The temples - Kek Lok Si of course, Wat Chayamangkalaram with the sleeping buddha, the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple has beautiful gardens, Sri Mahamariamman Temple with it's colourful statues, also Khoo Kongsi Temple and don't miss Chew Jetty.
I did a couple of (private) tours organised by the hotel at their tour desk, Winnie was wonderful and organised it all in a matter of minutes. As I effectively had only one day to see everything, this was the best option.
Penang Hill and Temple Tour
My first was by car, my driver was also my guide and included a ride on the funicular train to Penang Hill, a visit to Kek Lok Si temple. As the railway was closed for renovations, Discovery Overland Tours altered the itinery and after seeing Kek Lok Si, we went driving along some lovely streets full of marvelous heritage buildings, then went to Wat Chaiyamangalaram Temple, the botanic gardens, (the, short train ride was incluided), Sri Mahamariamman Temple followed by a lovely drive along Gurney Drive where my driver stopped for me to have lunch (lunch not included). The tour started at 8.30am and went for five hours.
Although I was a little disappointed the funicular train was still not operating, it actually worked out well because I got to see all the temples I had ear-marked on my "must see" list.
Penang Heritage & Trishaw Tour
The second tour I did was the Penang Heritage & Trishaw tour which included Fort Cornwallis (outside view), Weld Quay ~ Chew Jetty, Khoo Kongsi, Street of Harmony, Little India (Mahamariamman Temple), the Penang Peranakan Mansion and English high tea at the E & O Hotel. This tour went for four hours and started at 2.00pm.
These tours are "private" tours and I can see the difference between doing a private tour which is one on one and doing a day tour with a driver and about 40 other people on a bus.
These tours were run by Discovery Overland Tours and they had a tour desk at the Bayview.
All their drivers and guides wear floral green shirts.
As there was so much to see, I will post about the places I visited in my next posts.
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