ASEAN Records is proud to officially recognise Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve for being listed in ASEAN Tourism Records under ASEAN Records as the:
Oldest Colonial Hill Station within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
(Discovered in 1788; UNESCO MAB Programme designation received 2021; 233 years between establishment and designation).
This listing highlights the enduring legacy of Penang Hill as one of Malaysia’s most important ecological and heritage destinations, reflecting a rare continuity between its historical development and modern conservation.
A Living Landscape of Heritage and Biodiversity
First discovered and developed in 1788 as a colonial hill station, Penang Hill has evolved over more than two centuries into a globally recognised biosphere reserve.
Its designation under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2021 marks a significant milestone, affirming its role as a model for sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.
Today, Penang Hill stands as a unique convergence of heritage, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship, representing one of the most complete ecological systems in an urban-adjacent setting.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Tourism Identity Through Measurable Recognition
This listing reflects the broader initiative to document and validate tourism destinations based on verified, measurable significance.
By recognising sites like Penang Hill, ASEAN Tourism Records reinforces the value of destinations that combine historical continuity, ecological importance, and public accessibility—strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leading tourism destination in the region.
A Milestone Moment of Acknowledgement
The ASEAN Tourism Records certificate was officially presented on 27 April 2026 at The Top, Komtar Penang, marking the formal recognition of this achievement.
The recognition was received on stage by Encik Shahril Nizam Cheah, Senior Manager of Penang Hill Corporation, and was witnessed by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, together with YB Joseph Ng, ADUN Air Itam.
About Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve
Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) spans approximately 12,481 hectares, covering nearly 25% of the northeastern region of Penang Island.
The reserve is home to more than 2,000 species of flora and over 500 species of fauna, supported by a rich combination of terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems.
Designated by UNESCO, PHBR plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, while serving as a living example of how ecological preservation, and historical and cultural heritage, can coexist sustainably.
For more information, visit:
https://phbr.penanghill.gov.my/
