Cheok (left) and Wong showing the Penang Hill Hiking Trails mobile app. — Courtesy photo
HIKERS at Penang Hill can now navigate the trails safely with the launch of a mobile app that provides additional options and support.
The Penang Hill Hiking Trails app, launched by state tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, aims to enhance the experience of hikers and tourists alike as they explore the unique and diverse landscapes of Penang Hill’s most popular trails.
“The launch of the Penang Hill Hiking Trails mobile app marks an exciting opportunity to leverage technology and enhance visitors’ experiences.
“This innovation by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) team marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable tourism and elevating the hiking experience,” he said in his speech during the launch of the mobile app at Penang Hill Top Station.
Wong describes the app as a useful service that provides hikers with additional information, including real-time navigation and location tracking, trail information and safety tips.
He said the mobile app also provides confidence to users, as it displays the locations of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) around the hill for emergencies.
Wong added that the app was suitable for experienced hikers and beginners.
Filephoto of hikers making their way up Penang Hill to the Point Five rest area.
It offers trail pictures that provide easy-to-spot landmarks to help users identify where they are exactly.
Users can also get live weather updates for Penang Hill, allowing them to check the weather conditions before embarking on their hikes.
The Penang Hill Hiking Trails app is available for download on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Present during the launch were PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, state Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry director Dr Annuar Mohamed and representatives from Tourism Malaysia (Northern Region), Penang Global Tourism and Association of Tourism Attractions Penang.
In his speech, Cheok said that with the app, PHC hoped to make each adventurer’s experience safer and more enjoyable.
“While the beauty of the hill is clear, we understand that hiking these trails can sometimes be challenging.
“With that in mind, the PHC in-house IT team set out to create an app to enhance the experience and safety of those who hike up to Penang Hill,” he said.
At present, the app contains 10 popular trails up Penang Hill: six trails from Air Itam, three trails from the Penang Botanic Gardens and one from Teluk Bahang.
