We spent the day exploring Penang, one of Malaysia’s most densely populated and urbanized states with the highest GDP per capita. During the morning, we had three options of excursions. Guests set out to explore the capital of George Town with a food tour or a UNESCO Heritage Walking tour. George Town along with the town of Maleka were part of the Straits Settlements, a British crown colony that also included Singapore. In 2008, both cities were jointly added to the UNESCO list. George Town is noted for its late 18th century residential and commercial buildings from the British era. The third group of guests went to explore the Habitat Nature Discovery, an outdoor adventure center in the rainforest on the island, which is part of the UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
After lunch, we went to visit Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple. The colorful temple is an important pilgrimage site in Southeast Asia.
