WITH eight interactive workshops, 32 indoor and outdoor activities, seven exhibitions, 21 expert talks and guided sessions, eight performances by seven Penang-based music groups and artists, and 17 nature and heritage discovery walks, the upcoming Penang Hill Festival 2025 (PHF2025) is gearing up to be its most dynamic edition to date.
Organised by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), the sixth instalment of the festival will be held from July 18 to 20, promising three days of exploration, education, and entertainment on Penang’s iconic hill.
This year’s headline event, Music on the Hill – East Meets West, will take place on July 20 at the renowned Bellevue Hotel on Penang Hill — marking the first time the venue will host the festival’s signature concert.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said PHF2025 aims to spark a deeper appreciation for Penang Hill’s natural wonders, storied past, and cultural richness — all while offering fresh topics and engaging activities for visitors of all ages.
“Each year, more and more people join in the fun and learning that PHF offers, and 2025 will be no exception.
“With an expected turnout of over 25,000 visitors over the three-day celebration, the festival continues to attract both local and international audiences.
“This growing interest underscores how PHF has become a highly anticipated annual event — a platform that not only showcases the hill’s beauty and heritage but also champions conservation and community involvement.
“PHC is committed to elevating the festival experience each year through meaningful partnerships and interactive programmes that foster a stronger connection to Penang Hill,” he told a press conference in Komtar today.
Also present was Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Cheok added that as Penang Hill’s signature event, PHF2025 is set to deliver a truly immersive experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike.
“Whether you are attending an insightful talk, embarking on a heritage walk, or soaking in the vibrant festival atmosphere, the event offers something for all.
“PHC encourages visitors to embrace the festival’s eco-conscious spirit by choosing sustainable transportation and arriving early for scheduled activities.
“Gather your family and friends and join us on this three-day festival to ‘See the Nature, Feel the History’,” said Cheok.
Meanwhile, Wong praised PHF2025 as a valuable platform for education, community bonding, and cultural celebration.
He also reaffirmed the festival’s importance as more than just a celebration — but a living tribute to Penang Hill’s legacy.
“The Penang Hill Festival is one of our key signature events. It celebrates the unique blend of nature, history, and culture that defines this hill — while encouraging community participation and environmental responsibility.
“Each year, it strengthens our bond with this iconic site, connecting people through shared stories, learning experiences, and collective appreciation.
“Anchored in PHC’s long-term vision, PHF is not only a tourism event but also a living classroom and a powerful reminder of Penang Hill’s role as a cultural, historical, and ecological treasure.
“It’s a carefully curated programme that inspires pride, promotes sustainability, and encourages us to be stewards of our shared heritage,” he said.
For the latest updates on PHF2025, stay connected via Penang Hill’s official website and social media platforms.
In a separate announcement, Wong shared that Penang Hill welcomed 44,146 tourists during the first week of Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year (March 31–April 6), marking a 3.4% increase from last year’s same festive period (42,712 visitors from April 10–17, 2024).
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting