Penang Hill sees tourist boom during Chinese New Year

The iconic Penang Hill funicular railway echoed with the sounds of renewed cheer this Chinese New Year, carrying a record-breaking 36,000 visitors over a four-day period.

This surge not only signifies a triumphant return for the popular tourist destination but also surpasses pre-pandemic levels, painting a positive picture for the future of Malaysian tourism.

Festive spirit attracts local families and tourists

“Penang Hill is back and bustling!” declared Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, General Manager of Penang Hill Corporation (PHC).

The funicular railway saw a remarkable upswing in ridership, with over 16,500 passengers enjoying the scenic ascent during the weekend alone. This influx is attributed to various factors, including:

Penang Hill upgraded station provides comfort

The newly reopened Penang Hill Station, with its increased capacity for over 700 visitors, played a pivotal role in attracting and accommodating the crowds.

Visitors raved about the comfortable waiting areas and breathtaking panoramic views, evident in a recent blog post praising the experience.

Cheok further emphasised the positive feedback received regarding customer service, reflecting the commitment to enhancing the overall visitor experience.

While celebrating the success, PHC remains committed to responsible tourism. Visitors are encouraged to respect designated uses of facilities, such as prioritising the lift for those in need. Escalators are readily available for general foot traffic.

Cheok concluded, “The thriving business environment on the hill directly reflects the increased visitor numbers and improved facilities.

This Chinese New Year has truly been a resounding success for Penang Hill, and we are confident that this momentum will continue, welcoming even more visitors to discover its magic in the future.”