Our next port of call was the city of Georgetown on Penang
Island (Malaysia), another UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the first British settlement in
Southeast Asia.
The cruise terminal is within easy walking distance of the
old town and Fort Cornwallis (built in 1786). On Penang, we had arranged a
private tour of old George Town for our Distinctive Voyages group.
The highlight of our tour was a two-hour trishaw (bicycle
powered cart for one passenger) tour of the old town. The trishaw drivers transported us thru the
old town, Little India, and between our tour sites. At each stop, our driver would wait for us to
return to our trishaw and we would go to the next site. A great way to visit George Town in the heat. Since Penang is in the tropics, it’s always
hot and muggy.
One of our stops was a tour of the Blue Mansion, an historical
hotel and filming site for many movies including Crazy Rich Asians and
Anna and the King. Other tour stops
included the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and the Khoo Kongsi Clanhouse. We visited several Buddhist temples – another
chance to go barefoot.
Each year, the beaches on Penang attract many foreign visitors
for holiday, but we had other plans.
Next time, we hope to visit one of the resorts along the coast. Next time…
Anita, your Cruise Holidays travel expert, can give you more
information about our visit to George Town, Malaysia.
