Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill Guided Tour

The Penang Island Tour offers half-day and full-day options to explore Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and George Town’s heritage districts with local guides.

Highlights

• Ride the Penang Hill funicular with Fast Lane tickets included
• Explore Kek Lok Si Temple with a licensed local guide
• Taste authentic Penang assam laksa at a well-known local eatery
• Walk through George Town’s UNESCO-listed streets and clan houses
• Enjoy a trishaw ride through heritage districts and cultural quarters (Full-Day option only)

Description

This tour provides a comprehensive overview of Penang, combining hilltop viewpoints, religious sites, local cuisine, and historical neighborhoods. Both half-day and full-day tours start with hotel pickup and a ride on the historic Penang Hill Funicular using Fast Lane tickets.

At the hilltop, guests have free time to take panoramic views. Next, a licensed guide leads a visit to Kek Lok Si Temple, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complexes, highlighting its pagodas, statues, and gardens before allowing independent exploration.

The experience continues with a tasting of Penang’s famed assam laksa, a sour fish-based noodle soup flavored with tamarind and fresh herbs. This dish is ranked number 7 on CNN’s World’s Best Foods list.

After lunch, a scenic drive along the waterfront leads into historic George Town. Half-day tour guests conclude at St. George’s Church, while full-day guests continue with a guided heritage walk starting at Chew Jetty. The walk includes visits to clan houses and landmarks such as the Khoo Kongsi clan temple and notable street art along Chulia Street.

The full-day option features a traditional trishaw ride through George Town’s old quarters, passing the Street of Harmony, Little India, and former historic sites once linked to brothels and opium dens. The tour ends at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, where guests may visit the museum independently or explore more of George Town. Dining options include Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery next door.

Includes

• Hotel pickup in George Town area (alternative meeting point at Penang Hill Funicular entrance for guests outside George Town)
• English-speaking tour guide
• Air-conditioned transfer
• Penang Funicular Train Fast Lane tickets
• Authentic assam laksa lunch with one local coffee or tea
• Trishaw ride (two persons per trishaw, full-day option only)
• Entrance fee to Khoo Kongsi clan temple (full-day option only)

Excludes

• Hotel drop-off
• Personal expenses
• Inclined lift to Goddess of Mercy Statue at Kek Lok Si Temple

Important Information

• Please provide your hotel name and address to arrange the pickup service.
• Assam laksa is a non-vegetarian dish prepared according to its traditional recipe; ingredient substitutions are not available.
• The half-day tour ends at St. George's Anglican Church.
• The full-day tour continues with visits to the Clan Jetties, Khoo Kongsi, and a trishaw ride through historic George Town.

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera. Morning departures are recommended to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Book early to secure your preferred tour option.