MALAYSIA
PENANG IS A CULTURAL MASTERPIECE,
WHERE STREET ART, UNMISTAKABLE FLAVORS,
AND COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE COMBINE
WITH MILLENNIAL TRADITIONS TO CREATE
A VIBRANT, CREATIVE, AND DEEPLY AUTHENTIC ISLAND.
Choose your excursions
HERITAGE WALKING TOUR
DURATION: 4 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 09:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
At 09:00, meet your guide at the hotel and depart for the visit of Georgetown.
Georgetown, with its unique historical and architectural features, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The discovery begins on foot, strolling through the streets of the old town, lined with brightly colored houses, traces of the city’s important colonial past, and original murals along the Street Art lanes, still paved with traditional Chinese stone.
The tour continues to the exceptional Khoo Kongsi, the spectacular private clan house, likely one of the city’s most iconic monuments.
This is essentially a small private neighborhood, still owned today by the powerful Leong San Tong Chinese merchant family, originally from the village of Sin Kang in the Hokkien province of China. Intricate carvings and sculptures inspired by the Chinese Imperial Court adorn the complex, which also includes an elaborate private theater located in front of the finely carved temple and the clan’s residences.
Before returning to the hotel, there is a stop at the typical Clan and Chew Jetties, historic floating piers inhabited by Chinese communities.
The experience continues at a local food court, where you can taste some of the specialties that have made Penang famous as Malaysia’s culinary capital. Must-try dishes include Char Koay Teow (wok-fried noodles), Penang Assam Laksa (sour and spicy fish soup), Hokkien Mee (shrimp and pork noodle soup), Nasi Lemak, Curry Mee, Roti Canai, and traditional desserts such as Cendol and Ice Kacang.
I TEMPLI DI PENANG
DURATION: 3 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 09:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
At 09:00, depart to explore the island of Penang.
The day begins with a visit to the Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple, the largest Buddhist religious complex in Malaysia, situated atop a hill offering a splendid view of Georgetown.
Built at the end of the 19th century and dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuanyin, the temple houses seven main buildings, enriched with statues, lanterns, and intricate architectural details.
A highlight is its impressive seven-story Pagoda, one of the tallest in the world, representing a blend of Burmese, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles.
Return to Georgetown with stops at Thai and Burmese temples, where you can admire, among other things, the famous Reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
The tour continues with a stop at the esplanade to view Fort Cornwallis from the outside, the fortress built by Sir Francis Light, founder of the British colony in Penang. The surrounding area offers beautiful examples of colonial architecture, reflecting the island’s historical past.
At the end, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time.
PENANG NATIONAL PARK
DURATION: 5 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
At 08:00, meet your guide at the hotel and depart for the northern coast of Penang Island.
Travel along the coastline to reach the typical Malaysian fishing villages of Teluk Bahang, where the entrance to Penang National Park is located.
Register at the Park Authority and meet one of the local Rangers to begin an engaging trek through lush tropical nature. The park hosts a rich natural heritage, including over 1,000 plant species and 271 wildlife species, ranging from small mammals to reptiles.
The park, covering 2,522.1 hectares of land and sea, was established to preserve and protect flora and fauna, as well as the geological, archaeological, historical, and ethnological interests of the area. It also conserves various terrestrial habitats, including the rare Meromictic Lake, mangroves, mudflats, and an extensive dipterocarp forest.
The first part of the trek involves some ups and downs among thousands of plants and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Pantai Kerachut. Here is the unique Meromictic Lake, with layers of freshwater and saltwater—a very rare natural formation globally. In this area, you can also observe the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, where turtles nest at various times of the year. The most common and interesting species are Green and Olive Ridley turtles.
Return partially along the trail to the fork that leads to another bay and beach, Turtle Beach. This relatively flat path takes about 1 hour, where you can relax and enjoy a packed lunch.
Around 13:00, take a boat to exit the National Park, return to the fishing village of Kampung Bahang, and then transfer by car back to your hotel in the city.
NOTE:
Light long pants; T-shirt (bring one for changing); lightweight trekking shoes; hat; rain poncho; spare shoes if continuing with a city tour.
PERANAKAN PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
DURATION: VARYING BASED ON PARTICIPANTS
DEPARTURE TIME: 09:30 UNTIL 18:00
*Weekly closure: Monday only / Public holidays: Open (except Monday)
Meet at the photography studio located opposite Chew Jetty.
Madam Jowen, the studio owner, will present a wide selection of traditional Peranakan costumes and assist with choosing outfits, makeup, hairstyles, and accessories, providing a complete professional service. Afterwards, the photographer will lead a one-hour photo session at the most iconic locations in the area, including the Clan Jetty, main historical sites, and Armenian Street, surrounded by colonial architecture and famous street art.
After the session, guests are free to continue exploring and taking photos: the costume remains available for a total of four hours. All work — including the photos and the option for image editing — will be shared directly via the client’s personal drive. Return to the hotel independently.
PENANG’S 10-TASTE CULINARY WALK
DURATION: 3 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 09:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Penang is recognized as the street food capital thanks to its vibrant culinary culture, blending Malay, Chinese, Peranakan, and Indian influences. It offers a wide range of iconic dishes and has been repeatedly named a leading culinary destination in Asia and worldwide.
Pick up at the hotel and embark on a 3-hour walking culinary adventure through the heart of Georgetown, revealing the city’s rich multicultural flavors. This immersive experience is a true journey into Penang’s legendary street food scene, where Malay, Chinese, Peranakan, and Indian influences merge into 10 unforgettable tastings.
The tour begins amid the lively atmosphere of Chowrasta Market, where the air is filled with the scents of spices and local life. Start with a typical and refreshing Penang drink, perfect for preparing the palate for the feast ahead.
Strolling through historic streets, you will taste a curated selection of small bites and iconic snacks. Each stop tells a story of the island, from the savory crunch of Belacan Fried Chicken to the sweet, icy freshness of Cendol. Expect unexpected flavors, textures, and tastes representing the city’s diverse cultures.
Midway, we will reach a highly renowned local specialty—a dish so famous it attracts daily crowds of enthusiasts. This authentic must-try embodies the fame of Penang street food. Alongside this highlight, enjoy other local favorites, including the spicy and irresistible Mee Goreng and delicate steamed Chai Koey.
The walk concludes in the colorful and fragrant streets of Little India. Here, the final tasting and a hot drink await, leaving you full and with a deeper appreciation of Penang’s gastronomic soul.
The guide will enrich the tour with engaging stories, cultural insights, and fun anecdotes, turning every bite into a complete sensory experience. While the 10-tasting menu may vary daily to ensure freshness and quality, each bite is authentic, local, and carefully selected.
Return to the hotel independently.
PENANG COOKING CLASS EXPERIENCE
MORNING CLASS
DURATION: 3 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 08:30 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Penang is internationally renowned as one of the main epicenters of street food, thanks to its vibrant and deeply multicultural culinary tradition, blending Malay, Chinese, Peranakan, and Indian influences. The island offers an incredible variety of iconic specialties and has been repeatedly celebrated as one of Asia’s and the world’s top culinary destinations.
Meet at the entrance of Chowrasta Market, where the tour begins with a guided visit alongside the chef. Together, you will select fresh ingredients while enjoying a light breakfast immersed in the lively local atmosphere. After about 1 hour and 30 minutes of exploration and tasting local specialties, the group will proceed to the cooking class.
The chef will demonstrate their culinary style and guide guests step by step in preparing authentic traditional recipes.
The full experience lasts approximately 3 hours, offering a perfect balance of local culture, hands-on learning, and gastronomic discovery.
AFTERNOON CLASS
DURATION: 2 HOURS
DEPARTURE TIME: 14:00 FROM HOTEL LOBBY
Penang is internationally renowned as one of the main epicenters of street food, thanks to its vibrant and deeply multicultural culinary tradition, blending Malay, Chinese, Peranakan, and Indian influences. The island offers an incredible variety of iconic specialties and has been repeatedly celebrated as one of Asia’s and the world’s top culinary destinations.
Meet at the entrance of Chowrasta Market, where the chef will demonstrate their culinary style and guide guests step by step in preparing authentic traditional recipes.
The full experience lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a perfect balance of local culture, hands-on learning, and gastronomic discovery.
