MARK your calendars for this must-see occasion! The Penang Hill Festival (PHF), one of the unique events in Penang, will return for its fifth edition from July 19 to 21.
This three-day festival, organised by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), will offer a variety of activities and experiences that celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Penang Hill.
Exciting programmes and educational activities, including talks, walks, workshops, and exhibitions will be available for the visitors.
To get more insights into PHF 2024, Buletin Mutiara recently had the opportunity to speak with three speakers who will be presenting at the event: PHC project and Planning Development Divison manager B. Lngeshwary, Uplands School Penang Hill alumna Linda Baten and Penang National Park Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia superintendent Tan Poai Ean.
Lngeshwary will speak on ‘Revitalising Penang: Unveiling the Hill’s Remarkable Transformation,’ at the Bellevue Hotel on July 19.
She shared some details about the Penang Hill Gallery, called the ‘Edgecliff,’ which features the history of Penang Hill, the funicular operation, biodiversity, cultural components, and heritage bungalows.
“The gallery is open to the public every day except Tuesday. Admission is RM10 for adults and RM5 for children and senior citizens.
“Our upcoming projects include the Penang Cable Car and rebuilding our astaka (food court) to cater to more people.
“Apart from that, another conservation project is the Gate House Bungalow, which is planned to be turned into a gallery and will be different from the Edgecliff Gallery,” she said.
Lngeshwary also added that ten bypasses at Penang Hill, connecting to the main roads between the second layer, have been upgraded.
Meanwhile, Baten recalled her fond memories of studying at Uplands School Penang Hill from 1956 to 1962. The school relocated to Jalan Kelawei in 1977 and is now known as The International School of Penang (Uplands).
“One of the vivid memories I have is when a terrible thunderstorm took place while we were at the school dormitory toilet.
“We used to act out plays with each other, sometimes going down to the bathroom to perform.
“I cannot quite remember what the play was about; some of us were sitting at the bar, and some on the staircase.
“Then, my friend Veronica was sitting on the toilet seat when a ferocious lightning struck the pipe going down to the toilet, and she was thrown across the room,” Baten said.
Baten also shared another memory of a night when a fierce lightning strike hit the roof, travelled down, and lit up the light bulb.
According to her, Uplands School Penang Hill was a well-managed and fantastic school. It was also unique as it was situated in the middle of the jungle.
“We were allowed to grow naturally, and we enjoyed the nature surrounding our school – a happy school indeed.
“We used to see dusky leaf monkeys in the morning while heading to the school.
“The peace and the tranquility of Penang Hill are very close to my heart,” she added.
Baten will speak on the topic ‘Memories of Penang Hill’ at the Bellevue Hotel on July 20.
Tan, who joined the interview session via video call, explained the concept and impact of illegal trapping.
“Illegal trapping means hunting wildlife without permits, and it is done cruelly. The animals sometimes suffer and die, which is inhumane.
“There is a procedure to go for hunting by the wildlife constitution.
“Penang Hill boasts rich biodiversity, including sweetly singing songbirds. When people from outside take away our wildlife, we lose our resources and biodiversity.
“The talk on ‘A Silent Threat to Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve’s Ecosystem’ is an excellent awareness programme that helps educate the public about their role in conservation,” she added.
The talk, ‘A Silent Threat to Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve’s Ecosystem,’ will be held at David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace on July 20.
Tan also mentioned that the awareness level among the public is good, as they have previously reported incidents of wildlife trapping to the authorities on Penang Hill.
However, she emphasised the importance of more people understanding illegal trapping and playing a role in conserving nature.
“Those who happen to see illegal trappings, please take pictures and report to us (PERHILITAN).
“If the public notices a decrease in the population of a particular species in certain areas, please make a report,” Tan added.
Other speakers include state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, representative from Arkitek LLA Ong Jin Cheng, Bukit Pinang Bungalow owner Ahmad Chik, Hickory Bungalow owner Dr V. Rajananda, representative from USM Dr Nadine Ruppert, representative from Malaysian Nature Society Kanda Kumar.
Below are some details of other speakers:-
Wong Hon Wai
Emphasising Penang Hill’s diverse offerings beyond its infrastructure, advocating for repeated visits to discover new experiences.
Ong Jin Cheng
Ong will be highlighting efforts to make Penang Hill accessible while safeguarding its natural environment, stressing community responsibility in ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ahmad Chik
Ahmad Chik will be sharing personal experiences over 40 years, and emphasising Penang Hill’s importance as a biodiversity hotspot and heritage site needing vigilant protection.
Dr. V. Rajananda
Dr V.Rajananda will be discussing personal and historical insights into Penang Hill, emphasising the need to balance its tranquillity with increasing visitors.
Dr. Nadine Ruppert
Dr Nadine Ruppert will be addressing wildlife conservation challenges, particularly the impact of human activities like poaching on endangered species in Penang.
Kanda Kumar
Kanda Kumar will be sharing on the alarming decline in bird populations due to hunting and trapping and advocating for proactive conservation measures.
Each speaker will share their respective perspectives while providing a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities regarding Penang Hill’s ecosystem and cultural significance.
Other than that, Cheok in his written answer, shared that the walkways at Penang Hill, such as Upper Tunnel Road and Viaduct Road, are very popular for tourists to experience the tropical rainforest.
He also added that PHC, on a periodic basis, maintains and upgrades the roads to improve and enhance eco-tourism.
PHF’s signature event, ‘Music on the Hill: East meets West,’ will also take place on July 21.
Posters of the talks :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi