If you need a breather from the heritage streets of George Town or the sizzling hawker stalls, make your way up to Penang Hill. It’s one of the oldest colonial hill stations in Malaysia, once a cool retreat for British officials escaping the tropical heat. Back then, they built bungalows and laid garden paths on the hill, which was originally called Flagstaff Hill.
In my childhood, before George Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang Hill was the biggest attraction in Penang, apart from the beach. And there wasn’t even anything to do up there back then. We’d just take the funicular to the top, enjoy the view for a bit, and go back down.
Today, Penang Hill is still a beloved local escape, and at its heart is something special: The Habitat.
The Habitat, Penang Hill
Opened in 2016, The Habitat is a rainforest discovery park built along the edges of Penang Hill’s ancient rainforest. It was designed not just as a tourist attraction but as a way to raise awareness about Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and the importance of preserving it.
The surrounding rainforest is estimated to be 130 million years old (older than the Amazon!), making it one of the most ancient on Earth.
But don’t worry, this isn’t a dusty museum of plants. The Habitat combines nature, conservation, and architecture in a way that’s fun and immersive, yet still calming.
How to get to The Habitat Penang Hill
The most popular way to reach The Habitat is by taking the Penang Hill funicular train, which climbs steeply through thick forest from Air Itam to the top of the hill. It’s a fun, scenic little ride, and a bit of a novelty since it’s the steepest tunnel track funicular railway in the world, so if you’re into quirky superlatives like me, that’s already a win.
Tip: The queue can get long during weekends and school holidays, so avoid those timings or arrive early. You can also buy tickets on their website to save time.
But the funicular is not your only option:
By jeep: If you prefer something a bit more rugged (and don’t mind a bumpier ride), you can hire a private jeep from the foot of Penang Hill. It costs RM160 per vehicle, for a maximum of four passengers. Great if you’re traveling in a small group and want to skip the funicular queues.
By foot: Feeling adventurous? There are several hiking trails up to the hilltop. The Heritage Trail from Air Itam is a popular one, while another scenic route begins from the Penang Botanic Gardens. Be warned, though — these hikes require a decent level of fitness and can take a couple of hours depending on your pace.
Coming soon: cable car: Penang is currently building a cable car system that will run from the entrance of the Botanic Gardens up to the Upper Station on Penang Hill. Construction began in June 2024, and while it won’t be ready for a few years, it’s something to look forward to for future trips!
You’ll find The Habitat just a short walk from the Upper Station on Penang Hill. Once you arrive, head left, cross the roundabout, and follow the signboards. It’s about a 5-minute walk to the entrance.
Alternatively, you can also go on a guided tour, which usually includes the nearby Kek Lok Si Temple:
The Habitat Penang Hill entry fee & opening hours
The Habitat is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, and they extend the hours to 8 PM on weekends. Just note that last entry is 90 minutes before closing, so don’t cut it too close if you’re heading up late in the day.
You don’t have to book in advance, but if you prefer to skip the line or secure your spot, you can also book online. Platforms like Get Your Guide and Klook often offer cheaper prices than buying on-site.
Unlike many other attractions in Malaysia, there’s no special price for Malaysian citizens at The Habitat. Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices:
- Adults: RM60
- Seniors (60+): RM40
- Children (ages 4–12): RM40
One thing to be aware of is that the staff can be quite strict when it comes to age-based tickets. You might be asked to show proof of age, so it’s a good idea to bring passports along, just in case.
What to expect at The Habitat Penang
Once you’re inside, The Habitat is a great place to slow down and just take in your surroundings. The 1.6km trail is easy to walk, flat in most parts, and stroller-friendly, so it’s suitable for almost anyone.
Along the way, you’ll pass through rainforest that’s been around for millions of years. There’s a good mix of signage and information boards pointing out the different types of trees, plants, and animals you might spot.
You’ll probably hear birds calling from above or see butterflies fluttering past. The air is (slightly) cooler up here compared to the city, and it feels refreshing to be surrounded by so much greenery.
You might spot dusky leaf monkeys, giant black squirrels, butterflies, insects, and dozens of birds (there are over 100 species recorded here).
The Langur Way Canopy Walk
If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss at The Habitat, it’s the Langur Way Canopy Walk. This bridge is the longest double-span stressed ribbon bridges in the world, designed to give visitors an uninterrupted, floating view of the rainforest canopy.
The walkway is suspended 15 to 30 meters above ground, depending on where you are on it, and is 800 meters above sea level. That might sound high, but because the surrounding trees are so tall, you actually feel tucked into the canopy rather than dangling over a drop.
It’s more peaceful than thrilling, unless you’re lucky enough to spot a family of dusky langurs (also called spectacled leaf monkeys), which the bridge is named after.
These langurs are native to Penang Hill and are known for their gentle nature and distinctive white circles around their eyes, giving them a permanently surprised expression. If you see them swinging in the branches nearby, that’s a moment to remember. Some visitors have reported catching a glimpse of their babies, which are born with bright orange fur!
The structure itself is impressive from an engineering point of view. The bridge was designed using a stressed ribbon system, which means it has minimal visual and physical impact on the environment.
No heavy machines were used to build it. Everything was done by hand, so the surrounding forest remains almost entirely undisturbed. This aligns with The Habitat’s mission to be low-impact and conservation-forward.
What’s beautiful about Langur Way is how it shifts your perspective, literally. You’re no longer looking at trees from the ground up. Instead, you’re level with the birds, the monkeys, and the wind moving through the leaves. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the Straits of Malacca in one direction and the rolling hills of mainland Penang in the other.
Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk
After you’ve wandered through the canopy on Langur Way and taken your time along the nature trail, you’ll reach Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, the crown jewel of The Habitat and the highest public viewing platform in Penang.
At first glance, Curtis Crest looks like a wide, elevated ring made of steel and wood, encircling the top of a hill.
It may not seem dramatic at first, but once you step onto it, the view is something else entirely. On clear days, you’ll get a 360° panoramic view that stretches from the green hills of Penang National Park to the city skyline of George Town, and even across the channel to the Kedah mainland. Some days, if the sky’s particularly clear, you can even spot Langkawi in the distance.
You’re standing at about 800 meters above sea level, and the temperature up there is noticeably cooler — one of the reasons why Penang Hill has always been a popular escape since colonial times.
In fact, Curtis Crest is named after Charles Curtis, the first superintendent of the Penang Botanic Gardens and an early champion of plant conservation in the region. This nod to history adds a subtle layer of meaning to the experience. It’s not just a scenic lookout, but a place tied to Penang’s legacy of botany and preservation.
If you’re a photographer (or just someone who likes dramatic Instagram stories), this is the place to be. The Habitat also offers Sunset Walks, a free and easy stroll through the park, ending with a sunset viewing session at the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk.
The giant swing
Apparently, there’s also a giant wooden swing facing the treetops where you can sit and rest your legs, but we missed it because the sky was looking grey and we had to hurry down before the rain caught up with us.
Other things to do at The Habitat Penang
Forest bathing
Forest bathing (or shinrin yoku, as it’s called in Japanese) doesn’t mean swimming in a forest (in case you were wondering). It refers to slow, mindful walking through nature, intentionally connecting with the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest.
At The Habitat, forest bathing sessions are led by certified guides who help you tune in to your surroundings using gentle prompts and silent reflection. It’s not a hike or a workout, but more like a meditation.
Even if you’re not the spiritual type, this experience can reset your nervous system in a way that regular sightseeing doesn’t. It’s a reminder that sometimes, doing nothing is the most powerful thing you can do (just don’t say that to your boss).
Starlight camping
If you’re up for a bit of adventure and want to wake up to birdsong instead of an alarm, check out The Habitat’s Starlight Camping experience. You’ll stay overnight in a secure forest zone inside the park, complete with proper tents, inflatable mattresses, hot shower, and dinner under the stars.
There’s a guided night walk included, plus sunrise access to Curtis Crest before the crowds arrive, and a 80m zipline amongst the trees! It’s ideal for couples, families with older kids, or even solo travelers who want to try something new without going full-on jungle survival mode.
Sound healing
This might sound a little woo-woo, but stay with me. Sound healing sessions at The Habitat are done outdoors, beneath the tall trees near the canopy walk, using instruments like Tibetan singing bowls, rain drums, and wind chimes.
The idea is that the frequencies help your body relax, especially when paired with the natural sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and distant wind. You lie on a mat, close your eyes, and just let the sounds wash over you. Great for travelers looking to decompress or try something new.
Sunrise yoga
Few things beat doing a gentle sun salutation with the sky turning pink behind you and the rainforest still waking up. Sunrise yoga sessions at The Habitat are open to both beginners and experienced yogis, and honestly, even if you’re just there for the view, it’s worth getting up early for. The classes are led by certified instructors and kept intentionally small.
Do note that all these activities require advance booking. Please check their official website for more details.
How long should you spend at The Habitat Penang?
You’ll want to set aside at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to The Habitat, longer if you plan to take things slow or join a guided tour. The trail itself is only about 1.6 km long, but there’s a lot to see and experience along the way, from the Langur Way to the giant swings and Curtis Crest.
If you’re someone who likes to pause for photos, read the little signs, or just sit and take in the view (which I highly recommend doing), you could easily spend 2 to 3 hours here without realizing it.
That’s not counting the time it takes to get there, queue for and ride the funicular, and maybe grab a bite or a coffee at the café.
Have some buffer time if you’re visiting on a weekend or public holiday, just so you don’t feel rushed and can actually enjoy being up there. It’s certainly not a place you want to rush through.
Good to know before you go
🕘 The Habitat opening hours: 9 AM – 7 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
🚞 Penang Hill funicular hours:
Runs daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM- Last ride up is at 10:00 PM
- Last ride down is at 11:00 PM
- Trains run every 30 minutes, but extra trips are added when it gets busy
- Ticket counters are open from 6:15 AM to 9:45 PM
💧 Water refill stations: Bring your own reusable water bottle. There are several drinking fountains along the trail where you can top up for free.
⛈️ Weather warnings: The site may close completely during bad weather, especially during thunderstorms. Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk is the first to close for safety, so it’s best to go on a clear day if you can.
🌤️ Best time to visit: Try to go on a sunny day for the best views. Much of the magic is in the sweeping vistas from the canopy walk and Curtis Crest, which you’ll miss if the hill is covered in mist.
🎟️ Tickets: You can get tickets at the entrance, but it’s usually cheaper and faster to buy online.
🪪 Concession tickets: If you’re buying discounted tickets (e.g., children or seniors), bring a valid photo ID or a copy. You may be asked to show it at the ticket counter.
👟 What to wear: Comfy shoes, light clothing, and maybe a small umbrella or poncho. It’s a rainforest, after all.
🧴 Essentials: Bug spray, water bottle, sunscreen, and a little patience if you’re going during peak hours (especially on weekends and public holidays).
Final thoughts
The Habitat is a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. It gives you a rare chance to walk among ancient rainforest giants, hear the calls of hidden wildlife, and take in sweeping views of Penang from above the canopy.
If you’re planning your Penang itinerary, this is one experience that balances nature, calm, and a touch of adventure all in one spot.
👉 Looking for more ideas? Don’t miss my post on things to do in Penang, where I cover food spots, street art, hidden gems, and other easy day trips from George Town. And if you’re planning a longer trip around Malaysia, feel free to explore the rest of the blog for destination guides, travel tips, and stories from the road.
Happy wandering! 🌿✈️
