Our journey to Penang this morning takes us past the royal town of Kuala Kangsar where we’ll visit the majestic Ubudiah Mosque, ranked as one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques with its white marble and massive golden dome. Stop at the Penang Batik Handicraft Center to observe how Malaysian batik is being made. Afterwards we’ll visit the workshop of a traditional keris maker to learn about how these elaborately carved daggers are made and hear all about their spiritual meaning to the local people who believe that they possess magical powers. Later we’ll drive over one of the longest bridges in Southeast Asia before arriving in Penang, which we’ll have an opportunity to explore at leisure after checking in to our hotel.
This afternoon we will experience the majestic Kok Lok Si Temple and ascend Penang Hill by funicular railway.
Kek Lok Si is a temple complex built in 1891 and is considered one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia. See the 10,000 statues of Buddha, wander around the temple and discover the Pond of Longevity where hundreds of tortoises can be found year round and see the enormous Kuan Yin Pavilion that is about 80 metres tall. Later, ascend Penang Hill on the Swiss funicular railway passing through hill farms and lush tropical rain forest. During the ride, enjoy breath-taking views of the island of Penang and Mainland Malaysia
Accommodations: Shangri La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa