Three-day event one of few worldwide held in biosphere reserve

THE Penang Hill Festival (PHF), an event that uplifts the soul thanks to its unique settings that beautifully intertwine the state’s natural and cultural heritage, is back for its sixth edition.

Held among the island’s lush inland peaks, the festival slated for July 18 to 20 promises to be the most dynamic one yet – with three full days of exploration, education and entertainment lined up for visitors of all ages.

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There will be eight interactive workshops, 32 indoor and outdoor activities, seven exhibitions, 22 expert speakers and guides, eight performances and 17 nature-­­and-heritage discovery walks.

Organiser Penang Hill Corpo­ration’s (PHC) aim is for the activities to spark deeper public appreciation for the hill’s natural wonders, storied past and cultu­ral richness.

PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said roughly 25,000 local and international visitors were expected at this year’s edition.

The Moniot Trail allows one to check out the hill’s oldest track, created by the British in 1825 for horse-drawn carriages.

“We strive to elevate the festival experience each year through meaningful partnerships and inter­­­active programmes that foster stronger connections to Penang Hill.

“Whether you are attending an insightful talk, joining a heritage walk or soaking in the vibrant festival atmosphere, there is some­thing for all,” he said in a press conference at Komtar.

Many do not realise that Penang Hill is not a single hill.

Rather, it refers to a collection of granitic ranges that make up the island’s hinterland.

A significant portion of it was gazetted under the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve in 2021 by Unesco, which describes such sites as “learning places for sustainable development”.

This makes PHF one of the few festivals in the world to take place in a biosphere reserve.

The reserve covers 12,481ha, with 7,285ha being on land.

Cheok hopes the festival will inspire the public to conserve nature.

This corresponds to roughly 25% of the island’s northeast district.

The remaining 5,196ha are in marine waters.

Collectively, the reserve is home to over 2,000 flora and more than 500 fauna species.

“More than just a festival, PHF will open the door to Penang Hill’s extraordinary wonders.

“It is a place that is home to a century-old funicular railway, vibrant cultural activities and lush greenery teeming with biodiversity.

“Beyond the festivities, we also hope the programme will inspire more people to preserve and conserve not just the hill, but nature at large,” said Cheok.

He urged festival visitors to embrace the event’s eco-cons­cious spirit by choosing public transport and arriving early for scheduled activities.

Wong says the festival strengthens visitors’ bond with the iconic Penang Hill.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai reaffirmed the festival’s importance by descri­bing it as a living tribute to Penang Hill’s enduring legacy.

“PHF celebrates the unique blend of nature, history and culture that defines the hills, while encouraging community participation and environmental res­pon­­­­­sibility.

“Each year, it strengthens our bond with the iconic site, connecting people through shared stories, learning experiences, and collective appreciation,” said Wong.

Many of the festival’s activities are free, but others require a token registration fee to cover costs.

Cool highlights

Notably, the festival’s main event “Music on the Hill – East Meets West” will have a new venue this year – the Bellevue Hotel.

Starting 3.30pm on July 20, it will feature diverse rhythms from groups such as the North­ern Jazz Unit of Penang Jazz Society, the Penang Dhol Blasters and Wak Long Music and Art Centre.

Adding flair to proceedings will be the modern artistry of the Shuang Chinese orchestra and homegrown angklung ensemble Persona Ritma.

Prior to that, there will be various insightful talks and panel discussions, each featuring a line-up of esteemed speakers and experts.

This includes “Guardians of Green: Conserving the Flora and Fungi of Penang Hill” at 4.30pm on July 18 at Edgecliff Gallery@Penang Hill.

Participants can delve into the amazing yet often-overlooked species of fungi, orchids and herbs found on the hill, and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect them.

The Junior Rainforest Exploration includes many hands-on activities to cultivate an appreciation for nature among children.

“Man and the Biosphere Reserve: Who Needs Whom More” − scheduled for 2.30pm on July 19 at David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terrace −promises to be equally thought-provoking.

This session will lay out in detail how the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve supports life and our profound responsibility in protecting and preserving its invaluable resources.

Visitors may also be interested to check out the exhibition titled “A Visual Journey of Penang Hill” open from 9am to 6pm on all three days at Gate House Bel Retiro.

Its rich imagery highlights the hill’s tapestry of flora and fauna, PHC’s tireless efforts to conserve the hill, as well as the 100th anniversary celebrations of the funicular railway in 2023.

Another interesting exhibition is “Artistic Expression through Philately”, also open from 9am to 6pm daily at Level 1 of Penang Hill Station (upper station).

Using postage stamps, Penang-based philatelist Gary Wan Nyin Keat creates awe-inspiring artworks that also reveal motifs of the Penang Hill funicular, the Penang Bridge, Snake Temple and other local landmarks when viewed under UV light.

Nature exploration

Popular during the festival are the nature and heritage discovery treks conducted by experienced and knowledgeable guides.

The “Talk and Walk: Viaduct Trail” on July 18 starts at 8.30am and will take participants on a 7.5km trek through lush flora, with a break at Nature Green Farm to learn about eco-friendly farming techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics and organic wicking-bed agriculture.

Next up is the “Talk and Walk: Moniot Trail” at 8.30am on July 19. This spans 7km along the hill’s oldest track, first created by the British in 1825 for horse-drawn carriages.

The “Talk and Walk: Crag Heri­tage Trail” at 8.30am on July 20 is only 3km and includes a visit to The Crag, a cherished hill landmark.

Participants will gain insights into the 19th century structure’s history – from its time as a sanitarium to a hotel, a boarding school and even a filming backdrop for the 1992 movie Indochine and the 2014 British TV series Indian Summers.

On July 19 at 3pm, the Mush­room Exploration will show how fungi play vital roles in forest ecosystems.

The Night Exploration offers a rare chance for visitors to get a glimpse of Penang Hill’s nocturnal inhabitants.

The Night Exploration later the same day at 7.30pm will allow one to experience the rainforest in a different light and perhaps even encounter some of its nocturnal inhabitants.

For young children, there is a specially tailored Junior Rain­forest Exploration at 9am on July 20.

Hands-on activities such as seeding and tree planting are sure to fill them with joy.

Each child will also receive a copy of Nature Trail Companion 2, a guidebook sponsored by PHC, to nurture their love for nature.

The meeting point for all walks is in front of the Angsana Stage atop Penang Hill, near the main square (Dataran Bukit Bendera). Pre-registration is required for all sessions.

Shutterbugs can sign up for the Bird Photography Workshop at 8am on July 19 at David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terrace.

Another session on Nature and Macro Photography takes place at 8am on July 20 at the same venue.

Participants should bring their own tripods and filters.

For the full list of programmes or to register, visit www.penanghill.gov.my/phf2025