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Penang Cruises, Malaysia

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Penang is often said to be Malaysia’s most popular destination. And, with its melting pot of cultures and top-notch food scene, it’s easy to see why. You’ll disembark into UNESCO-accredited Georgetown. You can do your sightseeing on foot here, or hire a rickshaw to trundle around in. However you choose to explore, you’ll get a feel for the rich history of the town, which has left its mark in the form of picture-perfect Chinese and colonial architecture.

  • Try traditional Malaysian food on Macalister road. This place has earned itself a reputation as a hotspot for foodies, as it’s lined with restaurants and street food stalls. Make sure you taste some char kway teow, a stir-fried dish with flat noodles.
  • Take the funicular railway up to Penang Hill – the track’s the longest of its kind in Asia. Once you reach the top, step out onto one of the observation decks for panoramic views over Penang City.
  • Browse the stalls at the Lorong Kulit Flea Market. Whatever you’re looking to buy, you’ll find it here – this place offers up an eclectic selection of goodies. Plus, the prices are bargain hunter-friendly.

Map of Penang

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Heights & Sights of Penang

For the best views of Penang Island, you won’t do better than this tour. You’ll start by boarding a coach that’s bound for the foot of Penang Hill, where the oldest funicular railway in south east Asia ferries visitors to the panoramic peak. From the top, you’ll have widescreen views across the surrounding countryside. Snap pictures from one of the walkways or observation platforms, or explore the surrounding gardens. After the return journey in a glass-sided railway car, there’s still time to fit in another sightseeing stop. Kek Lok Si is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia, and your guide will take you on a tour of the ornate halls and colourful grounds. Once you’re done, your driver will shuttle you back to the port.

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Buddha, Spices & Batik

Penang’s most impressive manmade sites are coupled with natural beauties on this tour. Gaze at one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues at Wat Chaiyamangkalaram – it’s the temple’s major showpiece and stretches out for more than 100 feet. Head to the north coast of Penang Island, and you’ll have a guided walk around the Tropical Spice Garden. The pretty grounds at this eco-tourism spot are packed with exotic plants and wildlife. Find your favourite patterns and colours at a traditional batik factory, and soak up the views as you take the coastal road back to the port. On the way, you’ll make a stop at the historic living heritage community at Chew Jetty – a cluster of wooden houses built on stilts. There’s also time to snap a picture or two of the 18th-century garrison in George Town, Fort Cornwallis.

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Penang island tour

Time on holiday’s usually spent lying on a beach, but this tour starts with lounging of a very different sort. You’ll clap eyes on one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues at the Wat Chaiyamangkalaram temple, in the heart of George Town. Next, check out the patterned fabrics at the capital’s oldest batik factory. The following stop’s a little more off the beaten track, as you visit a collection of fruit and spice stalls. Your driver will then follow the picturesque country roads towards the coast, where you’ll stop for a picture at Penang Bridge – a huge crossing that connects the island to mainland Malaysia.

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