Tun Sardon Climb (Back) – my best recommend

Tun Sardon is the most challenging hill road in Penang Island. If you are not satisfied with the results of your first round the island of Penang, you should definitely try Tun Sardon. Personally, I only climb the hill from Balik Pulau on the west side of Penang Island, which is called the “back side” of the island.

Tun Sardon [Back]（Balik Pulau – Sungai Ara / Air Hitam)

The route starts from Balik Pulau, the west side of the island, up the hill which runs middle of the island. After the peak, descending from the summit to the east, it is possible to descend in the direction of Air Hitam and Air Itam or Penang Golf CLub and Sungai Ara. If incorporated into a round-the-island route, it is easy to write a route that circles the island in a figure of eight and gains more than 1,000 meters in elevation.

Profile

Distance: 4.3km

Average gradient: 6.1

Maximum gradient: 12.1

Elevation gained: 264m (no descent)

Toughness: ★★★★

Recommendation: ★★★★

Recommendations

• The paved road with the best balance of distance and slope in Penang
• Relatively easy to climb due to moderate traffic
• Rest stop at the top for refueling during the day
• Balik Pulau can be seen from the top.
• No cheating, just a straight uphill line!

Points to note

• There are no refueling points along the route, both front and back, and it is hot during the day, so I recommend carrying two bottles for the first time you climb (the rest house may not even be open).
• There are some bad road surfaces, floating sand, and large grates along the way, so please descend at a moderate speed that allows you to handle the downhill until you know the course.
• Wild dogs may be out later in the evening (I’ve never had one come after me during the day)

Climb starts with gradient climb around 5-6%

When you turn steep left turn looking a temple on he right, you will face the steepest part

In the evening time it is also stunning

When you start seeing nice view of Balik Pulau, only 1/3 of the way left! Feels like almost the peak but you are not! Take a break and move on.

When you reach the top, you will see the rest area with some shops, go to the end of the parking lot to look down beautiful country side of Balik Pulau

The rest shop may not be open, so be sure to carry enough supply. Enjoy if it is open 😉

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Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.