Penang Suggested Itineraries
Once known as Betel Nut Island, Penang has been a melting pot of traders and artisans since the British East India Company discovered the charms of this spice island back in 1786. A Malaysian state, Penang is on the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on the Malaccan Strait. The capital George Town is so unique it’s been made a World Heritage site. From straits architecture to food and shopping, our three-day itinerary shows there’s plenty to discover in Penang.
Day 1: Penang Temples
Buddhist temples, Christian churches, Hindu temples and mosques – Penang’s multicultural history is evident at every turn. The largest Buddhist complex of temples and pagodas in Southeast Asia is Kek Lok Si , while one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas stretches out at the Thai Wat Chayamankalaram. A standing Buddha peers over the Burmese Dharmmikarama Temple nearby. Chinese traditions are preserved at Khoo Kongsi, and Kapitan Keling Mosque rubs shoulders with St George’s Anglican Church and the Sri Mariamman Hindu temple.
Day 2: Eat Street
Malaysian hawker food is a highlight of any visit to Penang. To discover the traditions of Nyonya (or Peranakan) cuisine, start with a spicy bowl of assam laksa soup, choosing from tangy tamarind or creamy coconut milk. A blend of Chinese ingredients and Malay spices, Nyonya cuisine features lemongrass, kaffir lime, shallots, rice and galangal. Char koay teow noodles are a popular street dish, wok-frying seafood and chicken, and hokkien mee combines noodles and prawns with memorable results. For the best choice, head to the Gurney Drive Hawker Center or Chew Jetty floating market.
Day 3: Marine Park Snorkel
Pulau Payar Marine Park protects the waters surrounding Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast, for perfect snorkeling in pristine conditions. Catch a speedy catamaran from Penang to dive into waters thronged with parrotfish and damselfish swimming amongst the coral. You can hire jet skis and canoes on Penang’s beaches, from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, or take an offshore excursion to the white-sand Monkey Beach for fun, sea and sand.
Latest Replies All Penang Suggested Itineraries Reviews »
The Penang Island Morning Tour was terrific. We'd never been to Penang before and the tour was an excellent introduction. The bas was clean and comfortable and well driven. Our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and gave us great insight into Penang and Malay history, culture and landmarks, flora and fauna. I would highly recommend this tour for those arriving in Penang wanting to know more about this beautiful island.
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Great tour guide! Knowledgable about Malaysia. No problem modifying tour schedule for us.
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Our driver arrived on time and was pleasant, courteous and careful; the car was clean and comfortable. Particularly enjoyed Kek Lok Si. Since our driver was Buddhist he was able to explain everything which really enhanced our enjoyment of the visit. Only negative was that the local company insisted we hand over our entrance tickets. My daughter wanted to keep hers as a souvenir and I had to email the company to confirm that we had both visited the temple so that our driver would not have to pay some 30 RM. I thought this was petty. But, other than that, a very enjoyable afternoon.
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Penang Suggested Itineraries Written by Viator
City of many flavours. Written by koalakiss86
Colonial Penang Written by Viator
