Penang Hill to Batu Ferringi Junction Return to Botanical Gardens

5h:20m:56s | 9.6 km

This was part of a reconnaissance hike to collect GPS Waypoints which illustrates the connection with Rain Gauge 9 to a trail which leads to the PBA Aqueduct system at Batu Feringgi. In addition, effort was made to look for a possible trail which circumvents the restricted area around Western Hill which could possibly connect with the Laksamana Trail (the Laksamana Trail connects Western Hill Road and Taman Rimba (Forestry Park)at Teluk Bahang). If there is such connecting trail, we were not able to locate it. There is also the option of descending along the Aqueduct trail which comes out at Batu Ferringi. The referenced trails are shown in my WIKILOC.COM (Larry Penang)uploads and can also be viewed on OPENSTREETMAP.ORG.

Taking the Funicular Train at Ayer Itam to Penang Hill, the actual trail starts near the old dilapidated Crag Hotel. The demised Crag Hotel has undergone various uses over the years including a school at one time. The trail access is not obvious but follows a drainage canal which is downhill from the multiple ruins along the top of the hill. The drain runs along the contour of the hill then veers off into the tree covered trail eventually steeply descending towards a seasonal creek bed. From the creek bed, the trail then ascends towards Rain Gauge 9 which is an important junction point. From the junction, head south towards Western Hill until reaching a two way junction: one trail leads uphill towards Western Hill while the other leads towards the Batu Ferringi aqueduct system. The trial towards Western Hill is not passable and is clearly sign posted and restricts access. Back tracking is necessary. Failing to find an alternative route around the restricted area, we headed back towards Rain Gauge 9 then continued on towards Botantical Gardens. The trail towards Botanical Gardens crosses a number of rain gauges as well a sign posted junction point which leads to Teik Quarry. The "Teik Trail" leads to Tanjung Bungah with other trail options along the way. Continue straight and the trail finally comes out at the top of the water catchment restriction zone above Botanical Gardens. There is an important junction at this point: a mountain bike trail is straight ahead and the trail to Botanical Gardens is to the right. There is a bridge crossing and a rain gauge along this section and the route is clearly signposted for those coming up from Botanical Gardens. Hikers need to be aware of the restrictions in place. The trail eventually descends down the so called "1500 Steps" emerging within the Botanical Gardens itself.