Botantical Gardens to Penang Hill

1h:51m:46s | 5.42 km (one way)
Starting from inside the Botanical Gardens take the 1500 steps up to Rest Station 46 where there is a substantial shelter along with tables, water, and rest rooms. Head south towards Jeep Trail Road to Station 47, which is on the corner of the road, then cross the road and you will find another trail on your left by the drain (you can take the Jeep Trail but...). Follow the trail and keep to the right as you will come across an number of junctions, some marked some not. The trail comes out again on the Jeep Trail Road at Rest Station 84. The main building suffered from a landslide a year or two ago and has yet to be repaired. There are toilets and benches available. The trail entrance is on the south side of the rest station and is what remains of Moniot Road. It is now just a trail. You will reach a junction along the trail so keep to your right which climbs steeply for about 50 metres or so. Continue along the trail and you will pass by three foot bridges. NOTE: BEWARE OF MOUNTAIN BIKES COMING DOWN HILL AT SPEED. Eventually after yet another steep climb you will reach Viaduct Road East. Turn to your left and pass underneath the Viaduct and over the small bridge. Turn right at the set of stairs which will lead past a number of houses as you ascend (NOTE: Not the stairs which go to the water tank). Continue up this steep windy path until reaching a concrete paved road which continues to climb towards "Top Station". You will reach a road junction and you can either take the path directly across the road (not recommended) or the paved walkway which is to your left and and is sign marked and stone gated. Turn right and follow the path up to Penang Hill. Malay's refer to the hill as Bukit Bendara (Flag Hill). There's a food court and cold drinks available and occasionally quite busy with tourist who come up by the Venucular Train. There are numerous options to descend or to continue on in a westerly direction across the island (only recommended for the phyically fit). You can also take the Venucular train down to the city and from there catch a city bus.