The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) boasts a diverse array of natural landscapes, ranging from hill forests and coastal forests to mangroves, sandy beaches, and marine ecosystems. To safeguard this ecological treasure, the reserve is divided into carefully managed zones designed to minimize human impact while fostering sustainable interaction with nature.
Core Area
Spanning approximately 5,757 hectares, the core area lies at the heart of PHBR, encompassing both inland and marine environments. Protected by a coalition of government agencies, this vital region serves as a focal point for geographical, archaeological, historical, ethnological, scientific, and scenic interests. It comprises four main regions, including;
Penang National Park
Permanent Forest Reserves
- Government Hill FR
- Teluk Bahang FR
- Laksamana FR
- Penang Hill FR
- Highlands FR
- Acheh Beach FR
Water Catchment Areas
- Ayer Itam WC
- Water Fall WC
- Highland Waterfall WC
- Batu Ferringhi WC
- Guillemard WC
- Sungai Pinang WC
- Tiger Hill WC
- Teluk Bahang WC
Water Dams
- Teluk Bahang Dam
- Ayer Itam Dam
Buffer Zone
Surrounding the core area is the buffer zone, covering 2,716 hectares and extending 50 meters inland and 0.5 nautical miles offshore. This zone acts as a protective barrier, shielding the core area from external threats while allowing for controlled, sustainable development aligned with conservation objectives.
Here, activities such as forestry, agriculture, eco-tourism, and recreation are carefully managed to preserve the ecological integrity of the reserve.
Transition Area
Encompassing 4,548 hectares, the transition area serves as a secondary protective zone, supporting infrastructure and development initiatives while adhering to government regulations. This region, teeming with biodiversity and natural attractions, accommodates a range of socio-economic activities, including settlements, forests, agriculture, and popular tourist destinations like Penang Hill and the Penang Botanic Gardens.
With its diverse offerings and rich cultural heritage, the transition area embodies the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature within the PHBR.