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HEALTH and travel are the new buzzwords in tourism today. To cater to this market is a newly-launched, firstever health portal for Malaysia which would act as a global facilitator for health tourism.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the country is aware of the growing demand for health tourism and wants to ensure that such tourists received the best healthcare treatment.

The portal, www.malaysiahealthcare.com, is a one-stop destination for all medical and tourismrelated needs, bringing together all related service providers on a single platform.

By using the portal, health tourists can plan, arrange and manage their complete treatment and holiday in Malaysia from the comfort of their homes.

They can make online bookings for all services- from home to airport to hospital to hotel to the holiday of their choice.

The portal also allows health tourists direct contact with the doctor to consult on procedures and advice on possible options of treatment.

The portal was launched by Tengku Adnan on May I in Dubai during the launch of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign in the Gulf region.

In 2004, Malaysia generated foreign exchange earnings of RM105 million from health tourists seeking medical treatment.

Tourism Malaysia forecasts revenue from health tourism to reach RM2.2 billion in 2010.

After all, we offer quality and affordable healthcare services, the expertise of highly qualified medical specialists, and the availability of modern, high-tech facilities and equipment.

Health tourists are attracted to Malaysia as its medical charges and hospitalisation charges are very competitive compared to other countries such as the US, Europe or even Singapore.

Penang Hill is the state’s foremost hill resort. Although it was originally called Flagstaff Hill, the locals have always affectionately referred to it as Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera. At about 830 metres (2,750 feet) from sea level, the temperature on the hilltop is considerably cooler than the nether lands. On regular weekdays, the hill is pretty quiet and can serve as a recuperative getaway, far from the madding crowd and city heat.

The name change from Penang Hill to Bukit Bendera actually takes it back to the early days of Penang Hill, when a flag fluttering from a flagstaff or flagpole on Bel Retiro, the home of Penang’s governor at the time, was used as a beacon, or signal ‘transmitter’ to Fort Cornwallis.

Why do I like this place?

1. Get up to Penang Hill using the old funicular railway, known as Penang Hill Railway (Keretapi Bukit). Alight at Upper Station after about 30 minutes ride.2. Go hiking at one of these trails: Botanic Gardens, Hye Keat Estate, Tiger Hill or Moon Gate at Waterfall Road.

3. Visit the bird sanctuary at the Bellevue Hotel grounds.

4. Go sight seeing along Summit Road.

5. Try the Canopy Walk.

6. Visit the Indian Temple and Mosque which is situated on a hillock, and built side by side.

7. Finally, relax at the Railway Bungalow on Penang Hill.

Penang Hill map (bukit Bendera peta)
Click the map for bigger view
Penang Hill, To Western Hill, Rajawali, Fernhill, Convalescent, Bel Retiro, Gate House, Mosque (Masjid), Kuil Hindu Temple, Playground, Richmond, Old Crag Hotel, Big Lomonol, Little Lomonal, Bellevue Hotel, Post Office, Police Station, Tea Kiosk, Top Station, Viewing Gallery, Hillside, Canopy Walk, Southview, Saint Beinasal,Methodist Centre, Arun Angri, Woodside, Cottage, Mountain Road, Great Wall, Roclies, Grace Dieu, Karangan Cat, Jeep Trek, Botanical Garden.

Penang Hill is the hill resort comprising a group of peaks, the major hill system of Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located six kilometers from the city centre of George Town. It stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. Penang Hill is also known by its Malay name Bukit Bendera (Flag Hill).