Historic Jewels of Georgetown
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Port
Penang, Malaysia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$30
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Journey back in time through winding streets, past colorful, well-preserved buildings, with spicy aromas wafting from storefronts and awe-inspiring cultural monuments all around you, to see why UNESCO World Heritage Site Georgetown is so special.
Established in 1786 by the British East Indian Company and named after King George III, Georgetown is 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 remains largely intact.
You'll start with a visit to the Thai Buddhist temple that houses the fourth-largest Reclining Buddha in the world, measuring 108 feet long. Just across the street is the Burmese Buddhist temple.
Next, visit the Penang Museum & Art Gallery, housed in what remains of the original Penang Free School. Built in 1821, the museum exhibits a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics. The cultures and lifestyles of Malaysia's varied population are well represented in this museum.
Not to be missed is the majestic Khoo Kongsi — a beautiful Chinese Clan House. The intricate wood and granite carvings, together with 24 stone-carved classic examples of filial piety, make this place a must-see for visitors to 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.