In Penang, a hill railway story for the ages

A view of Penang Hill and a first-generation, open-concept wooden funicular coach travelling on the viaduct. Photo: University of Leiden

As a popular tourist destination, it would seem that Penang Hill had given up all its secrets over time.

But truth be told, the group of lush inland peaks near the centre of Penang Island still has hidden facets that even lifelong locals do not know about.