Penang City Tour: Explore Diverse Culture & Heritage at Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si & Reclining Buddha
4.0
2 Ratings
George Town
Immerse yourself in the diverse culture and rich heritage of Penang City on this captivating tour. Explore iconic landmarks such as Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the Reclining Buddha, and marvel at the stunning views of Georgetown. Don't miss the chance to visit the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. Book now!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • George Town - Your tour starts with a timely pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal in Georgetown for a 9am departure. Meet our friendly driver in the lobby and begin your tour.
  • Reclining Buddha Wat Chaiyamangalaram - Your driver will collect you from your hotel to start the City Tour, where you’ll visit Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple.

Wat Chayamangkalaram (Thai: วัดไชยมังคลาราม; RTGS: Wat Chaiyamangkhalaram) (also known as the Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple) is a Thai temple in the Pulau Tikus suburb of George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Located on Kelawei Road, the temple is near the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. It is the oldest Malaysian Siamese temple in the state and serves as a focal point for the annual Siamese Songkran and Loi Krathong festivals, as well as the city’s yearly Buddha Day procession.

  • Dharmikarama Burmese Temple - Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple (Burmese: ဓမ္မိကာရာမမြန်မာကျောင်း) is a Burmese temple in the Pulau Tikus suburb of George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Situated on Burmah Road, the temple is close to Wat Chayamangkalaram. It is the only and oldest Malaysian Burmese temple in the state and serves as a focal point for the annual Water, Thingyan, and Mid-Autumn festivals, as well as Buddhist Lent and Candle Lighting Days.

  • George Town - Streets of George Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases Malaysia’s best-preserved and re-adapted traditional architecture, along with a variety of heritage trades and arts.

The famous ‘Street of Harmony’ reflects the diverse communities that have made Penang their home. Covering just 2.5 square kilometers, the George Town World Heritage Site is compact enough to explore on foot, by bicycle, or by trishaw.

According to UNESCO, the city is an outstanding example of a multicultural trading town in Southeast Asia, shaped by the mercantile and cultural exchanges of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences.

  • Penang Hill - Next, you will visit Penang Hill, where you will ride a funicular train to its peak at 833 meters above sea level to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Georgetown and mainland Butterworth. Colonial bungalows are scattered around the hill, as the British preferred the cooler climate compared to the hot and humid city environment.
  • Kek Lok Si Temple - Afterward, you will visit Kek Lok Si Temple. Built in 1891 as a small shrine, it has grown to become one of the most magnificent and largest temples in Southeast Asia. Since its establishment in 1930, the “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” is considered one of Penang’s most beautiful architectural marvels, incorporating three cultures into one structure – a Chinese octagonal base, a Thai middle tier, and a Burmese crown. A 30.2-meter bronze statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, was erected in 2002 at the temple’s highest point, accessible via an inclined lift. On the way, we will stop for a free sampling of Penang’s famous White Coffee/Tea at Coffee Tree.

The tour concludes with a return to your hotel or cruise terminal in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Fast Lane ticket for Penang Hill Train
  • Entry to Kek Lok Si Temple and Inclined Lift
  • English-speaking driver
  • Pickup and drop-off at hotel or port (within city center 1km)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Additional hour will be charged if exceed tour hours (USD 25 per person per hour)
  • Surcharge of USD 10 per person for pickup outside 1km radius from the city center is applicable
  • Surcharge 30% to be applied during super peak / festive season & must be paid on the day of travel
Additional Information

Explore Penang city, a fusion of historic richness and cultural, traditional, and diverse elements, via Penang City Tour. Embark on a journey to Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Streets of George Town. Continue onwards to ascend Penang Hill and explore the Kek Lok Si Temple, along with the effigy of Guan Yin.

  • Temple abounding in harmony, adorned with regal offerings from Chinese monarchs
  • Enchanting ascent via funicular to Penang Hill’s summit
  • Stunning panoramas of Georgetown & inclusive round-trip travel
  • Serene atmosphere at an elevation of 2,700 feet (833 meters) above sea level
  • Opportunity to visit the grandest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia
  • Ticket for Penang Hill Train(Fast Lane), Kek Lok Si Temple, Inclined Lift included
  • No meals are included.
  • Itinerary sequence or location may change due to traffic or closure of places of interest.
  • If exceed tour hours as stated above, additional hour will be charged (USD 25 per person per hour)
  • Optional tours are available upon request (additional charges per person per hours as stated above)
  • An additional surcharge of USD 10 per person for hotel pickup outside 1km radius from the city center is applicable and payable on the day of your activity.
Location
George Town
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(2 Ratings)
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Mary_c
Jan 23, 2024
Penang Private tour - Viator tour - guide = Robin (driver):  original tour of Penang Hill with cable car ride (funicular ride) but it's closed for maintenance till the 11th.  Replacement sites will be Pinang Peranakan MansionPinang Peranakan Mansion and Khoo Kongsi. Kek Lok Si Temple: Huge statue of Guan Yin goddess of Mercy. Also know as the temple of 10,000 Buddhas.  Beautiful views of George Town. Climbed up to the top of the pagoda, very scary as you get higher and higher, but it was fun. Steps were narrow so be careful.  There was a lot to see in this temple. We also rang the bell so our wishes could come true. Hope they do!  They also have statues of the Chinese zodiac animals.  Very nice place to visit. Reclining Buddha:  this Buddha was hugh but it looks animated. There were two different types of dragons outside the Temple, one is Thai style (green) and the other two dragons are Chinese style (yellow with a pearl in the mouth). More Buddhas everywhere! White Coffee store: very crowded, crazy inside, Didn't buy anything. Pinang Peranakan Mansion: very crowded here too. This was once the residence and office of a 19th-century Chinese tycoon, Chung Keng Quee.  Now it's a museum with lots of artifacts. It was believed that he was the Chinese mafia. Lunch at a local eatery: had shrimp with noodles and fried oysters with scrambled eggs. Very reasonable prices snd good tastes. Georgetown UNESCO Heritage site: buildings on sticks by the pier with street vendors type shops.
Review provided by Viator
Kennetha_d
Jan 11, 2024
Great experience - Great way to avoid large crowded buses. I saw all the sights with less walking and queues.Provided lunch was delicious. Driver knew his history but was long winded at times when I just wanted to take photos. Overall a great tour!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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