This linear walk from Air Itam Dam to Ngor Hean Temple takes you through lush jungle paths and into the foothills of Penang Hill, ending with sweeping views over Balik Pulau. A peaceful route with a steady climb, it’s a rewarding way to explore Penang’s quieter side.
Tucked away from the bustle of Penang’s high rises, this walk from starting from Air Itam Dam leads to Ngor Hean, a Taoist temple perched above Balik Pulau, offering sweeping views of the southwest coast.
The linear trail (4km each way) winds through the foothills of Penang Hill, beginning with a gentle walk alongside the reservoir dam before transitioning into a steady uphill climb. A paved path cuts through lush jungle, with around 345 metres of ascent, a manageable challenge for most. Though the route is mostly peaceful, you may occasionally share it with a passing moped or car.
Blending nature, tranquillity, and breathtaking views, this walk is a rewarding way to slow down and discover a different side of Penang. Indeed very few tourists visit this area of the island and we feature it on our guide to Penang off-the-beaten-track.
Do be warned that there is are no shops on this walk, so bring plenty of drinking water and snacks with you. There are public toilets at the start next to the car park and very basic ones at the temple (bring toilet paper). Mosquito repellent, hat, and sunscreen are also essentials, and walking poles are a good idea for the return downhill walk.
This walk could also be combined with a walk around Air Itam Dam, with an optional extended walk to Kek Lok Si Temple.
Map of Ngor Hean walk
Getting to the start of this Ngor Hean walk
This walk starts at Air Itam Dam. Click here for the location on Google Maps. Here you will also find public toilets.
If you don’t have your own wheels, it’s easy enough to get a Grab to the starting point (just type ‘Air Itam Dam’ into the search box when ordering your Grab and you will be driven straight there). It’s possible to get a Grab back, but you may need to exercise some patience as not all drivers like to come up this way.
Route instructions for the Ngor Hean walk
START: Air Itam Dam car park
Total distance (to the temple and back): : 8km
Total ascent: 345 meters
Total descent: 345 meters
Opening hours are 6am to 7pm
No pets allowed
No swimming allowed
1. From the police post, take a left past the car park and toilets with the dam on your right. Walk through the barrier.
2. Continue the paved road alongside the reservoir for 1km. On the way you will pass stairs leading up to a small temple (100 steps).
3. Towards the top of the reservoir at the junction, take the path on the left, signposted Ngor Hean. It’s a steady hike uphill along a tarmac road (mopeds come along here) for 1.1km to a small temple (Hakka Fude Temple, 客家福德祠). 190 metres on from the temple, you will reach a Hill Rest Station.
4. At the rest station, take the path on the right continuing uphill. 180 metres along at the junction, take the path on the right.
5. At the next junction, 700 metres on, take the path on the left. There is then a welcome flattish section, that leads to a short, steep downhill section on a right bend. The path then flattens out again and offers lush, hillside views to your left, before shortly arriving at Ngor Hean.
6. At the temple, take time to soak in the views over Balik Pulau and explore the temple. If you need the toilet, keep walking around to the far side of the temple where there are two very basic squat and drops.
7. Retrace your steps all the way back to Air Itam to complete this Ngor Hean walk.
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On Penang ebook
New for 2025, the On Penang ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring the island of Penang. It is jam-packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour of George Town (with photos).
This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Malaysia, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Penang
15 BEST restaurants in Penang
Top tips for visiting Penang
One day Penang itinerary
Best hotels in Penang
How to get around Penang
A brief history of Penang
