Penang Hill walk from Upper Station to Monkey Cup (circular, 5km)

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An easy-going circular walk from the top of Penang Hill’s Funicular along tarmac footpaths. Includes a half-way coffee stop.

Most walks around Penang Hill involve arduous steps snaking towards the top. However, if you take the funicular up to Upper Station, there’s an easy-going circular route along an undulating tarmac path with only a short 350-metre section at the end where your thigh muscles finally engage for a climb. Add in the slightly cooler temperatures, the occasional refreshing breeze, and a halfway coffee stop at Monkey Cup, and this becomes a truly delightful walk.

The first section follows Summit Road, a popular route for golf buggies transporting tourists on short sightseeing tours. However, it’s a worthwhile stretch thanks to the views and interesting stops along the way (including a defunct red post box and quirky stick characters). After a refuel at the café, the walk veers away from the main path where, even on a busy public holiday, you’re unlikely to encounter another soul. The trail continues at a gentle pace through thick jungle, with occasional glimpses across to the mainland, before looping back to the start via a short but steep switchback climb to Summit Road.

Please note that once you leave the main tourist area around Upper Station, there are no toilets available, including at the café.

You may also wish to combine this walk with a visit to the excellent Habitat Penang Hill. The exit from The Habitat leads directly onto this walk; simply turn right onto Summit Road towards Monkey Cup.

Map of Penang Hill walk from Upper Station

Getting to the start of this walk

This walk starts at Upper Station on Penang Hill. Click here for the location on Google Maps. The easiest way to get here is by using the funicular.

The Penang Hill funicular runs seven days a week from 6:30am to 11pm (last trip up at 9:45pm). The entrance is in the suburb of Air Itam where you’ll find a multi-storey car park, Grab drop-off/pick-up point, fast-food restaurants and the ticket counter. If you’re using public transport, the 204 bus from the Jetty in George Town drops off and picks up here.

Return tickets cost for international visitors are (fast-track price in brackets):

• Adult: RM40 (RM80)
• Child (4-12): RM20 (RM40)
• Senior (60+): RM30 (RM60)

For Malaysians (including non-Malaysians on resident visas):

• Adult: RM16 (RM40)
• Child (4-12): RM8 (RM20)
• Senior (60+): RM8 (RM8)

Queues are exceptionally busy on weekends and public holidays, especially mid morning and early afternoon. To beat the crowds arrive either early in the morning (before 9am) or after 4pm. Although be warned that we have taken this funicular countless times, and every time we are squished in like sardines.

Route instructions Penang Hill walk from Upper Station

START: Penang Hill Upper Station
Total distance: 5km
Total ascent: 177 meters
Total descent: 177 meters

1. From the funicular exit at Upper Station, take the exit on the left over the track. A little further on you may wish to detour to the Skywalk view point.

2. Continue along the tarmac path uphill, past the lovelock arch and binoculars.

3. When you arrive at the roundabout next to the food court, follow the road to the left. You may wish to detour up the steps straight ahead to the temple, playground and mosque.

4. Stay on this road (Summit Road) for 2km until you reach Monkey Cup, a lovely little café tucked away in the jungle. Along the way, you’ll pass viewpoints, a red telephone box, the exit to The Habitat Penang Hill, and stunning colonial houses that will have you dreaming of restoration projects. Just be mindful of the golf buggies transporting tourists along this stretch, unfortunately they can be a bit of a nuisance.

5. Stop into Monkey Cup for a drink and bite to eat (open 9am to 5:30pm). Please note that there are no toilets here.

6. After your refuel, retrace your steps back along the road towards Upper Station.

7. After 300 metres, there is a footpath on your right, just past a wooden shelter. Follow this footpath down and then around to the left, which leads into ‘Tunnel Road West’.

8. Keep following the signs to Upper Tunnel Station.

9. After 1.5km, take a left up the steps using ‘By Path A’. Do not follow ahead to Upper Station, instead this route signposts to Penang Hill Station.

10. Climb the shallow steps uphill along the switchback footpath for 350 metres.

11. The climb exits back onto Summit Road. Turn right and follow the road back to the roundabout and main area.

12. To get the funicular back down you don’t need to walk all the way back along the road you walked in on. Instead, there’s a shortcut on the right along the green covered walkway, to the left of the visitors information centre.