GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hill Festival 2022 (PHF2022) is back for its third edition after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It will be held for the first time since the hill’s recognition as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve last September.
To be held from Aug 5 to 7, the festival aims to promote and bring about greater awareness of Penang Hill’s nature, history and cultural heritage.
Its signature ‘Music on the Hill’ event – East Meets West – is back by popular demand.
One can enjoy the musical performances by the esteemed Tonal Alchemy featuring Ray Rozells, Milky Way Chinese Orchestra and Wak Long Music and Art Centre complemented by the natural orchestra sung by the “inhabitants” of Penang Hill.
There will also be “Heritage and Nature Discovery Walks”, where the organiser would arrange interesting talks and walks sessions for visitors to explore the hill in the company of knowledgeable guides.
Highlight will be the Night Exploration, jointly organised by NatureWalks@PenangHill and The Habitat Penang Hill.
Visitors may discover the nocturnal creatures that come to life under the cover of darkness atop the pristine and ancient rainforest of Penang Hill.
The Penang Hill Photo Exhibition is another event that will bring back fond memories for the old and would be an exciting discovery for the young.
It will showcase old photographs of Penang Hill, with some of them dating back as far as the 1800s during the British colonial times.
There will also be a Penang Hill Festival Photography Contest 2022 themed “Pesona Penang Hill”, where contestants stand a chance to win attractive prizes.
Visitors can also learn all about the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and what it entails since its accreditation last year during the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve Panel Session.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also Penang Hill Corporation chairman, said: “The PHF2022 is historic as we not only celebrate the hill but also its latest recognition as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
“The objectives of the festival is to spur Penang Hill as a great example of environmental and heritage conservation as well as a platform to educate the public on the history of Penang Hill.”
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the state government was excited over the event.
“The three-day event will focus on Penang Hill’s nature, history and cultural heritage.
“It will certainly provide a thrilling yet memorable experience for our visitors,” he said in a statement.
PHC is also looking for fun and energetic individuals to join the festival as volunteers.
Interested individuals may look out for the registration link to be shared on PHC’s social media pages.
For more information on the programme details (subject to change without prior notice) and registration for the events during PHF, kindly visit www.penanghill.gov.my/phf2022 or follow our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mypenanghill.
Enquiries may also be emailed to phf2022@penanghill.gov.my