Air Itam

Air Itam (also spelt Ayer Itam or Air Hitam), is a town in central Penang Island (Pulau Pinang). Located west of George Town, Air Itam is largely a suburban area home to the famous Penang Hill, or Bukit Bendera, and the gigantic Kek Lok Si Temple.

See: 6
Do: 1
Eat: 4
Buy: 1

12 places

See

Air Itam Dam

This was the first dam to be built on the island and is popular with locals as a picnic spot and jogging. The views of George Town at the crest of the dam are spectacular and rival Penang Hill. To reach the Dam you will require your own form of transport. Many locals walk or cycle up to the dam, taking around 40 minutes on foot from the Air Itam town centre.

Buy

Air Itam Market

Pasar Awam Air Itam

The main market within Air Itam, selling almost fresh produce, clothing and other products. The market spills out beyond the main market building and runs along Jl Air Itam. There are also a variety of hawker stalls scattered throughout.

Eat

Astaka Bukit Bendera

A modern multi-storey hawker centre located at the top of Penang Hill. The hawkers sell some decent local cuisine that you typically see around Penang, with a slight inflation on the price.

Closed · opens 9 am

Eat

David Brown's Restaurant & Tea Terrace

Set in a British colonial building at the peak of Penang Hill, with colonial decor to match. They serve up Western food including steaks, hearty stews and roasts. For a snack they also sell cakes, scones and sandwiches, along with tea and coffee. There is a nice garden area at the restaurant and the views of the city area are some of the best on Penang Hill.

Closed · opens 9 am

See

Jade Emperor's Pavilion

Thni Kong Tnua

A Taoist temple located near the foot of Penang Hill dedicated to the Jade Emperor, one of the most important figures in Taoism. The current temple dates back to 1905, with a former temple existing on the grounds since 1869. The temple underwent restoration in 2002. During the Jade Emperor's Birthday, the 9th day of Chinese New Year, throngs of pilgrims come to visit and pray here.

Free, donations welcome

See

Kek Lok Si Temple

An impressive and expansive hillside temple complex, reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-east Asia. Much of the temple is free and you could easily spend a few hours exploring the halls and shrines. Within the temple complex is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, or Ban Po Thar, which is part of a separate paid area. The pagoda, completed in 1930, is styled with Khmer, Thai and Chinese influence and is one of the main attractions of the temple. A mini funicular train can take visitors to the summit of the complex where there is a giant, one hundred foot high, bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, unveiled in 2002. The world's largest pavilion (two hundred foot high) was completed in 2009 to shelter it from the sun. There is a Koi carp pond and well manicured gardens, along with a few more temples. Views from the summit are impressive and are worth the trip up. One unfortunate side of the temple is that it reeks of commercialism with stalls scattered throughout, including in prayer halls, selling trinkets and junk. The temple is popular with pilgrims during the weekend. During the fifteen days of Chinese New Year the temple is colourfully lit with thousands of lanterns and remains open until late. If you are in Penang at this time the temple is worthy of a night visit after 19:20. Chinese history buffs should look out for the 大雄寶殿 plaque in the temple's main prayer hall, which was presented to it by Emperor Guangxu of China, and the 海天佛地 plaque in the archway in front of the pagoda, which was presented by Empress Dowager Cixi. There is also a 勿忘故國 carving on a rock in the handwriting of Kang Youwei, who had personally visited the temple.

Daily 07:00-21:00, Chinese New Year 09:00-23:00, funicular 09:00-18:00Free, Entry to Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas: RM6, Funicular train charge: RM6

Eat

Pasar Air Itam Laksa

A simple and popular hawker at the local market selling one item, Assam Laksa. This particular stall was popularised by a visit from Anthony Bourdain. If you like your food a little spicy be sure to request chilli. Look out for their red sign with gold writing along the outside wall of the market.

Closed · opens 11:30 amRM3

Penang Hill

Bukit Bendera

A hill station established by the British, arguably the best views of George Town and the Malacca Strait can be found here, especially at night. Most people take the funicular rail to the top of the hill. The trains, upgraded in 2011, lift you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes, taking around 10min to the top. Those who are adventurous and fit have the choice of hiking to the top of the hill, taking around 2-3h. Trails start around the Botanical Gardens at the Moon Gate near the Botanical Gardens, inside the Gardens just before the reservoir, or along the boring paved road next to the entrance of the Gardens. When you reach the summit, you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch, buy a souvenir, try to photograph George Town and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungfuls of cool, clean hill air. Can be very crowded during weekends.

Ticket counter hours: Mon-Fri 06:30-21:00, Sat Sun 06:30-22:00 (Last train to base 1h after counter closes)Funicular fare Malaysians/Foreigners: Adult RM12/30, Child RM6/15 (Fast lane tickets available for about double the price)

See