SUNGAI BAKAP, in southern Seberang Perai, is celebrated for its old-town charm and delectable food scene. Here, the sprawling Kee Kongsi (or the Kee Poh Huat Kongsi) stands proudly at its heart. Not many know, however, that a low range of hills, extending eastwards into Kedah, lies a five-minute drive away at its eastern outskirts. In recent years, one of these peaks, Bukit Tangga Batu (Stone Step Hill)—more commonly known among hikers as “Stone Dragon Hill”—has become popular following the hiking boom in Penang.
Having already explored many of the state’s more popular hikes, I felt that it was time to add this peak to the list. We set out from Penang Island towards Taman Ketitir in Sungai Bakap, just off Jalan Badak Mati. After parking near the shop lots, we crossed the busy road to reach our starting point: a wide, unpaved track leading into an oil palm estate, marked by a bright red sign-board. Within five minutes, we arrived at a chicken coop and passed through open gates into an orchard, where the trail began gently ascending through stands of lush durian trees. Along the way, a swiftlet house stood quietly amongst the greenery. Most of this area’s natural vegetation has been replaced with farms, orchards and even quarries. Stands of the original forest survive only near the peaks.
Another five minutes brought us to a bend where the trail joined a cement path that climbed steadily uphill. As we gained elevation, the view opened towards the north, framed by the distant peaks of Bukit Mertajam and Bukit Seraya. In the foreground stretched a vast sea of green—oil palm interspersed with durian trees. With durian season approaching, the trees that we passed by were heavy with developing fruit, each carefully tied to their branches to prevent them from crashing to the ground and split-ting open. As we continued further up, we passed a huge Ficus tree. Interestingly, there was a small Datuk Kong (Na Tuk Kong) shrine right below it. Such shrines are dedicated to local guardian spirits, and devotees, usually Chinese from the vicinity, visit them to seek protection and safe passage.
