Penang & Phuket Cruise EVENTYRET BEGYNNER HER
Singapore , Singapore | Penang , Malaysia | Phuket , Thailand | Singapore , Singapore
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Singapore, Singapore
MORE SHORES IN SINGAPORE
The Singapore Cruise Centre sits near famous Sentosa Island, an entertainment complex that includes high-end restaurants and well-manicured beaches, so you might consider arriving an hour or two early to enjoy some time here before your cruise from Singapore. The cruise port is about 20 minutes from Changi Airport, and about 10 minutes from the city center.
The Singapore Cruise Centre sits near famous Sentosa Island, an entertainment complex that includes high-end restaurants and well-manicured beaches, so you might consider arriving an hour or two early to enjoy some time here before your cruise from Singapore. The cruise port is about 20 minutes from Changi Airport, and about 10 minutes from the city center.
in Singapore
Multicultural Medley
Singapore has four official languages and even more ethnicities that have influenced its culture. Discover the city's Muslim heritage at Sultan Mosque along Arab Street and its Chinese character (and food!) in Chinatown. Little India is the heart of the city's Tamil Indian community, while Kampong Glam is the epicenter of Malay-speaking Singapore.
Two Sides of Nature
Singapore's tropical landscape is as diverse as its culture. The Singapore Botanic Garden (and adjoining Orchid Garden) approach horticulture from a more traditional perspective, while the spacey Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay would seem more at home in "Avatar" than an issue of "Better Homes and Gardens."
Zoom In, Zoom Out
Head to the rooftop of the massive Marina Bay Sands to enjoy a panorama of the Singapore skyline, which is also beautiful as seen from the city's symbolic Merlion statue on the other side of the bay. Or visit a more inward-looking Singapore icon when you order an original Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.
Local Cuisine
The best way to get a cross-section of Singaporean cuisine is to visit its street vendors, or hawkers, in hubs like Tiong Bahru. Jump onboard a Singapore cruise to try Cantonese-derived wantan mee noodles, with dumplings and yellow egg noodles topped with slices of char siu pork. Snack on chai tow kway, also called carrot cake, even though it's made from rice flour and daikon radish fried with eggs in pork fat.
Shopping
Singapore is a shopper's paradise, whether you stick to the high-end boutiques of Orchard Road or the local shops throughout the city. One way to guarantee a special souvenir during your Singapore cruise vacation is to shop in the city's ethnic neighborhoods: Seek out chopsticks and lacquerware in Chinatown or incense and South India dolls in Little India.
INSIDER TIP
Taxis in Singapore are plentiful, but locals increasingly use applications (namely, the "Grab" app) to get around. Consider downloading this before you dock in Singapore.
Penang, Malaysia
IN PENANG
Take the easy walk from the port in George Town to the city's UNESCO World Heritage zone — see 18th-century Fort Cornwallis, and check out the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple with its traditional Chinese architecture and ornamental dragons. Then, hail a cab to Penang Hill and take the tram to the cool, forested summit. Or head to Batu Ferringhi Beach, where you can relax in the smooth sands or jet-ski through clear blue waters.
Take the easy walk from the port in George Town to the city's UNESCO World Heritage zone — see 18th-century Fort Cornwallis, and check out the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple with its traditional Chinese architecture and ornamental dragons. Then, hail a cab to Penang Hill and take the tram to the cool, forested summit. Or head to Batu Ferringhi Beach, where you can relax in the smooth sands or jet-ski through clear blue waters.
in Penang
Malaysian Mansions
Make your way to the Blue Mansion, dating back to the 1880s, and snap a photo from outside or take a tour of its 38 rooms. Or check out the Pinang Peranakan Museum, housed in a 19th-century mansion, where you'll see intricate Peranakan clothing, jewelry and the history of the island and people.
Neighborhood Flavor
Walk through George Town to experience Penang's historic architecture — be sure to make frequent stops to sample the famous street food, with dishes like char koay teow, fried strips of rice cake with soy sauce, sausage and shrimp. Stroll around the UNESCO zone and check out the unique street art, often with historical or political undertones.
Rich in Religions
Penang is rich in distinctive architecture from many of the world's religions. See the fresco-covered Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, the only Burmese temple outside of Myanmar with your cruise to Penang. Check out Taoist Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple — built in 1728, it's Penang's oldest religious site. Or head to Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple, covered with colorful soldiers and goddesses.
Local Cuisine
Penang is world-renowned for its street food. Snack on an oyster omelette, in which oysters are fried with eggs and scallions and made crispy with rice flour. Experience the region's Indian influence with tandoori chicken and naan bread. Try Penang's signature dessert, cendol — shaved ice with coconut milk topped with palm sugar, sweet beans and green gummies made from pandan leaf jelly.
Shopping
The Penang Perankan Mansion houses historic beaded shoes of Nonya design — look for replicas in the shops and street vendors throughout George Town. Check out the Chowrasta Bazaar for handmade clothing, antique watches, traditional fans and other unique finds.
INSIDER TIP
Walk carefully: Sidewalks are often used for motorcycle parking so it can be easier to walk on the road.
Phuket, Thailand
FUN IN PHUKET
Get the best of Phuket's famous beach scene at Kata Noi, where lush green mountains hang over turquoise waves. Then, meet the local wildlife: Pet elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or hang out with macaques on Monkey Hill — great mountain views await here, too. Or enjoy the islands just off the coast: Head to James Bond Island and see the distinctive pointy rock you may remember from 1974's "The Man With the Golden Gun."
Get the best of Phuket's famous beach scene at Kata Noi, where lush green mountains hang over turquoise waves. Then, meet the local wildlife: Pet elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or hang out with macaques on Monkey Hill — great mountain views await here, too. Or enjoy the islands just off the coast: Head to James Bond Island and see the distinctive pointy rock you may remember from 1974's "The Man With the Golden Gun."
in Phuket
Big-Screen Islands
Pha Nga Bay has several karst islands that can be explored by longtail boat, including the sheer cliffs of James Bond Island, featured in "The Man With the Golden Gun." Some islands are shaped like doughnuts with shallow calm water inside, only reachable at low tide. Popular Phi Phi (pronounced "pee-pee") Island was featured in the movie "The Beach."
Get Underwater
The waters surrounding Phuket have great snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to the bay's warm, clean waters and lively marine ecosystems. Snorkel off the beach at Ao Sane, next to Nai Harn Beach, at Kata Noi or near Patong at Paradise Beach. Drift past anemones, parrot fish and various types of coral.
Big Buddha
Above Nakkerd Hills is a 147-foot-tall white Buddha statue, which you can see from many parts of the island — hike up to the statue itself, which is surprisingly uncrowded. It's covered in Burmese white jade marble, and next to it is a smaller Buddha made from brass. The trek also comes with the bonus of breathtaking views down to the sea.
Local Cuisine
Sample Thailand's famous cuisine at street stalls or sit-down restaurants. If you're not sure what to order, ask for pad kra prao — stir-fried meat (usually chicken or pork) prepared with chili peppers and Thai holy basil. The level of spiciness can be tailored to your taste, and adding in a fried egg is optional — though highly recommended.
Shopping
Silks are always a good buy in Thailand; choose from scarves in every color, pillowcases or clothing. Cruise to Phuket and pick up a carved elephant in wood, metal or stone. At home, place it facing a doorway for good feng shui.
CRUISING
CAN'T MISS FAVORITES
Things to Do
ON PAR FOR ADVENTURE
Hit the links on the high seas! Refine your mini-golf game on a green that overlooks a sea of blue. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
A BOLDER BOULDER
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Singapore, Singapore
SING IT OUT
After arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre, hit the ground running and begin your activity of choice — hike Mount Faber Park, and take in the panoramic views of the city from the Terrace Garden. Stroll among 250 different types of ginger at the Botanic Gardens, then taste the flavor of the spicy plant in the form of fragrant chicken rice from one of the city's many street hawkers.
After arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre, hit the ground running and begin your activity of choice — hike Mount Faber Park, and take in the panoramic views of the city from the Terrace Garden. Stroll among 250 different types of ginger at the Botanic Gardens, then taste the flavor of the spicy plant in the form of fragrant chicken rice from one of the city's many street hawkers.
in Singapore
Multicultural Medley
Singapore has four official languages and even more ethnicities that have influenced its culture. Discover the city's Muslim heritage at Sultan Mosque along Arab Street and its Chinese character (and food!) in Chinatown. Little India is the heart of the city's Tamil Indian community, while Kampong Glam is the epicenter of Malay-speaking Singapore.
Two Sides of Nature
Singapore's tropical landscape is as diverse as its culture. The Singapore Botanic Garden (and adjoining Orchid Garden) approach horticulture from a more traditional perspective, while the spacey Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay would seem more at home in "Avatar" than an issue of "Better Homes and Gardens."
Zoom In, Zoom Out
Head to the rooftop of the massive Marina Bay Sands to enjoy a panorama of the Singapore skyline, which is also beautiful as seen from the city's symbolic Merlion statue on the other side of the bay. Or visit a more inward-looking Singapore icon when you order an original Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.
Local Cuisine
The best way to get a cross-section of Singaporean cuisine is to visit its street vendors, or hawkers, in hubs like Tiong Bahru. Jump onboard a Singapore cruise to try Cantonese-derived wantan mee noodles, with dumplings and yellow egg noodles topped with slices of char siu pork. Snack on chai tow kway, also called carrot cake, even though it's made from rice flour and daikon radish fried with eggs in pork fat.
Shopping
Singapore is a shopper's paradise, whether you stick to the high-end boutiques of Orchard Road or the local shops throughout the city. One way to guarantee a special souvenir during your Singapore cruise vacation is to shop in the city's ethnic neighborhoods: Seek out chopsticks and lacquerware in Chinatown or incense and South India dolls in Little India.
INSIDER TIP
Although Singaporeans speak English natively, the accent (lovingly called "Singlish") can sometimes be tricky to grasp at first. If you don't understand what someone says to you, politely ask them to repeat.
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INSIDER TIP