VISITORS to Penang Hill, one of the state’s top tourist destinations, can now experience more than just sweeping panoramic views of George Town and the island’s lush green landscapes.
Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings is the Penang Hill Gallery@Edgecliff, a renowned gallery and educational centre dedicated to showcasing the rich history of Penang Hill to both local and international visitors.
Since its opening, the centre has received an overwhelming response, especially from foreign tourists, for its immersive and informative exhibitions.
In a recent interview with Buletin Mutiara, the gallery’s operations manager, Mazlina Mohamad Zainal, shared that the three-storey structure now serves as a bridge between Penang’s colonial past and its rich biodiversity, offering visitors a 270-degree view from its scenic terrace.
“Located within a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve, Edgecliff Villa is a heritage building gazetted as a Category II monument by the Penang state government.
“Through careful restoration, the centre now houses five thematic exhibition halls: Time Tunnel, Biodiversity, Heritage, Funicular, and Cultural, which offer an interactive and multimedia journey through Penang Hill’s transformation from a colonial retreat to an ecological sanctuary.
“This is a must-visit location for tourists and locals alike as it offers a comprehensive understanding of Penang Hill’s history and significance,” she said.
During the gallery walk, Buletin Mutiara was also briefed by centre staff member, Bhaarrni Kuumaran Selvaraja, who highlighted the vast array of knowledge that can be found throughout the gallery, including information about the 2,500 species of flora and fauna found on the hill.
“There are over 2,000 plant species and 500 types of animals that can be found here, including the Black Giant Squirrel, Dusky Leaf Monkey, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, and others. You can also find the world’s largest orchid, the Tiger Orchid,” he said.
Bhaarrni also shared that, in the past, 52 bungalows were built on top of Penang Hill, along with various places of worship, such as temples, shrines, and mosques.
“With the addition of colonial-era structures alongside these religious sites, the total number of historical buildings on the hill stands at 59,” he said.
Today, four hotels operate on Penang Hill: Bellevue Hotel, Hillside Retreat, Eythrope Penang Hill, and Hickory on Penang Hill.
One of the gallery’s main highlights is the historic funicular railway system, which has been in operation since 1923.
Furthermore, the Penang Hill Gallery@Edgecliff is the first heritage building to be granted a Green Index certification, recognising its environmentally sustainanle practices.
Mazlina added that the gallery has launched a ‘Student Excursion Programme,’ aimed at raising awareness among schoolchildren about the hilltop’s biodiversity.
She added that the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) is planning to expand the centre in respinse to the growing interest and positive feedback from visitors.
Story by Edmund Lee