George Town, Malaysia

Temples & Traditional Crafts

Vibrant Temples and Colorful Culture Visit some of the island’s most notable temples, discover traditional handicrafts and visit lush market stalls. Meet your guide and drive to the Thai Buddhist Temple (Wat Chaiyamangkalaram), which houses one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in the world. Across the way, the Burmese Buddhist Temple hints at Penang’s cultural diversity. Continue to the Batu Ferringhi region, stopping to visit a batik factory, where colorful cloths are patterned with a centuries-old wax and dye process. Continue past fruit orchards and plantations growing clove and nutmeg, pausing at a farmer’s fruit stall, a burst of color and fragrances. Next, explore the legendary Temple of the Azure Cloud, or Snake Temple, dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong. The god’s disciples included pit vipers, tamed by incense smoke. You may safely view the live snakes that still reside here before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.