MY · Penang · 5.43°N 100.30°E

waterfall hilltop temple

513 steps up to a Murugan temple above George Town, where Penang's Thaipusam ends.

Best time
Any time of year; climb early, before the steps heat up. Thaipusam, usually in late January or early February, brings around a million people, two chariot processions across George Town and thousands of smashed coconuts. Go then if you want to see it, and stay away if you don't.
How long
2–3 hours; a full day at Thaipusam
Getting there
Penang is about 4 hours' drive from KL, or about an hour's flight. The temple is on Jalan Kebun Bunga beside the Botanic Gardens, about 15 minutes from central George Town by car or Grab.
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MY · Penangwaterfall hilltop temple5.43°N 100.30°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,513 steps up to a Murugan temple above George Town, where Penang's Thaipusam ends.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingWaterfall Hilltop TempleMY, Penang
KLwaterfall hilltop temple
≈ 298 km from KL, as the crow flies
Waterfall Hilltop Temple in George Town, Penang in April 2025, taken with Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ99

Photo: HundenvonPenang · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple stands on the hillside next to the Botanic Gardens, 513 steps up through the trees. Devotees call it Thaneer Malai. The hilltop temple and its seven-tier gopuram were consecrated in 2012, close to the old shrine by the waterfall, and this is where Penang's Thaipusam ends every year.

Makan

  1. Thaneer panthalsAt Thaipusam, more than 150 stalls along the route hand out free drinks, buttermilk and vegetarian food to devotees and visitors alike.Map ↗
  2. Banana-leaf riceLittle India in George Town, where the golden chariot starts, has the old banana-leaf and thosai shops.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The 513 stepsA steady climb through the trees, with the city opening out below as you get higher.Map ↗
  2. The hilltop templeThe 21.6 m gopuram is covered in painted figures of gods and can be seen from far below.Map ↗
  3. The Thaipusam chariotsThe golden chariot sets off from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Queen Street, and the bull-drawn silver chariot, from 1894, from Penang Street. Both end at the foot of this hill.Map ↗
  4. Coconut smashingDevotees smash thousands of coconuts in the road ahead of the chariots, a Penang Thaipusam tradition.Map ↗
  5. Penang Botanic GardensNext door, for a shady walk under the old trees afterwards.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before you go into the temple.
  • At Thaipusam the roads along the chariot routes close in stages and the car parks fill with devotees, so take Grab or walk in.
  • Bring water and start early. By mid-morning the climb is a sweaty one.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.