New Train Brings More Tourists To Penang Hill

By Samantha Tan Chiew Ting GEORGE TOWN (Penang, Malaysia), March 15 (Bernama) -- The tram ride on Penang Hill was once the bane of visitors because of its slow and often irregular service. But now it is a different experience altogether. Thanks to the efforts made by the federal government in upgrading the funicular rail system on Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera in the Malay language. With most of the initial problems overcome, the locals have benefited greatly from the change, and now have a good chance to earn more through increased tourism activities there. Now, visitors can travel to the top of the hill in comfortable coaches and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding flora and fauna and the historical heritage which is a blend of British colonial-era architecture and modern Asian architecture. The federal government's purpose behind improving the funicular rail system on Penang Hill that started operating in the 1920s is to help the tourism industry in the state that has been identified as the main catalyst under the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) initiative. RM66 MILLION TO RENEW RAIL SYSTEM The upgrading project of the old funicular rail system costing RM66 million (US$21.57 million) took 12 months to complete and it was done by a local contractor, Alam Langkawi Sdn Bhd. According to Alam Langkawi's Director, Ir Soon Eng Kooi, the ride uphill used to take 30 minutes previously, with passengers having to put up with crowded and airless coaches. They also had to change coaches midway. And in many instances the trains broke down. With the new funicular rail system, however, the ride to the top takes less than seven minutes in fully air-conditioned coaches, and the passengers don’t need to switch trains in the middle of their journey. The Alam Langkawi Director also noted that the funicular train could now carry up to 2,000 people within an hour compared with 120 for the same duration using the old coaches. One of the significant aspects of this project is connecting the tracks at Middle Station to allow the funicular train to go straight to the top, unlike previously when the train stopped midway to allow passengers to change trains. UNIQUE HERITAGE MAINTAINED Much of the design of the rail system on Penang Hill, a legacy of the country's colonial past, has been retained to reflect George Town's status as the UNESCO World Heritage City. With a greater number of tourists arriving there, the Penang Hill Corporation and traders at Penang Hill are ready to invest more in expanding their business and organising many programmes. The project's consultant, Alan Tan Swooi Heng, pointed out to the challenges posed by the steep and narrow ridges in carrying out upgrading works. Apart from that, all work including breaking the stones and piling them up were done physically to prevent landslides and protect the natural environment. The old funicular coaches and the machineries that were previously used at the first stop - Middle Station, are now part of the Industrial Heritage Museum exhibits. The old rails were re-used in the building, with the Swiss manufacturer De-Roll Berne's logo still intact. The museum also shows funicular trams used since 1923. Tan also noted that the rise in the number of visitors had also attracted more traders to the hill. HILL RESIDENTS HAPPY The Penang Hill Residents Committee Association Chairman, M. Arunasalam, says the hill residents are grateful, as the upgrading of the rail system has helped to lure back tourists, and also opened up more business avenues. "Previously, there were not many tourists who came to the hill because of the poor rail service. Now with growing activities on the hill, many are coming. With the rail service itself being a new attraction, Penang Hill is set to regain its position as a leading tourist attraction on the island," he said. A frequent tourist from Australia, Chris Kelly, says he was disappointed with the old system, as during one of his visits to Penang Hill, the funicular train service was suspended due to system failure. "Before this, the service was slow and the train interrupted halfway. I heard about the upgrading and I wanted to try. I was surprised by the new funicular system that is so comfortable, fast and does not stop halfway," he said. Located at a distance of 6 km from George Town, and rising 830 metres above sea level, the top of Penang Hill has many things to offer - a pleasing atmosphere, a beautiful view of George Town and the Tanjung Bungah coastline, the mainland, colonial bungalows, gardens and a bird sanctuary. -- BERNAMA