Historic City of George Town

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal in George Town at about 9 AM. The driver greets guests in the lobby and then departs for the day’s itinerary.

Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple

This stop lasts about 30 minutes at Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, a Thai Buddhist temple located in the Pulau Tikus suburb on Kelawei Road. It is the oldest Malaysian Siamese temple in Penang and hosts significant events such as the annual Songkran and Loi Krathong festivals, as well as the city’s Buddha Day procession.

30 min

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

The next 30-minute visit is to Dhammikarama Burmese Temple situated on Burmah Road near Wat Chayamangkalaram. It is the oldest Burmese temple in Malaysia and central to celebrations of Water, Thingyan, and Mid-Autumn festivals, along with Buddhist Lent and Candle Lighting Days.

30 min

George Town

Guests spend about 30 minutes exploring the streets of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 2.5 square kilometers. This area showcases a variety of restored traditional architecture and heritage trades. The ‘Street of Harmony’ highlights the multicultural influences of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European settlers. The district is walkable or can be toured by bicycle or trishaw.

30 min

Penang Hill

The tour proceeds to Penang Hill where visitors board a funicular train for a one-hour ride to the summit at 833 meters above sea level. From the top, there are wide views of George Town and the mainland area of Butterworth. The hill also features colonial bungalows built during British occupation as a retreat from the city’s heat.

60 min

Kek Lok Si Temple

The final stop is a 30-minute visit to Kek Lok Si Temple, established in 1891 and expanded into one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples. The temple’s Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas combines Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural elements. Visitors can use an inclined lift to reach the highest point where a 30.2-meter bronze statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, stands. On the way to the temple, there is a break to sample Penang’s white coffee or tea at Coffee Tree before returning to the hotel or cruise terminal.

30 min