George Town

Duration: 2 nights part-escorted tour

Price from: £149pp

Itinerary
What you need to know

Day 1 Penang Beach/George Town: Depart from your Penang beach hotel for a scenic journey to the island’s capital, George Town (approximately 30 minutes drive). On arrival at your hotel, you are free to step out and begin your explorations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, head out to Gurney Drive, a coastal esplanade just north of George Town, well-known for its food courts and hawker stalls, offering the best of Penang on a plate.

Day 2 George Town: Step out this morning for a guided Historical George Town tour which starts at The Reclining Buddha statue (Wat Chayamangkalaram). Proceed to Dhammikarama Temple, an elaborate Buddhist temple dating to 1803 and then drive past the Street of Harmony which is home to St George’s Anglican church. You’ll also pass Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy Temple), Sri Mariamman Temple and Masjid Kapitan Keling before stopping to explore the highly ornate clan house of Khoo Kongsi and enjoy a visit to a local coffee shop. The tour concludes with a brief photo stop at Fort Cornwallis.

The afternoon is free for you to continue sightseeing independently. Perhaps seek out some of the city’s eye-catching street art; stroll through the maze of chaotic streets and narrow lanes passing fragrant spice shops and decorative shrines; or, maybe walk around one of the Clan Jetties, unique Chinese water villages, which ‘float’ above the water on stilts. When in need of a break you’ll find ample coffee shops, trendy bars and inviting street stalls.

Day 3 George Town/Penang Beach: Your tour ends with a return journey to your Penang beach hotel.

Departures: Daily from Penang beach hotels.

Accommodation: In your choice of the Muntri Mews or Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Room upgrades: Available at both hotels.

Meals: Room only at Muntri Mews. Breakfast at Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Tour price: The prices shown include transfers from Penang beach hotel to George Town, accommodation at your chosen hotel and sightseeing as outlined on day 2.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

LUXURY

From £219 pp

This remarkable hotel stands as a testament to the elegance of the British colonial era; its name is synonymous with Penang.

Muntri Mews

From £149 pp

Once used for parking horse carriages, this collection of Edwardian era buildings has been transformed into hip and stylish accommodation complete with many original features.