upset with the deplorable condition, especially those along the popular hiking trails that draw thousands of people each year.

“The resting area has also been infested with termites,” said hiker Eddie Lim yesterday.

“This is dangerous as it could collapse anytime.”

He said that it was unacceptable for the authorities not to take any action.

Teluk Bahang assemblyman Zol­kifly Md Lazim said he would visit the trail today to find out more about the conditions there.

“I am not aware of it. I will seek financial assistance from the state for immediate repairs on the facilities.

“I am sure we have the manpo­wer to do small upgrading works,” he said.

“The park comes under the Federal Government and I will also write to them for allocations.”

Gazetted on April 10, 2003, the 1.213ha national park was given a major upgrading work under the Eighth and Ninth Malaysia Plans.

The makeover transformed the Teluk Bahang entrance to the park into an impressive administration area with a modern facade comprising an office, information and registration counter as well as an interactive Interpretation Centre and Exhibition Gallery.

~News courtesy of The Star~

About 30 landslides reported on Penang Hill

About 30 landslides reported on Penang Hill during recent storm

There were about 30 landslides on Penang Hill during the recent storm with at least two major ones near a Hindu temple and mosque at the hilltop.

Aerial pictures showed effects of landslides close to the 230m-long canopy walk under construction at The Habitat rainforest garden.

Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple secretary K. Paramanathan said the beam at the priest quarters at the back of the temple has become exposed.

“The temple is not affected. I was told about this by a trustee who lives on the hill,” he said.

The Habitat managing director Allen Tan, who is in Hong Kong, said the landslide has not affected the canopy walk.

The canopy walk, when it is opened to the public, will provide a spectacular view across the hill.

It was reported the canopy walk was supposed to be ready last month.

Penang Hill Corporation general manager Cheok Lay Leng said about 30 locations were hit by landslides but the exact number could not be ascertained yet.

“We will check out the landslides near the temple and mosque once access to the hilltop has been restored.

“We expect to open a lane on the jeep trail in about four days as workers are clearing the road,” he said.

The 5.2km jeep trail, which starts near the Penang Botanic Gardens till the hilltop, has been badly hit by landslides. The road is also blocked by fallen trees and branches.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Penang Hill funicular train service suspended after flash floods

Penang Hill funicular train service suspended after flash floods

The Penang Hill funicular train service has been suspended until further notice following flash floods here.

"Every effort is being made to normalise operations as soon as possible," it said on its Facebook page Sunday, apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Putrajaya has mobilised the police and the military to help with the flood situation.

For details, log in to www.penanghill.gov.my.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Penang Hill needs cable car connection, says Nazri

Penang Hill needs cable car connection, says Nazri

Penang Hill is in dire need of a cable car connection and the Tourism and Culture Ministry has been applying for the RM325mil funds needed to build it.

"We have been applying since two years ago and we will keep putting it in the budget proposals until the Government has enough money for it," said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz (pic).

He said the cable car was not only a tourist attraction but also a mode of transportation.

"It starts from the Penang Botanic Gardens. The first leg goes up to the hill and from there, passengers can take another cable car to Teluk Bahang.

"It will be faster than driving," said Nazri, adding that the planned cable car station in Teluk Bahang will be located close to the Escape theme park and Entopia, formerly Penang Butterfly Farm.

Mohd Nazri said the number of visitors to Penang Hill has increased from 200,000 in 2008 to 1.6 million this year.

"We know how badly the cable car is needed.

"It only depends on Government income. Sooner or later, the price of oil will go up again and we will have the budget for it."

Nazri was speaking to reporters after opening THE TOP@Komtar.

The rejuvenation of this 31-year-old landmark icon now includes an observatory deck on Level 65 and a glass skywalk in the new rooftop on Level 68, on top of a myriad of carnival attractions in Level Five that is accessible through Komtar's Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong side.

"This old building has gone through an amazing transformation. We are listing Komtar now as a must-visit place in all our promotional literature of Penang," he said.

Komtar underwent a revitalisation programme after Only World Group, a listed company specialising in building theme parks and tourism attractions, won a 45-year lease of about 300,000 sq ft of floor space in the building.

Also at the launching were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and several local government leaders and businessmen.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Penang Botanic Gardens ‘fading’

Penang Botanic Gardens ‘fading’

THE Penang Botanic Gardens is a pale shadow of its former self. The plants in this famous park are in bad condition.

The oldest garden in the Straits Settlement lacks maintenance and management.

A check on site on yesterday also showed that its main toilet renovation work has been delayed. Several toilet bowls that were left out in the open on the construction site and are an eyesore.

Even the number of bamboo shoots has declined rapidly and only a few are visible at the bambusetum, the conservation area for various bamboo species.

Barisan Nasional Youth chief H’ng Chee Wey, who led a site visit accompanied other BN youth leaders, claimed the overall condition of the park was not up to mark.

“The weak management by the Penang Botanic Gardens Department reflects that the state government which has control over the gardens and has failed to do a good job.

“We are saddened by the lack of care and attention to the flora and fauna here.”

H’ng, who is also Penang Gerakan Youth chief, said it was high time for the Penang government to get its act together for the sake of the garden’s reputation.

“The current conditions have tarnished its image and we urge the department to monitor the upkeep of the park,” he said

The state BN wing leaders who were present were from Umno, MCA, MIC and People’s Progressive Party.

The original garden was established in 1884 on the site of an old quarry, under the supervision of Charles Curtis, its first superintendent.

The federal government allocated RM7 million in 2012 to expand and upgrade the park’s public amenities, and the building of the lily pond at the main entrance.


The bambusetum is not flourishing.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Glamourous camping adventure awaits

Glamourous camping adventure awaits

LOVE the idea of camping but not really a fan of roughing it out in the jungle?

Or are you looking for a quick romantic escape to Nature far away from technology?

Then look no further than Penang’s upcoming new attraction — a “glamping” resort.

Glamping, or “glamorous camping”, is the first of its kind concept to be introduced in the country.

Taking its name from the surroundings, the resort to be called Boulder Valley Glamping Resort by Amazing Discovery, is set to be built on a 8.9ha valley in Teluk Bahang.

The eco-resort would be designed to maintain the environmental characteristics of the site, including the biological and geological settings of the place.

The structure of the resort would be built on stilts to minimise disturbances to the natural habitat, vegetation, waterways and ground.

The project by Treasure Orchard Bhd is expected to be completed within two years and cost about RM7 million.

Project executive director Lee Woon Poo said the project would be undertaken with an environment-sensitive design approach, combining unique experiences for guests.

“Our main objective is to create an authentic eco-resort that maintains the environmental characteristics of the site, including the biological and geological factors of the place.

“Guests can enjoy unique experiences and basic amenities, a 1km buggy truck, tree-top restaurants, 100m long suspended bridge, bird-watching decks and tailored services,” she said.


The resort will be built among the natural setting of the valley with minimal impact on the flora and fauna.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Stricter rules for park visitors

Stricter rules for park visitors

The 500m stretch of beach in Pantai Kerachut, where three youths drowned last Saturday, has always been off-limits to swimmers, says Penang National Park committee member Datuk Shah Haedan Ayoob Hussain Shah.

He said the rules and regulations for visitors to the park, which is under the purview of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), will be tightened up.

Shah Headan also said that the seabed at the stretch has a sudden slope and coupled with strong undercurrents were not safe for recreational purposes.

"We still have more safety measures in the pipeline to prevent further mishaps.

"We are planning to gazette a law which will give national park rangers the power to issue summonses to visitors who violate the department's rules and regulations," said Shah Headan.

He said there will be a special meeting for local tourist guides to remind them of the rules and regulations when visiting Pantai Kerachut although most of them were already familiar with the terrain and well versed in the public safety of the park, adding that there were 80 tourist guides who operate near the park.

Shah Headan said the park would coordinate with other agencies such as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Fire and Rescue Department, Marine Police, and Civil Defence Department to beef up safety measures.

Shah Headan, who is also Teluk Bahang assemblyman, said Penang National Park would put up more signboards informing visitors on the do's and don'ts of the park.

"Currently, we have two flag poles to warn the public about the danger of swimming in the sea.

"We will increase the number of signboards and will also include the statistics on drowning cases in the area," he said.

Previously known as the Pantai Acheh forest reserve, the park is frequented by scientists, researchers, and nature lovers who are lured by its numerous species of flora and fauna.

The forest reserve was declared a national park in April 2003.


Marine police mounting a search operation off Pantai Kerachut where three youths drowned last Saturday.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Herbs, spice and all things nice

AMIDST the lush greenery of a hilly terrain, more than 500 visitors took time out to bask in nature's glory in conjunction with Tropical Spice Garden's (TSG) Spice Out Festival recently.

Organised by TSG to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the culture- and nature-themed event attracted visitors of all ages.

Some were trekking up the hilly paths of TSG's secondary forest while others were enjoying the garden's over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna.

Traditional games, clowns, cooking demonstrations, plein air art by Urban Sketchers and artist Marni, bird-watching activities by Malaysian Nature Society, mini guided tours and face painting were among the activities.

There were tea and coconut kiosks as well as stalls selling TSG merchandise, herbs and sandwiches.

TSG managing director Katherine Khoo said the festival was a great success.

"Spice Out was an incredible way to celebrate our 10th anniversary. It was so good to see so many kids and families enjoying the many activities we had organised," said Khoo.

"It was also nice to see so many visitors appreciating the spices at the garden.

"We plan to introduce more activities for children as well as guided tours for Visit Malaysia 2014," she said.



The postcard-perfect Tropical Spice Garden.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Festival in full bloom with orchids, bonsais

Festival in full bloom with orchids, bonsais

Everything is coming up roses for the annual Penang Floral Festival where the “stars” of the show are the orchid, bonsai and adenium.

About 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the eight-day festival at the Penang Botanic Gardens’ car park area in Jalan Kebun Bunga from now till June 9.

With the theme “Penang Floral Paradise”, the festival will feature, among others, 57 classes of orchids.

“In total, we have about 900 orchid plants of various species and hybrids, brought in by orchid growers and enthusiasts from all over the country,” said Federation of Malaya Orchid Society vice-president Tony Tan.

“There will also be orchid shows on certain days of the festival and talks by our experts on how to grow and manage the plants,” he said at the Gardens yesterday.

The Friends of the Penang Botanic Gardens will hold a Nature Education Programme daily during the festival from 9am to noon at the Gardens’ car park, hawkers’ complex and Botanika Outreach.

The activities include canvas shopping bag printing, T-shirt printing and a children’s programme.

There will also be talks on plants as well as methods to regrow plants and composting techniques.

T-shirts, canvas bags, fertilisers, leaf crafts, quilled cards and painted glass bottles will also be on sale.

The Penang Floral Festival 2013 is open from 9am to 7pm daily. Admission is free.

The festival is jointly organised by the state Tourism Office, Penang Art Society (Bonsai and Suiseki Division), Federation of Malaya Orchid Society and the Penang Botanic Gardens.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Sweet music in the gardens

Sweet music in the gardens


Lovely afternoon: Joggers and visitors enjoying the performance by the Heng Ee High School Wind Orchestra at the Penang Botanic Gardens.

THE Penang Botanic Gardens came alive with the sound of music by the Heng Ee High School Wind Orchestra.

Smartly clad in milky white bla-zers, shining black slacks with black bow ties, the band’s 90-members, aged 14 to 17, entertained the crowd with well-known songs. The weather was also welcoming with a clear blue sky.

Some of the spectators sitting under the shady trees joined in the fun, and were clapping their hands to the popular melodies.

More than 10 songs were played in the one-hour show, ranging from fast beat to sentimental songs such as ‘We Are The World, Heal The World, Can’t Take My Eyes off You, Copacabana and Rong Shu Xia.’

The school band instructor Yeoh Chee Woi, 31, said this was the first time that the students had performed outdoors.

“It’s good for them to get ex-posure and experience, while they interact directly with the audience.

“The Penang Botanic Gardens is a nice location to hold a performance because it is spacious and surrounded by greenery,” he said during the event on Sunday.

He revealed that the band members took about a month to master a song.

In a wind orchestra, a variety of musical instruments are used as the number of band members are usually bigger, he said.

The event was organised by Penang Global Tourism, and it was aimed at promoting local culture and enhancing the state as a top tourist destination.

The concert is held every last Sunday of the month from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

It is participated by different musical groups. The next performance is on June 30.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Botanic Gardens: Restored and blooming again

Restored and blooming again

The long-forgotten Sunken Garden in its former state has been restored and replaced with a beautiful tiered rock pool.

THE Penang Botanic Gardens’ long-forgotten Sunken Garden has been restored to its former glory.

In place of the thick undergrowth is now a beautiful tiered rock pool.

Work to clear, upgrade and beautify the area started last October and was completed in two months.

Located near the Formal Garden, the Sun-ken Garden is on lower ground — hence its name.

It was earlier reported that the Sunken Garden, conceived during the tenure of the Gardens’ first Malaysian curator Cheang Kok Choy, had been abandoned for some 40 years.

State Botanic Gardens department assistant director Salasiah Yusop said they were currently doing the landscaping and maintenance works.

“It’s done. The public can visit anytime.

“We’ve never closed the Sunken Garden but now when you visit, you can actually sit and relax there as the upgrading work has finished,” she said yesterday.

On the environmentally friendly bamboo appreciation centre that is being constructed at the nearby bambusetum, Salasiah said it would be ready by the end of this month.

Both the Sunken Garden and the nearby bamboo appreciation centre were awarded to local contractors and scheduled for completion last December.

“A termite problem and delay in the delivery of bamboos caused the completion date of the centre to drag on a little.

“The bamboos from Indonesia only arrived here last month,” she said.

The structure, perched on higher ground and overlooking the bambusetum, is built entirely out of bamboo and will also house a souvenir shop.

The cost of the projects is funded by the state government.

The bambusetum, featuring 36 bamboo species from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China, is part of the Tourism Ministry’s RM7mil Botanic Gardens expansion project which also comprised a new visitors’ pavilion, facade and eco-stream walkway.

On the Historic Economic Crop Garden, originally slated for completion in November last year, Salasiah said there has been a slight delay.

The new attraction located between the Penang Rifle Club and Quarry Garden was cleared in early October, and planted with a myriad of some 100 commodity crops like coffee, rubber, cocoa, oil palm and coconut.

The objective is for the younger generation to see first hand the crops that contributed to the nation’s development.

“We’ve planted the trees but they are not growing as well as we had hoped because there are granite rocks underground.

“The rocks will be removed soon to make sure that the trees flourish,” she said, adding that work to convert the department’s cen-tury-old office inside the Botanic Gardens into a herbarium-cum-museum was underway.

“The department moved into the pavilion on Jan 23 and upgrading work on our former premises is being done.

“I would like to thank our new consultant curator Stewart James Henchie and Penang Botanic Gardens controlling officer Mohamed Akbar Mustapha who have been such a big help since they came on board three months ago,” she said.

Henchie is the former president of the Kew Guild – an organisation for past and present staff of London’s Kew Gardens.

An official launching ceremony for the bambusetum, Sunken Garden, Historic Economic Crop Garden and herbarium-cum-museum will be held sometime this year.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Penang Hill to get better facilities soon

Penang Hill to get better facilities soon

PENANG Hill and its surrounding localities will be upgraded at a cost of RM8.6mil as part of efforts to ease the traffic congestion there during the peak season and to provide a sheltered walkway for visitors.

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon said it would be done in three phases.

The first phase comprises three projects while the other two phases are still in planning stages.

“The three projects are the building of shelters for the bottom and hilltop funicular railway stations and a walkway linking the bottom station to a neighbouring Chinese temple car park, which is under-utilised at the moment,” said Lee at a press conference on Tuesday.

The bottom station’s centre court will have shelters installed and it will also be done for the hilltop area.

A sheltered walkway will be built on the hilltop, leading to the promenade near the Bellevue Hotel.

“This will allow the visitors to take in the scenic view in a comfortable atmosphere. Currently, there are no proper shelters and it inconveniences the visitors, when it rains or when it is hot. The shelters will provide cover while at the same time provide an unobstructed view of the hill with proper ventilation,” said Lee.

“We will also build a sheltered walkway (less than 100m) linking the bottom station to a nearby temple car park. This means we will have more car park sites and two entrance points to the bottom station.”

This would ease the current traffic and crowd congestion, especially during the peak period, Lee said.

Penang Development Corporation’s consultancy head Khairil Faizi Abdul Majid said that the projects were expected to be completed within six months.

~News courtesy of The Star~