Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff

As awarded to be UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Penang Hill is the perfect getaway for you if you're looking for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's Malaysia's third Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. As one of the oldest colonial hills in Southeast Asia, this is a must-visit destination in Penang.

Various attractions are ready for you to explore, including Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff. It's a must-visit attraction if you want to know more about Penang Hill.

Let's have some fun facts before we continue our journey in this amazing place. Edgecliff Bungalow was built in 1937 by Scottish architect J.C. Miller. It sits at the cliff's edge and provides a magnificent view over Penang and Beyond. Today, this private bungalow is converted into an information and education centre by Penang State Government and Penang Hill Corporation. It's well preserved and conserved to make sure the building does not lose its sense of original identity. Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff is named today, bringing you closer to nature and transporting you back to history through the 5 galleries (Time Tunnel, Biodiversity, Heritage, Funicular and Cultural).

Without further delay, let's move your step and follow me into this beautiful gallery. After purchasing the entrance ticket, you'll explore the gallery at your own pace.

SMART TIP! 💡 Get a copy of the visitor guide from the ticketing counter when you purchase the entrance ticket. There is a stamping area at each gallery; you can stamp on it when you go through each. It will be your unique souvenir!

Immediately after the ticketing counter, you'll enter the first gallery - Time Tunnel Gallery. You'll "return" to the past and immerse into the rich history of Penang Hill, which was built during the Strait Settlement era. Spend some time learning about the past before moving to the next gallery.  

Penang Hill is home to more than 2500 species of flora and fauna; all of them live together in harmony in a 130-million-year-old rainforest. From lush plants (Monkey Cup) to adorable animals (Dusky Langur), you can "discover" them at the Biodiversity Gallery.

It's time to step into the Heritage Gallery. The wall within this gallery showcases Penang Hill's historical buildings and bungalows, from those built in the late 1700s until the late 1800s.

There are also old postcards and newspaper clippings displayed within this gallery.

Take your time and "walk" back to the 1700s as they will tell you their stories within these four walls.

Before moving to the next gallery, complete your experience at the outdoor gallery found at this Heritage Gallery. You can get many excellent views of a "postcard" photo in this outdoor gallery. No filter option is needed to shoot a wonderful shot at one of the highest points on Penang island. Keep your camera handy, as there are plenty of Instagram moments waiting to be captured!

Yes! It's time to venture into the Funicular Gallery. This is one of my favourite galleries at this attraction. With 100 years in history, the funicular system of Penang Hill has served millions of passengers. You'll get the opportunity to learn about 3 different generations of funicular on Penang Hill in this gallery. The highlight of this gallery is the interactive funicular model.

Ticket of Penang Hill Funicular Service 1923 to Present and Replica of “The Penang Hill Railway” published in 1925

Make sure to catch the old train parts and artefacts of the funicular train displayed at this gallery. If you want to learn the engineering behind the funicular train's motion and movement, this is the best place to be. Do you know? 💡 Penang Hill funicular railway has the steepest tunnel track in the world.

Photo of me with the mockup of the first two generations and the third generation train, which has been in use since 2010

Let's step into Cultural Gallery before ending your journey in this amazing gallery. You'll find a collection of images of the community and people living on Penang Hill from the 1950s until today. Each of them tells you the stories behind the residents of Penang Hill. Spend time going through them, and you'll understand the true spirit of Malaysia's diverse and multi-racial culture.

Before heading to the souvenir shop, you can read through the history and transformation of the Edgecliff if you want to understand this amazing gallery further.

Located inside Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff offers a learning experience beyond the walls. It tells us stories from the lenses of those who lived through its history, heritage and time. "See the Nature, Feel the History". What are you waiting for? Start planning and add this gallery to your travel list now!

P/S: If you've got more time, head to the rooftop floor of this gallery, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Penang.