View From The Top: Penang Hill

We wrapped up our sightseeing in Penang with a trip up to the top of Penang Hill. It reminded me very much of Hong Kong's own Victoria Peak in that a cable car takes you to the top of the city's highest point so you can enjoy cooler air and gorgeous views.

It's possible to walk from Kek Lok Si Temple to the hill, but it would have been a long, hot, and sticky one. Again, we were glad to have our driver, Joe, with us. He deposited us at the bottom of the hill, at the cable car terminus, and directed us where to find him afterward. We then rode a very crowded cable car to the top. We suffered on that ride for half an hour, jammed in tight against dozens of other sweating tourists. I couldn't figure out how the Muslim women could take it while draped head-to-toe in black fabric.

We burst out of the car at the top of the hill, happy to be breathing cool air again. Seeing this view made the journey worth it:

This monkey was one of several that stared at us curiously from nearby trees.

A short walk brought us to David Brown's restaurant, an English-style cottage surrounded by beautiful gardens.

We sat at a table on front the lawn, looking out over this water garden, and enjoyed a Devonshire cream tea while mosquitoes feasted on my legs.

After tea, we strolled along the paths, which took us to several temples. My favorite was this Hindu temple, where every corner was crowded with exuberantly painted figures and ornaments.

The temple is undergoing restoration, which made for some striking photos. I think I like the weathered finish better than the bright new paint -- it looks a little more romantic.



After wandering around for a few hours, we met Joe at the foot of the hill, and he drove us back to the hotel.

I flew back to Hong Kong the next day, sorry to leave. Two days was simply not enough time to see everything. We missed touring tropical spice and fruit farms and seeing the beach (even though the water is not suitable for swimming, we heard that the beach itself it nice). There was also a nearby museum and some colonial architecture that looked interesting. I hope we get another opportunity to go back one day so we can catch up on all the sights -- and the food!