Reconnecting with nature at The Habitat

Curtis Crest Treetop Walk. — The Habitat Penang Hill

If you are looking for a place to reconnect with nature in Penang, check out The Habitat, a rainforest discovery centre that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Located on Penang Hill, the centre opened its door to the public in 2018 with a mission to conserve and preserve the surrounding ecosystem.

Some of its highlights are the 230m hanging bridge and the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk.

On the bridge, which is also known as the Langur Way Canopy Walk, visitors are greeted by the sounds of the wildlife living in the area, as well as the many vibrant plants. The bridge is so called because during its construction, a langur – or dusky leaf monkey – kept hanging around the area and even used the bridge before it was officially opened.

Meanwhile, the treetop walk in the middle of the vast tropical rainforest is the highest viewing point at the centre, standing at 800m above sea level.

One may just come across many interesting species within the lush surroundings, for example, the “soap bush”, one of the rare shrubs that blooms in the rainforest. The leaves have a unique function similar to a cleaning agent, as they can produce a soapy lather.

There’s also the red giant flying squirrel, the largest flying rodent that inhabits the biosphere reserve. The creature can glide up to 75m!

Another special species at The Habitat is the “vampire” crab, and if your nature guide spots one, remember to take a picture. This little crab-buddy is endemic to the island. It lives on the bromeliad plants and feeds on mosquito larvae.

►The Habitat Penang Hill

Jalan Bukit Bendera, 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm

Tel: [phone]

Website: thehabitat.my/