Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Keep your camera handy during this packed half-day tour of some of Penang's most treasured gems.

The day of discovery begins when you board a comfortable motorcoach and briefly travel to the bustling capital of George Town, which showcases over 200 years of history and culture. George Town, located on the northeastern tip of the island, is a wonderful mix of cultures. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has historical sights, delightful architecture, colorful markets and food hawkers. There is plenty to see and photograph!

Your first major sight of the day is the famed Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Siamese temple built on land given by Britain's Queen Victoria in 1845. The temple is constructed in a Thai Buddhist architectural design and is magnificently ornate with colorful dragons standing guard. Remove your shoes on the temple grounds, and step inside. The interior is decorated with scenes from Buddha's life, vibrantly painted on the walls by leading Thai artists. But the star attraction is undoubtedly the fourth largest reclining Buddha in the world. This magnificent 180-foot statue is draped in gold leaf and lies peacefully asleep with a serene smile on its face.

A short drive brings you to the next unforgettable site, elegant Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a showpiece belonging to wealthy Chung Keng Quee (Kapitan) from China, lavishly furnished with impressive pieces from around the world. Upon entering, you'll note ceramic floors from England, ironwork from Scotland and intricate doors and walls from China. Several wings are filled with thousands of artifacts, and a magnificently carved Chinese screen called a "pingfeng" was believed to block evil spirits from entering into the house.

Your next stop is another magnificent architectural property; Khoo Kongsi is considered by many to be the most picturesque architectural structure in Penang. A kongsi is a clan house, a building where members of a Chinese family gather to worship their ancestors. Construction on these buildings, once reserved only for members of the Leong San Tong (Dragon Mountain Hall) clan, began in 1894 and took over eight years to complete. The original design was reminiscent of the spectacular Chinese Imperial Palace. On the very first night that Khoo Kongsi was finished, it caught fire. Legend has it that the gods were upset by its scale and grandeur. The Khoo Kongsi was rebuilt on a smaller scale; even so, it is an example of the best work by master architects and craftsmen from China and one of the most lavish structures in Southeast Asia.

Your final stop is the century-old Clan Jetties, part of the formation known as the Penang Heritage Trail. The Clan Jetties represent one of the last standing bastions of the Chinese settlements on the island. These homes are raised on stilts, and the water-villages are accessible by a long walkway. There is also a temple and plenty of opportunities for lovely photographs.

Once the last picture has been taken, re-board the motorcoach for the quick drive back to port.