Conservation
PHBR Program & Project
Conservation
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) is committed to conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment of Penang Hill, a popular tourist destination in Malaysia. To guide its efforts, PHC follows the 3R principles of Restore, Rehabilitate, and Rebuild.
Restore:
The Restore principle focuses on restoring the natural environment to its original state. PHC recognizes the importance of conserving the biodiversity of Penang Hill’s forest ecosystem, which is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including some endangered species. To achieve this, PHC undertakes activities such as removing invasive species, replanting native trees and vegetation, and repairing damage caused by human activity. PHC also works with research institutions to monitor and study the forest ecosystem, ensuring that its conservation efforts are based on the latest scientific research.
Rehabilitate:
The Rehabilitate principle focuses on rehabilitating the built environment of Penang Hill, such as buildings, infrastructure, and trails. PHC recognizes that these built structures are important for tourism and the local economy, but they must also be sustainable and environmentally friendly. To achieve this, PHC undertakes activities such as repairing and upgrading existing structures, developing new infrastructure that is sustainable and environmentally friendly, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. PHC also ensures that the trails and other infrastructure on Penang Hill are designed to minimize the impact on the natural environment.
Rebuild:
The Rebuild principle focuses on rebuilding and revitalizing the community on Penang Hill. PHC recognizes that a thriving community is essential for the long-term sustainability of the hill, and works to support local businesses and industries, provide education and training opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism. PHC also engages with the local community to ensure that their needs and perspectives are taken into account in its development plans.
By following the 3R principles of Restore, Rehabilitate, and Rebuild, PHC is committed to promoting sustainable development and conservation on Penang Hill, while also enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the local community.
Penang Hill is a repository of bungalows featuring a fusion of British. Colonial and modern Asian architecture dates back to the early days of the British settlement and the 1800s in Penang.
The endeavors reflect Penang State Government’s efforts to promote ecotourism and for families to spend quality time enjoying the natural beauty of Penang Hill.
Hillside
Built in the early 1900s, the Hillside Retreat is one of the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill, classified as a Category II Heritage Building.
After decades of being left vacant, the former rest house for British government officers was rescued and restored.
The restoration work began in 2019 to transform the bungalow into an eco-friendly accommodation for visitors of Penang Hill.
Designed for minimal environmental impact and maximum comfort – the Hillside Retreat boasts extensive amenities such as living and dining areas, a kitchenette, and bedrooms.
The building incorporates green eco tips for creating a sustainable lifestyle to reduce, reuse, recycle, and conserve energy with a rain harvesting system and many other eco-friendly features.
Gatehouse
Located on the highest point of “Government Hill,” the governor’s bungalow “Bel Retiro” is the most prestigious property on Penang Hill.
The elegant mansion has a unique colonial-era façade of stonewall masonry and white arched verandahways, with commanding views across George Town and the mainland.
Built in 1789 for the first governor of Penang, the government bungalow remains exclusive as a favored resort for high government officials and visiting dignitaries.
In 2014, the Gate House conservation project involved the cleaning and maintenance of the dilapidated structure caused by the structure’s aging.
Although the Bel Retiro bungalow is out-of-bounds to the general public, one can hike up a short steep road to the Gate House for a photo opportunity.
Slope Stabilization and Rehabilitation
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), as the custodian of Penang Hill, takes responsibility for conserving and preserving our natural ecosystem with minimal environmental impact.
Through the years, bad weather, heavy downpours, intermittent rains, have caused inevitable landslides at various spots on Penang Hill.
PHC ensures regular tree trimming to protect thousands of daily visitors from fallen branches.
The hill maintenance team immediately cleared the blockages for the safety of residents, visitors, and hikers.
During adverse weather conditions, hikers are advised to avoid hiking and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
Since 2017, landslides have been identified, recorded, and stabilized in and around Penang Hill.
PHC has taken immediate steps to carry out slope mitigation works, periodic monitoring, and evaluating the stability of soil slopes.
Collapsed slopes have been repaired and reinforced for permanent slope strengthening works with soil nailing, retaining walls, and upgrading the drainage system.
Necessary slope maintenance is carried out regularly to ensure the slopes are stable.
From 2018 until 2021, more than 20 slope stabilization projects covering more than 100 landslide locations were being repaired around Penang Hill.
In 2022, slope repair work includes continually upgrading the slope maintenance and monitoring system to be more systematic.
Regular slope maintenance is essential for all hill slopes classified with topographic survey plans to define local features such as slips and man-made slopes or structures.
Slope data is recorded in the Slope Maintenance Manual Form issued by the Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) “Slope Maintenance Guidelines in Malaysia, Slope Engineering Branch, JKR Malaysia, August 2006.”
Visual aerial monitoring via drone flight methods is deployed to update photographs to determine the topography for critical slope locations.
Slope Stabilization Works In Edgecliff Bungalow Area
In 2018, PHC started a new project to upgrade the state-owned heritage building, the Edgecliff Bungalow.
The surrounding slopes were stabilized and strengthened.
The existing slope area around the building was stabilized and strengthened with a soil nailing system and an upgraded drainage system.
After four years of transformation, the visitor gallery – Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff was opened to the public.
Slope Stabilization Works in the Upper Station Area
The Penang Hill Upper Station slope was strengthened and stabilized to ensure a safe slope area before the station upgrading project was carried out.
Works included soil nailing, guniting, netting, and a new drainage system.
Slope Stabilization at CH1410 – CH1450 Near the Funicular Track
In September 2020, a landslide occurred between CH1410 to CH1450 funicular tracks near Claremont Station.
Emergency repair work was carried out immediately and the slope stabilization were completed in December 2020.
Designing and Installation of Rock Fencing Along the Funicular Track
The project involved installing an anti-climb fence along the funicular track to improve the security of the Funicular Track.
Additional rock netting was installed on the rocky slope to protect from rock falling, or landslides and trespassing into the funicular area.
Slope stabilization works at CH1700-1750 and CH1850-1950 Viaduct Road West.
The three slope located at Viaduct Road West that collapsed due to heavy rain have been stabilized and strengthened with soil nailing, guniting, rock bolts, rock netting, hydroseeding, and drainage systems to improve the safety of Viaduct Road users and nearby hill residents.
Slope Stabilization Works At Middle Station
Soil nailing and guniting works for strengthening the slope structure are completed at Middle Station next to the funicular track.
Slope Stabilization Works at Penang Hill Mosque, Temple & Bel Retiro
PHC carried out the slope repair work at the Penang Hill mosque, the Hindu temple, and the Bel Retiro bungalow area.
The work was to clean the slope surface and install soil nailing, gabion retaining walls, and a Geocell ground grid for slope protection.
Surface drainage systems are proposed to prevent surface erosion and reduce infiltration due to heavy rainfall.
PHBR Program & Project
Conservation
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) is committed to conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment of Penang Hill, a popular tourist destination in Malaysia. To guide its efforts, PHC follows the 3R principles of Restore, Rehabilitate, and Rebuild.
Restore:
The Restore principle focuses on restoring the natural environment to its original state. PHC recognizes the importance of conserving the biodiversity of Penang Hill’s forest ecosystem, which is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including some endangered species. To achieve this, PHC undertakes activities such as removing invasive species, replanting native trees and vegetation, and repairing damage caused by human activity. PHC also works with research institutions to monitor and study the forest ecosystem, ensuring that its conservation efforts are based on the latest scientific research.
Rehabilitate:
The Rehabilitate principle focuses on rehabilitating the built environment of Penang Hill, such as buildings, infrastructure, and trails. PHC recognizes that these built structures are important for tourism and the local economy, but they must also be sustainable and environmentally friendly. To achieve this, PHC undertakes activities such as repairing and upgrading existing structures, developing new infrastructure that is sustainable and environmentally friendly, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. PHC also ensures that the trails and other infrastructure on Penang Hill are designed to minimize the impact on the natural environment.
Rebuild:
The Rebuild principle focuses on rebuilding and revitalizing the community on Penang Hill. PHC recognizes that a thriving community is essential for the long-term sustainability of the hill, and works to support local businesses and industries, provide education and training opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism. PHC also engages with the local community to ensure that their needs and perspectives are taken into account in its development plans.
By following the 3R principles of Restore, Rehabilitate, and Rebuild, PHC is committed to promoting sustainable development and conservation on Penang Hill, while also enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the local community.
Penang Hill is a repository of bungalows featuring a fusion of British. Colonial and modern Asian architecture dates back to the early days of the British settlement and the 1800s in Penang.
The endeavors reflect Penang State Government’s efforts to promote ecotourism and for families to spend quality time enjoying the natural beauty of Penang Hill.
Hillside
Built in the early 1900s, the Hillside Retreat is one of the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill, classified as a Category II Heritage Building.
After decades of being left vacant, the former rest house for British government officers was rescued and restored.
The restoration work began in 2019 to transform the bungalow into an eco-friendly accommodation for visitors of Penang Hill.
Designed for minimal environmental impact and maximum comfort – the Hillside Retreat boasts extensive amenities such as living and dining areas, a kitchenette, and bedrooms.
The building incorporates green eco tips for creating a sustainable lifestyle to reduce, reuse, recycle, and conserve energy with a rain harvesting system and many other eco-friendly features.
Gatehouse
Located on the highest point of “Government Hill,” the governor’s bungalow “Bel Retiro” is the most prestigious property on Penang Hill.
The elegant mansion has a unique colonial-era façade of stonewall masonry and white arched verandahways, with commanding views across George Town and the mainland.
Built in 1789 for the first governor of Penang, the government bungalow remains exclusive as a favored resort for high government officials and visiting dignitaries.
In 2014, the Gate House conservation project involved the cleaning and maintenance of the dilapidated structure caused by the structure’s aging.
Although the Bel Retiro bungalow is out-of-bounds to the general public, one can hike up a short steep road to the Gate House for a photo opportunity.
Slope Stabilization and Rehabilitation
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), as the custodian of Penang Hill, takes responsibility for conserving and preserving our natural ecosystem with minimal environmental impact.
Through the years, bad weather, heavy downpours, intermittent rains, have caused inevitable landslides at various spots on Penang Hill.
PHC ensures regular tree trimming to protect thousands of daily visitors from fallen branches.
The hill maintenance team immediately cleared the blockages for the safety of residents, visitors, and hikers.
During adverse weather conditions, hikers are advised to avoid hiking and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
Since 2017, landslides have been identified, recorded, and stabilized in and around Penang Hill.
PHC has taken immediate steps to carry out slope mitigation works, periodic monitoring, and evaluating the stability of soil slopes.
Collapsed slopes have been repaired and reinforced for permanent slope strengthening works with soil nailing, retaining walls, and upgrading the drainage system.
Necessary slope maintenance is carried out regularly to ensure the slopes are stable.
From 2018 until 2021, more than 20 slope stabilization projects covering more than 100 landslide locations were being repaired around Penang Hill.
In 2022, slope repair work includes continually upgrading the slope maintenance and monitoring system to be more systematic.
Regular slope maintenance is essential for all hill slopes classified with topographic survey plans to define local features such as slips and man-made slopes or structures.
Slope data is recorded in the Slope Maintenance Manual Form issued by the Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) “Slope Maintenance Guidelines in Malaysia, Slope Engineering Branch, JKR Malaysia, August 2006.”
Visual aerial monitoring via drone flight methods is deployed to update photographs to determine the topography for critical slope locations.
Slope Stabilization Works In Edgecliff Bungalow Area
In 2018, PHC started a new project to upgrade the state-owned heritage building, the Edgecliff Bungalow.
The surrounding slopes were stabilized and strengthened.
The existing slope area around the building was stabilized and strengthened with a soil nailing system and an upgraded drainage system.
After four years of transformation, the visitor gallery – Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff was opened to the public.
Slope Stabilization Works in the Upper Station Area
The Penang Hill Upper Station slope was strengthened and stabilized to ensure a safe slope area before the station upgrading project was carried out.
Works included soil nailing, guniting, netting, and a new drainage system.
Slope Stabilization at CH1410 – CH1450 Near the Funicular Track
In September 2020, a landslide occurred between CH1410 to CH1450 funicular tracks near Claremont Station.
Emergency repair work was carried out immediately and the slope stabilization were completed in December 2020.
Designing and Installation of Rock Fencing Along the Funicular Track
The project involved installing an anti-climb fence along the funicular track to improve the security of the Funicular Track.
Additional rock netting was installed on the rocky slope to protect from rock falling, or landslides and trespassing into the funicular area.
Slope stabilization works at CH1700-1750 and CH1850-1950 Viaduct Road West.
The three slope located at Viaduct Road West that collapsed due to heavy rain have been stabilized and strengthened with soil nailing, guniting, rock bolts, rock netting, hydroseeding, and drainage systems to improve the safety of Viaduct Road users and nearby hill residents.
Slope Stabilization Works At Middle Station
Soil nailing and guniting works for strengthening the slope structure are completed at Middle Station next to the funicular track.
Slope Stabilization Works at Penang Hill Mosque, Temple & Bel Retiro
PHC carried out the slope repair work at the Penang Hill mosque, the Hindu temple, and the Bel Retiro bungalow area.
The work was to clean the slope surface and install soil nailing, gabion retaining walls, and a Geocell ground grid for slope protection.
Surface drainage systems are proposed to prevent surface erosion and reduce infiltration due to heavy rainfall.
PHBR covers 5,196 hectares of marine ecosystems surrounding the Penang National Park.
The PHBR marine ecosystem is a habitat of abundant diversity, with many species fetching high commercial value, including bivalves, mollusks, and fishes.
The marine ecosystem near the Strait of Malacca is a biodiversity hotspot caused by abundant marine species diversity.
Research and Education
Map & Zonation
Ecosystem
Penang Hill
EN 
MS 