“Ready to discover a hidden gem?” I ask, gazing at Astro Rock View Point. Most trails lead to Penang Hill’s summit. Some guide you to sweet spots with breathtaking scenery. One such trail leads to a special place. Locals call it Astro Rock and Rainbow Rock.
Astro Rock View Point is more than just a scenic spot. It is a rewarding destination after a hike. The hike to Astro Rock suits beginners. It covers less than 10km with a 550m elevation gain. Allow two to three hours for the hike. Pack at least 1.5 liters of water.
Begin your journey from Penang’s City Park. Enter via the Sun Gate route opposite the auditorium. Ask around in City Park. People will point you in the right direction. Head up. Follow the cemented path. Pass a stream. Navigate some steep rocky paths with ropes.
Continue upwards on the trail for about 1.5km. Reach a path that splits in two. Look for a long stick stuck in the ground. An old white helmet sits on top. This is everyone’s waypoint to Astro Rock. Pick the left trail. It will take you about 200m downhill. You will see a gigantic boulder. It is gently rounded. It faces directly east. It overlooks George Town’s densest part. Notice Bukit Mertajam’s hills across the channel. Penang Bridge is off to the right.
Here is some good news. This spot faces the eastern side of the hill range. Arrive around 4.30pm. The sun will lower behind the hill. It will shield Astro Rock in a cooling shade. Bring your hiker’s stove and portable moka pot. Whip up a double espresso. Cook some instant noodles. Soak in the view at Astro Rock View Point.
There is even a roofed hut. It has a bamboo bench to rest on. Almost directly below Astro Rock is the Penang Turf Club. It might be a race day. Bring binoculars to watch the horses.
To continue to Rainbow Rock, return to the white helmet. Hike along the other path. Pick the trail heading up. You’ll reach a cemented path. It leads to stairs going up to Station 39. This is a local hiker rest area with facilities.
There are dogs in the area. Do not be afraid. They are friendly. They love to tag along with hikers. Sometimes they stay a few meters ahead. They behave like four-legged tour guides or scouts.
Just visiting Station 39 is eye-opening. It helps first timers appreciate Penang hikers’ passion. They communally built a simple, rustic, yet cozy station. Head to where Station 39’s washroom is. Pick the path upwards. Head towards the “highway.” This is a wide, common hiking route. It connects Moongate to Station 84. Immediately cut across the highway to a path heading up.
Continue upward for less than 1km. Notice the open red earth rocky terrain. Watch out for an open area to your left. It has a narrow, short trail to Rainbow Rock. You cannot miss this rock. It has a rainbow painted on it. The background has a panoramic view of the island’s northern and eastern side.
After picture-taking, you have options. Go back the same path. Or use the highway downhill. Pass Station 5 rest area. Head towards the Moongate entrance at the foothill.
There will likely be other hikers. If it is your first time, get social. You might get tips from them. If you have the energy, go further. Head uphill towards Bukit Cendana peak. It has a decent height of 550m above sea level. On the way, you’ll pass the Convalescent Bungalows’ ruins. British colonists used these as a retreat. They escaped the heat and malaria threat in the 19th century. Head further down. You’ll end up along Penang Hill Jeep Track tarmac road. Continue towards Penang Botanic Gardens at the foothill.
Astro Rock View Point offers panoramic views. From this vantage point, visitors enjoy views. They can even see Gunung Jerai on a clear day. The trail is easy to moderate. Some areas are steep. It can be accessed through Youth Park. Remember to turn left when you see the yellow helmet. The Penang Turf Club horse races are visible from here.
Moderate hiking path. It is good for children. Start from Youth park. It takes about 1.5 hours. This includes a stop at the Sun Gate. Astro Rock View Point is a great place to enjoy Penang Island’s stunning view.