Penang Hill has gotten a revival of sorts in the recent years and the latest addition to one of the island’s landmark, is a world class eco tourism attraction called The Habitat. Located on the fringes of a 130 million year old virgin rainforest on Penang Hill, The Habitat features a historical 1.6km nature trail, Canopy Bridges and Canopy walk, Zip lines and TreeTop Walk.
Basically, it is a great way for nature aficionados and city folks alike to experience the untouched rain forest and marvel at nature’s wonders.
The easiest way to get to The Habitat is via the tram up Penang Hill.
Penang Hill Main Entrance
New multi storey car park next to the entrance
I must admit that I haven’t been to Penang Hill in a long while and did not realize that there is a new multi storey car park now, next to the main entrance.
Boarding the tram
Tickets for the tram are RM10 (2 ways, Adult) RM5 (Senior Citizen/Student), RM3 (Children) Prices are for Malaysians (MyKad holder)
There is also a fast lane (which you have to pay extra for – RM30 for Malaysian Adult using Fast Lane)
Up the Hill we go!
Upon reaching the peak, take a short walk and you will soon reach the entrance to The Habitat
Serene environment and lush greenery awaits at The Habitat
The Habitat ticketing office
The 1.6km Nature Trail is of historical importance as the trail was originally built in the early 1800s by the British East India Company. And The Habitat’s ticketing office/main ‘lobby’ was previously a horse stable hence the unique building structure. One of the original barn doors still exists today and is preserved as part of the office building structure.
The Habitat ticket pricing for Adults is RM50, Kids/Senior Citizens/Student RM30. *Senior Citizen price is for 60 years & above
Family packages are also available RM130 for 2 adults + 2 kids. The Habitat is Open Daily (except for Wednesdays) from 9.30am-6pm
Before you embark on the nature trail, it is advisable to use the restroom at the Ticketing Office for there are no restrooms along the trail itself.
The Nature Trail will be led by one of The Habitat’s specially trained Naturalists. One can opt to walk the trail without the Naturalists but I would highly recommend one especially if it’s your first time at The Habitat. Plus, the nature guided tours are complimentary.
Our Naturalist for the day was super informative and friendly. She pointed out all the special highlights that were present along the trail (which we would have blindly walked past had we not had a guide along with us) And yes, in her hands are a photo of the Dusky Leaf Langur monkeys who have made a home at The Habitat. We managed to see them from afar, high up on the trees. We were told that this species is usually very shy so it’s hard to spot them.
The Nature Trail is wheelchair & stroller friendly!
One thing we noticed immediately was that the nature trail itself was very comfortable to walk on. A special material is used along the whole Nature Trail to make it wheelchair and stroller friendly! How awesome is that! It indeed makes The Habitat a suitable place to visit for the whole family, young and old.
While The Habitat does not sell any bottled water in attempts to be eco-friendly, they do have a few water coolers dotted along the trail so you can bring your own tumbler and fill up.
There was indeed plenty to see and discover along the trail with several themed gardens including the Colour Gardens, Butterfly Bank, Fragrant Garden and Ginger and Palm Grove. Coupled with lovely cool weather, it was indeed easy to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature.
Very pretty butterfly shaped flower! <3
Informative signboards along the trail to direct our interests
Giant tree fern (one of the highlights of the trail)
Giant Swing
One can also take a breather on one of the Giant Swings along the trail to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Nature’s ‘Lace’… hehe isn’t it so pretty?
‘Creeping’ leaves along a tree trunk
Umbrellas provided in case of rain
Because a nature walk at The Habitat is an outdoor activity, it is at the mercy of the weather. During our visit it did rain on and off. Umbrellas were provided for us to proceed with the nature walk. Also there are two pavillions along the trail where one can seek shelter from the rain.
Cafe & souvenir shop at The Habitat
As the rain got heavier, we sought shelter at the cafe & souvenir shop. They have a variety of drinks, cakes, snacks and some hot meals in case visitors get a bit hungry.
Interesting gifts in the form of Seed boxes to grow your own herb garden
Coffee, cakes and curry puffs
Pricing at the cafe is reasonable. Latte and cappuccino priced at RM10.90, Cheesecake was RM15, Curry puff RM5
TreeTop Walk (photo courtesy of The Habitat)
Because the rain had gotten heavier and there was thunder, it was deemed unsafe for us to visit the Treetop Walk during our visit. So we were rather unfortunate but I do personally look forward to returning to visit the Treetop Walk. In addition, the 230m canopy bridge is also under construction and should be ready during the second half of 2017.
2018 will see the launch of The Habitat Aerial Trail which consists of a series of zip lines (flying foxes) and the exhilarating Big Zip which will take patrons about 500m into the rainforest above the treetop canopy!
Canopy walk (will be ready second half of 2017)
Other activities at The Habitat include Guided Night Walks and Outdoor Classroom Programs (which are available for children as well) For more info on the happenings and latest activities at The Habitat, do check out their Facebook Page.
*Many thanks to The Habitat for extending this invitation
The Habitat Penang Hill
Penang Hill, 11300 Penang
TEL: 04-826 7677
Opening Hours: 9.30am-6pm DAILY EXCEPT WEDNESDAY
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