PULAU PINANG : BUKIT BENDERA & BKT MERTAJAM (2017)

HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

20 JULY 2024

My friends and I from the Awareness Team of the Yayasan Jantung Malaysia arrived in Penang on 8 April 2017 to attend the Heart Disease Health Checkup Program at Apartment Permata, Bandar Baru Perda, which took place on 9 April 2017. The journey of 339 km took 3 hours and 23 minutes.

On the way we stopped at the house of Muhammad Nawawi, a member of our team in Simpang Ampat, Seberang Perai Selatan.

We stayed at BG Business Hotel located at Jalan Perniagaan, Jalan Perda Barat, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Located within 4.6 miles of Sunway Carnival Mall and 7.2 miles of Penang Bridge, the hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travellers. 

The hotel located right in the commercial heart of Seberang Perai during a period of steady growth for the area. 

A budget-friendly 2-star hotel, it was a popular choice for those visiting the nearby KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital dna the Government offices (MPSP). 

HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM

Apartment Permata, Bandar Perda

Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang

9 April 2017

The Health Screening Program takes place at Permata Apartments in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. 

BUKIT BENDERA

PULAU PINANG

9 APRIL 2017

After completing the health screening program at Apartment Mutiara, we took the opportunity to visit the famous Penang Hill.

Penang Hill located in George Town, Penang is a must-visit tourist spot for several reasons. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area from its summit, which we can reach by a funicular train ride. 

Penang Hill is located within the Air Itam suburb, 9 km west of the centre of George Town. Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera in Malay, actually refers to Flagstaff Hill. 

The top of the Flagstaff Hill is accessible via the Penang Hill Railway from its base station at Hill Railway Station Road.

The stone archway, part of the Station Building constructed during the British colonial era. The year 1923 inscribed on the building marks the year the funicular railway first opened to the public.  The railway had an informal opening on 21 October 1923 and was originally inaugurated on 1 January 1924. At the time it was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. 

This station celebrated the 100th Anniversary in October 2023. 

The 4th Generation Funicular train, manufactured by Doppelmayr-Garaventa of Switzerland and arrived in Penang in August 2010. They officially entered service in April 2011. 

This coaches can travel from the base to the summit non-stop in 5 to 10 minutes eliminating the need for passengers to change trains at a middle station. 

Each train was designed to hold up to 100 passengers, significantly increasing the  hill's capacity compared to the 80-person limit of the previous 1977 "red" generations. 

The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway from Air Itam to the top of the Flagstaff Hill. The 2,007 m journey used to take about half an hour and the train may stop at intermediate stations upon request.  

The first generation Train coach which operated from 1923 to 1977. 

The first generation of the Penang Hill funicular railway operated for 54 years from its opening in 1923 until its retirement in 1977. The carriages were made of wood and featured an "open-concept" design. 

This generation was designed by Arnold Robert Johnson, an engineer with the Federated Malays States Railway, based on a Swiss Design. 

While trial operations began on 21 October 1923, the railway was officially opened on 1 January 1924 by Sir L.N. Guillemard, the Governor of the Straits Settlements. 

Penang Hill is one of the highest points in the whole island, so one of its biggest peak is the amazing views that you'll get from the surrounding area, including George Town and even Butterworth in mainland Malaysia and the Penang Bridge. On a clear day, you can even see Pulau Langkawi in Kedah. 

Bel Retiro is a government bungalow on Penang Hill. It was built in 1789 by Captain Francis Ligfht,  for the Governor of Penang. 

The nama Bukit Bendera in Malay actually originates from the flagstaff located outside the Bel Retiro. The British would hoist flag here to signal the arrival of ships to the officials in George Town below. 

It was favourite retreat of the first Yang DiPertuan Agong and Tunku Abdul Rahman (first Prime Minister of Malaysia) whenever they visit Penang.  

The 32 pounder cannon, weighing 2,500 kg, the majestic cannon was capable of firing a 32-pound cannon ball at a velocity of 1600 ft per second. 

The Penang Hill Police Station was built in 1929 and the building is still standing here on the same site. One of the highest Police Station in Malaysia, located near a red Victorian pillar box, which is still operational today and remains a popular spot for visitors to mail postcards from the summit. 

Bel Retiro mosque built in 1966 on Gun Hill, it is the only mosque on Penang Hill. The mosque catches one's attention easily with its gold dome, minarets and islamic architecture - a big contrast to the British colonial building and atmosphere. Just a short distance from the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple. 

Penang Hill is definitely worth a visit if for nothing else, its beautiful nature. If I had to describe our visit to Penang Hill in two words it would be Peaceful and Eventful. Seeing a mosque and a Hindu temple standing side-by-side at the highest point of the island is often cited as a symbol of Penang’s multicultural heritage.

Thank God !!

Even though I have been to Penang dozens of times, this is the first time I set foot on Bukit Bendera.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

21 July 2024 > 15 Muharram 1446H: 12.13 a.m