Private Tour: Full Day Center Penang Island Tour
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy the best of Penang on a private day tour with a local English speaking guide. Discovering its heritage buildings and temples and enjoy the fantastic aerial views at Penang Hills. With a knowledgeable guide, admire Buddhist temples, see beautiful Kuan Yin Statue at Kek Lok Si Temple and admire local market with various delicious hawker food.
Available options
Center Penang Tour
Full day Center Penang Island tour.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
English speaking experienced tour guide
Hotel pickup & drop-off (George Town centrally located)/ Cruise Ship Port
All Taxes & service charge
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Private Air conditioned transportation by Car/Minivan
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Our tour guide will pick you up around 9am from your hotel lobby head to Wat Chayamangkalaram, located at George Town. The Reclining Buddha Temple is also known as the Sleeping Buddha by the locals. Behind the Reclining Buddha, you can see there are many niches, containing the ashes of devotees. There is also a small Thai village and Thai cemetery just behind the temple. You will spend some time here to appreciate this beautiful temple and peaceful atmosphere before proceed to Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple.
2
Stop 2
Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple, the first Buddhist temple in Penang, built in 1805. There's a series of panel paintings on the life of the Buddha lining the walkways, the characters dressed in typical Burmese costume, while inside typically round-eyed, serene-faced Burmese Buddha statues stare out at worshipers.
3
Stop 3
Next, proceed to Penang Botanical Garden, also known as the Waterfall Gardens because of the cascading waterfall nearby. Many visitors and locals visit the garden to escape the heat of the busy city and enjoy walks or relax in the tranquil gardens.
4
Stop 4
After lunch, we continue our day tour to Penang Hill. Upon arrival, you will take a funicular train up to the hill top and get a bird eye view of Penang Island. Habitat is located next to the Hindu temple and we strongly recommend you go there and look carefully for the breathtaking views. Once we return back to the ground, we visit to Ayer Itam Market to experience the local lifestyle or buy some souvenir. If time permitting, stop at the hawker stall for famous Penang Assam Laksa (at your own expenses).
5
Stop 5
Next move on to Kek Lok Si Temple, you will see the 36.5 meter high bronze statue of Kuan Yin (Guanyin), the Goddess of Mercy. After spending some time walking around the Kuan Yin statue, you can take the road to walk down towards the pagoda, which is officially known as Bon Po Thar. Be amazed with the Kek Lok Si Pagoda as how it was built. The base of the pagoda was built in a Chinese style, the center part is Thai and top part is Burmese. Take some beautiful photos, enjoy the peaceful and calm atmosphere with cool breeze before we head down to the ground.
6
Stop 6
Lastly visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the former house of a Chinese Captain, and see a remarkable collection of memorabilia and artifacts.
Once you finished above things our guide will drop off at your hotel/ Cruise port safely.
What's not included
Food, lunch and beverages
Any other things not mentioned in the itinerary
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
YUE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
16 reviews
5★
13
4★
0
3★
1
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.7
17 reviews
5★
12
4★
5
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Penang
Penang, a vibrant state in Malaysia, is a captivating blend of cultural diversity, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Known as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' it offers a unique fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and colonial influences, making it a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.
Top Attractions
Kek Lok Si Temple
One of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
Religious
2-3 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Penang National Park
A beautiful park with diverse wildlife, beaches, and hiking trails. It's one of the few places in the world where you can see monkeys and turtles in their natural habitat.
Nature
Half-day to full day
Free (park entrance)
Clan Jetties
A series of historic waterfront settlements built on stilts over the sea. The Clan Jetties offer a unique glimpse into the lives of Penang's early Chinese immigrants.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Char Kway Teow
Stir-fried rice cake strips with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and eggs. It's a popular street food dish with a smoky, savory flavor.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and eggs
Nasi Kandar
A fragrant rice dish served with a variety of curries and side dishes. It's a Muslim dish that's popular among all communities in Penang.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat and spices
Asam Laksa
A tangy and spicy fish-based noodle soup with tamarind, mackerel, and vegetables. It's a Penang specialty with a unique sour and spicy flavor.
Lunch
Contains fish and spices
Popular Activities
Hiking in Penang National Park
Snorkeling at Monkey Beach
Island-hopping tours
Beach relaxation at Batu Ferringhi
Spa treatments
Yoga classes
Exploring George Town's street art
Visiting temples and museums
Best Time to Visit
December to February
This period offers the best weather with lower humidity and less rainfall. It's ideal for exploring the island's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.
24°C to 32°C
75°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Malay
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Hokkien, Cantonese, Mandarin), Tamil
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Penang is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab.
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Penang International Airport • 13 km from George Town
By bus
Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral
Getting around
Public transport
Rapid Penang buses are the most convenient and affordable way to get around. They are air-conditioned and run frequently.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
George Town
Batu Ferringhi
Gurney Drive
Day trips
Langkawi
50 km from Penang • Full day
Langkawi is a beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and duty-free shopping. It's a perfect day trip for those looking to relax and enjoy nature.
Butterworth
3 km from Penang Island • Half day
Butterworth is a town on the mainland across from Penang Island. It offers a mix of cultural attractions, historic sites, and local markets.
Ipoh
180 km from Penang • Full day
Ipoh is a city known for its colonial architecture, limestone caves, and delicious food. It's a great day trip for those interested in history and culture.
Festivals
George Town Festival • August
Penang International Food Festival • June
Chinese New Year • January/February (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit Penang during the shoulder seasons (March to April, September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Explore the island's street art and cultural attractions on foot or by bicycle for a more immersive experience.
- Try Penang's famous street food at hawker centers and night markets for an authentic culinary adventure.
- Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities.
- Use public transportation or rent a bike to get around, as it's an affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the island.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
