Cover Photo: @mypenanghill/Instagram
Photo: @mypenanghill/Instagram
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The colonial-era railway is one of the top attractions in Penang but how much do you know about it?
Penang Hill's historic funicular train is one of the most charming attractions on the island. Opened since 1923, it was upgraded in 2010. However, owing to constant breakdowns, most recently during the Deepavali long weekend, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said it may be shut down for good, according to a report in The Star.
That would have been a shame as the funicular train is an iconic piece of history, giving one access to lush flora and fauna including The Habitat, a green lung designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
See also: 5 Off-The-Beaten-Path Nature Destinations In Malaysia You’ll Love
Here are four facts you may not know about the funicular train:
The idea for a hill railway began in 1897
The first attempt at a mountain railway was proposed by three British residents who desired to have an easier access to the cooler air at the top of Penang Hill. However, the steam engine that they came up with failed.
It made 4,021 trips in its first year
In 1909, the railway project was revived and led by Arnold Robert Johnson, an engineer with the Federated Malay States Railways. He proposed a funicular (cable system) railway which was cost-effective and energy-efficient. When it was completed, the funicular railway was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Measuring a distance of almost 2km, it opened to the public on October 21, 1923. It boasts the steepest tunnel track in the world, with a steepness of 27.9 degrees.
In its first year, it ferried 35,201 passengers and made a total of 4,021 trips.
The carriages were once made of wood
Nestled amidst an ancient rainforest, the red-and-white carriages were constructed entirely with wood. Fans and automatic sliding doors were only included at a later stage. These carriages were retired in 1977, to be replaced by blue-and-white Swiss-made carriages. Nevertheless, you can still see the original carriages as they have been preserved as a public exhibit at Penang Hill and Penang State Museum.
The railway was upgraded in 2010
Before 2010, the train could only fit maximum 80 passengers for one trip. One also needed to change trains midway. In view of an increase number of tourists, the railway was upgraded in 2010 with new tracks and cars that can carry up to 100 passengers at a time, and there's also no need to change trains anymore.
Although the train now moves at a faster speed, gone are the days when one can enjoy the lush views at a leisurely pace.
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