Port
Penang, Malaysia
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$30
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Journey back in time as you tour Georgetown, a city with a rich and storied past that dates back centuries. As you travel the winding streets, take in the colorful and well-preserved buildings, smell traditional recipes wafting from the storefronts, and tour awe-inspiring cultural monuments, you’ll see why this special place has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Established in 1786 by the British East Indian Company, Georgetown was named after King George III and quickly became a bustling port city. Today you’ll see an amazing preservation of a showcase of Malaysian history. Colonial buildings, Chinese shop-houses and Little India make the inner city of Georgetown easily one of the most interesting and charming cities in Asia—a jewel of Asian heritage that is largely intact.
Start your adventure with a visit to the Thai Buddhist temple that houses the fourth-largest Reclining Buddha in the world, measuring 108 feet long. This beautifully adorned temple is known for its stunning Thai architecture, making it a place of significance and spiritual reflection. Just across the street you’ll see the Burmese Buddhist temple, with its intricate architecture and lush gardens.
Next you will visit the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, in the heart of Georgetown. Built in 1821, the museum houses a diverse collection of historical artifacts, artwork, and exhibits. You’ll spot old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics. The cultures and lifestyles of Malaysia’s varied population are well represented in this museum.
Continue along to the majestic Khoo Kongsi — a stunning Chinese Clan House. The intricate wood and granite carvings, together with 24 distinctive stone carvings are classic examples of filial piety, making this place a must for visitors to Penang. Combined with other elaborate decorations and the historical significance, this place offers you a captivating insight into the culture and ancestral traditions of the Chinese community in Penang.
On your return journey you will stop at one of several Chinese clan jetties. Walk across the narrow wooden platform to appreciate the humble beginnings of the Chinese immigrants who braved the seas in small boats to seek better fortune in Malaysia.
At the end of the day, you’ll have a better appreciation for this inventive, multicultural community that is so proud of their city.