GEORGE TOWN: After more than three years, the fourth phase of the Penang Hill funicular station upgrade has been completed and officially inaugurated, now known as the "Penang Hill Station."
This has significantly enhanced the overall visitor experience and bolstered Penang Hill's appeal as a family holiday destination.
According to Buletin Mutiara, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, announced the official opening of the upgraded Penang Hill Station, confident that it will become a new architectural landmark.
"Today marks a significant day, and I take this opportunity to officially rename the station as Stesen Bukit Bendera, while the station at the foot of the hill will be known as Stesen Bawah Bukit Bendera," he said during the inauguration ceremony.
The upgrade focused on expanding the waiting hall and facilities. The architectural and design elements of the project align with the guidelines stipulated in the 2016 Penang Hill Special Area Plan and the 2020 Penang Hill Special Area Plan (Alternative) Draft.
"The upgraded station is now directly connected to David Brown's Restaurant & Tea Terrace.
"Additionally, visitors can take the Skylift elevator to reach KOTA & The Loaf Railway Cafe and the Penang Hill Edgecliff Exhibition Hall, enhancing the overall coherence of the Penang Hill experience," said Chow.
He extended his gratitude to Penang Hill Corporation and the team, as well as LLA Architects, the firm responsible for the project's design.
Penang Hill Station boasts modern facilities, offering a more comfortable and family-friendly environment. Amenities include ticket counters, queue number counters, elevators, escalators, lounges, and baby changing rooms.
"Also, Penang Hill Station is equipped with escalators and passenger elevators, improving accessibility and allowing everyone to easily enjoy the beauty of Penang Hill," Chow said.
Chow added that the Penang State Government is committed to improving and enhancing Penang Hill, aiming to make it a premier holiday destination in Malaysia and globally.
One of the improvements will see upgrades done on Astaka Bukit Bendera, falling under the Penang Hill Astaka Upgrading Project (Phase Five).