The Habitat Penang Hills

The Habitat Penang Hill is home to a diverse range of mammals, including Dusky Leaf Langurs, Black Giant Squirrel, Sunda Colugo, and Long-tailed Macaque. The endangered Dusky Leaf Langurs are generally spotted relaxing on high branches and moving in groups looking for food. While adults are dark grey in colour, their infants have beautiful golden fur and charming pink faces.

The Black Giant Squirrel, also known as the Malayan Giant Squirrel, is another dweller of The Habitat Penang Hill. These squirrels are among the world's largest and are known to be shy and reclusive. Sunda Colugo, commonly known as Malayan Colugo, is also a shy mammal found in large numbers across the island. The long-tailed macaque, designated vulnerable by the IUCN, also calls Penang Hill home. Unlike the Black Giant Squirrel and the Sunda Colugo, this species is highly social and thrives in groups.

On your visit to The Habitat Penang Hill, you will be greeted by a large number of birds. However, the most notable bird species of Penang Hill are the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the Asian Emerald Dove. The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo has earned the title of a polyglot due to its intriguing ability to mimic the alarm sounds of other bird species. By accurately imitating the alarm calls of other birds, the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo may thwart its predators or simply delight themselves.

While sightings of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo might be uncommon, you can easily catch a glimpse of the Asian Emerald Dove. These birds are found in abundant numbers all over the island and can be easily spotted as they tend to fly at lower heights. A distinguishing characteristic of these birds is their eye-catching emerald green wings that contrast with their pinkish-brown body colour.

The Penang Hill, like all rainforests, is home to many varieties of insect species that play an essential part in maintaining the forest's ecological balance. The Highland Vampire Crab is one of the most prevalent insect species seen at The Habitat Penang Hill. These aquatic crabs were discovered in recent years and reside in plants located at elevations greater than 700 m.

Apart from the Highland Vampire Crab, the Huntsman spider, characterised by its large grey or brown coloured body, eight eyes, and long legs, can also be found at Penang Hill. The Jumping Spider is another spider that resides in the forest and is abundantly found across all kinds of habitats, including deserts, temperate forests, and tropical forests. These spiders are well-known for their acute vision and jumping abilities. Besides spiders and crabs, Platerodrilus beetles also inhabit the South-Asian rainforests. Although they are classified as beetles, they have a distinct appearance, with a flat, segmented body that resembles armour plates.

While walking along the nature forest trails, you might come across the shiny Blue Malayan Coral Snake which may be identified by its dark blue body and red head. Though these snakes are very attractive, it is best to keep a safe distance from them as they are highly venomous. Another common reptile that you can find at Penang Hill is the many-lined Sun Skink. These skinks are distinguished by their colored flanks that run parallel to their body line. The colour of these can range from reddish-orange to olive-brown. These reptiles enjoy bathing in the sun, and hence, are mostly seen crawling on the forest floor during the day.

Penang Hill is home to spectacular flora, including numerous highly endangered and vulnerable species. One of these is Alstonia Penangiana which is primarily found between the altitudes of 200-550 metres. These trees can reach a height of 32 metres and have grey or pale brown bark. The bark of this tree, however, does not generate white latex. Geostachys penangensis is another plant species found on Penang Hill. It is a type of ginger that grows on forest litter and mostly grows on the summits of the hill. Geostachys penangensis is currently categorised as an endangered species, threatened by rapid deforestation and habitat degradation.

If you come across the endemic Hanguana Malayana species in Penang Hill, consider yourself lucky. The population of this severely endangered plant has declined dramatically due to changes in land-use patterns and other challenges, with only 25 plants remaining as per the most recent study. Furthermore, palms can be seen on the hill, including Licuala Acatufida. It is also known as 'Penang Lawyers' and is used to build walking sticks.

The night is possibly the best time to see several animal species because this is when the many nocturnal residents of Penang Hill wake up from their slumber. Sunda Slow Loris and Sunda Pangolin are two rare nocturnal species found on Penang Hill. Sunda Slow Loris is the world's sole poisonous primate and an endangered species in Malaysia. Though venomous, Sunda Slow Lorises are peace-loving animals and only attack in self-defence.

With your The Habitat Penang Hill tickets, witness Pangolins, who are the most hunted species in the world and hence, the Malaysian variety of Sunda Pangolin has been designated as critically endangered. It is forbidden to poach, pet, or disturb them. Apart from these rare species, you may be greeted by regular nighttime visitors, such as the common palm civet and the super-fast Javanese Flying Squirrel.

Leese Mousedeer is another enchanting species found in the forest and is known as the world's tiniest hoofed mammal. The finest predators of the Malaysian rainforest, leopard cats are also nocturnal animals recognized for their efficient predatory and swimming abilities. Besides these creatures, sightings of fruit bats, the tiny collared scops owls, and the yellow-eyed buffy fish owls are quite frequent.

The Langur Way Canopy Walk, one of the best attractions at Habitat Penang Hill which spans 230 metres and rises 20 metres above the forest floor, gives you access to the treetops of the rainforest area. Walking across the concrete red bridge, you can view different levels of trees, starting from the forest floor and progressing to the middle story, upper story, and eventually the top of the trees. Apart from the magnificent canopy views, another highlight of the Langur Way Canopy walk is that it treats you to incredible views of the Andaman Sea and the Kedah hills.

Named in honour of the famous botanist Charles Curtis, this Tree Top Walk is the highest public viewing point on the Penang island, offering visitors 360-degree panoramic views of the plateau. While walking on the metal mesh walkway 800 metre above sea level, you can catch incredible views of George Town, Bel Retiro, and the surrounding areas of Penang Hill. If the weather cooperates and presents you with clear skies, you might even be able to view the Langkawi Islands from the Curtis Crest Tree Top walkway. The walk comes complimentary with The Habitat Penang Hill tickets price.

The biggest highlight of The Habitat is its 1.6 km nature trail that begins from the Top Station of the Penang Hill Funicular Railway. The trail winds through the oldest cottages on the hill and many themed gardens, like the Fragrant Garden, Palm Grove, and Butterfly Bank, where you can explore the delights of the rainforest. In addition to providing an unforgettable sensory experience, the route features several discreetly placed signage that contains valuable information about the park's flora, fauna, and history.

Climb the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk in the evening to capture some of Penang Island's outstanding sunset views. The best way to get to the Curtis Crest Tree Top in time for the sunset is to begin your journey in the afternoon with the fully-guided nature walk and end it at the Curtis Crest. Spend some time admiring the beauty of the half-lit forest as the sun sets down amidst the Penang Hill. While returning to the centre, keep an eye out for several animal species such as the Giant Flying Red Squirrel, Flying Lemur, Tarantulas, and other nocturnal animals.

The Flight of the Colugo zipline is a must-try if you wish to obtain an aerial view of the jungle. True to its name, the Flight of the Colugo zipline allows you to glide from one tree to the other just like the Malaysian Flying Lemur. Channel your inner adventurer and experience natural beauty in a new way by leaping onto this zipline under expert supervision. It takes around an hour to complete the full course consisting of five zip lines.

The Habitat's most recent offering is the Wild Immersion Virtual Reality experience, which allows you to have up-close interactions with wild animals while remaining seated in the same spot. Explore species from around the world or plunge into the deep waters to observe marine life, you'll get lots of opportunities to learn about the planet's rich biodiversity here. If you wish to participate in the VR experience, add it to your standard package when purchasing the Habitat Penang Hills tickets online.