The Best Shore Excursions in Penang and Port Klang
By Evelyn Uslar-Pietri | Published on June 16, 2022
Half the fun of travel is fully immersing yourself in diverse cultures–discovering delicious dishes, time-honoured traditions and colourful tales of local lore. To help you get the most out of your cruise to Malaysia, we’ve rounded up a list of can’t-miss shore excursions, maxed-out outings that will take your trip to another level.
Roam awe-inspiring temples and history-soaked sites. Stroll through bustling markets filled with tasty specialties and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted artefacts. Wander natural wonders and delve into colonial architecture. Or do a little bit of everything on a multi-faceted excursion. Whether you choose to go by foot or by trishaw, break off on your own or stick with an itinerary, these carefully curated tours make it easy to experience Penang and Port Klang like a local!
Heritage and History Highlights
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A captivating cultural hot pot, Malaysia’s history draws from four main religions and its rich colonial past to offer a jaw-dropping array of architectural marvels. No visit to Penang would be complete without viewing the famed Street of Harmony, where four religious monuments were erected in the 19th century. Standing majestically within a span of 800 metres you’ll find the breathtaking Goddess of Mercy Temple, with its ornate Chinese design and rooftop dragons; Saint George Church, the oldest Anglican church in SE Asia; the magnificently sculpted Southern Indian Sri Mahamariamman Temple; and Kapitan Keling Mosque, with its breathtaking stained glass windows.
Visit these marvels and more on the Unesco Heritage Walk, a walking tour you won’t soon forget. Or go by trishaw and also swing by the Clock Tower, Town Hall and City Hall on the Sunset George Town by Trishaw excursion. If you have a full day, go for the Penang Highlights and Heritage Attraction, which includes an excursion to the Thai Buddhist Temple, Kek Lok Si and Penang Peranakan mansion.
Port klang
As the largest port in Malaysia, Port Klang is a main gateway into the country and an easy stepping stone away from Kuala Lumpur. To get a taste of its storied history, the narrated Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk takes you to Alam Shah Palace, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani Temple–an impressively carved place of worship dedicated to the six-faced Lord Subramaniam (Lord Muruga). The Heritage Walking Tour in Kuala Lumpur is another exercise in discovery, visiting such captivating sites as the Jamek Mosque, the Size Ya Temple and the Mahamariamman Temple.
Savour the Flavours and Shops
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Foodies take note: Taste of Penang is the adventure-of-choice for every food-loving palate! At this market, frequented by locals and those in the know, vendors prepare Penang specialties in their stalls, which although small in size deliver big, bold flavours. Take your pick of authentic delicacies and then savour them at the central seating area–you’re sure to go back for seconds! Another delicious excursion is the Wonderfood Museum Food & Shopping, where you’ll discover more than 100 popular street foods artfully exhibited in glass cases. After feasting your eyes, you’ll have the opportunity to tuck in to a variety of aromatic street foods. Also on the agenda: shopping and a visit to Teddyville’s international teddy bear collection.
Port klang
A shopper’s paradise, Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur offer incredible shopping experiences. If, on your cruise from Singapore, you have one day to dedicate to serious shopping, make it A Day at Mid Valley Mall! One of Asia’s largest retail, food and entertainment centres, this is the place to find the best of Malaysian and international fashion. Your guide will give you shopping tips, such as where to find deals and discounts on this shore excursion, and then you are free to roam at your own pace. Inspired shopping and dining can also be enjoyed in the Chinatown-focused KL Shopping, browsing sprawling markets and quirky art galleries while surrounded by impressive temples and Chinese architecture. Noteworthy as well, Kuala Lumpur On Your Own features a drop off near the fantastic Bintang Walk, famed for its shops, restaurants and cafes.
Adventures in Nature and Beyond
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Nature-enthusiasts will be wowed by the jaw-dropping Habitat Nature Discovery, an excursion into a 130-million-year-old rainforest, teeming with wildlife and pristine flora. Penang’s historic railway will transport you to the summit of Penang Hill, where a guided tour winds through endangered endemic plants, providing glimpses of flying lemurs and giant black squirrels. Top off the experience with sweeping views of Penang, as well as the surrounding mountains and ocean from Curtis Crest Treetop Walk. To see stunning orchids and more than 500 living species of exotic flora, sign up for Penang Flora and Fauna, visiting the beautiful Botanical Garden, Tropical Spice Gardens and Batik Factory. Butterflies are one of the delicate highlights of the Penang Round Island Tour, where in addition to visiting a butterfly farm, you will take in the Craft Batik Factory and the secrets of its traditional handicraft.
Port klang
Exploring the legendary Batu Caves–natural limestone caverns with magnificent Hindu temples–is a bucket-list must. Guarded by an enormous gold statue of the deity to whom the shrine is dedicated, Lord Murugan, this national treasure can be toured with the Batu Caves and City Experience excursion. A combination of natural and other scenic sightseeing are also available on the Panoramic of Kuala Lumpur. This adventure will take you by the lovely Lake Gardens to amazing Bird Park, a free-flight aviary where you get up close and personal with exotic and stunning varieties. Man-made wonders are part of the tour as well, including the historic Moorish Railway, Chinatown and the National Mosque.
Dive deep into Malaysian culture with shore excursions that take you to some of the most awe-inspiring locations on earth, as well as local hot-spots where you can free your inner foodie and shop to your heart’s content. We invite you to join us on bold adventures that will captivate your imagination and thrill your senses, curated by experts who know the ins and outs of navigating seamless shore excursions.
