Port guide: George Town (Penang), Malaysia

Diverse ethnic groups have created an eclectic variety of architecture, religions, cultural observances and cuisines in the quirky capital of island-state Penang

Who goes there

Penang sits just off the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia and is visited by ships either making South-East Asian cruises, or longer cruises that are trekking towards Australia or India. Among lines that visit are Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea.

City Hall, Penang.

Sail on in

The Malacca Strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, so you’ll be dodging container ships as you approach Penang Island and squeeze between it and the mainland. You’ll first spot a lighthouse, then suburban high-rises and beaches. The cruise terminal sports orange roofs over which, if your ship’s decks are high enough, you’ll see the ruins of old British Fort Cornwallis.

Berth rites

At busy times, ships might be anchored and guests tendered ashore. Otherwise, ships of any size will dock at Swettenham Pier from which – if you don’t mind the humidity – you can walk into town. Taxis and trishaws need firm negotiations; a free CAT bus takes you around major sights. The small terminal is an historical building, greatly overhauled in 2010, with few facilities beyond currency exchange and desultory shops. No need to linger because you’ll find everything you need (and a few things you don’t) in this buzzing trading town.

Going ashore

The entire old town, founded by the British in 1786, is World Heritage listed. Handsome colonial-era buildings include its landmark white clock tower, State Legislature and Church of St George. Penang Museum has idiosyncratic historical displays including a Rolls-Royce riddled with bullet holes in which a British governor-general was assassinated. Among notable temples are Sri Mariamman (Hindu), Goddess of Mercy (Chinese) and Kapitan Keling and Jamek mosques. But never mind the sights: George Town is a wander-worthy place in which to take in rickety alleys, fabulous food stalls, fashion boutiques and traditional shops, and an eccentric variety of wonderful street art.

Don’t miss

The magnificent sights of Khoo Kongsi, a Chinese clan house adorned with traditional paintings, a glut of gold leaf and writhing dragons. Inside, you can inspect the proud ancestral tablets of the Khoo family and learn about its contribution to Georgetown’s history.

Street art, George Town.

Get active

Take the funicular ride that hoists you atop former colonial hill resort Penang Hill, where you’ll find plenty of hiking trails through rainforest with magnificent outlooks over the town, island and mainland beyond. Chinese temples and faded Victorian mansions add interest. An elevated tree-canopy walkway provides an up-close encounter with rainforest creatures such as langurs and monkeys. Aim for early morning to avoid the worst of the heat.

Best bites

Penang has the best food in South-East Asia thanks to its multiculturalism, historical influences and proximity to Thailand. Popular dishes include Indian murtabak (a pancake folded over vegetables and chicken and cooked on a griddle) and Chinese stir-fried noodles such as the crab, prawn and egg char kway teow. Look out for Nonya dishes, a fusion of Malay and Chinese, such as fish-head curry, pork stew and laksa. Two scrumptious Malay dishes are meat rendang and rojak, a spicy seafood and fruit salad topped with crushed peanuts.

Further afield

Excursions will take you around the island to see temples, butterfly farms and spice plantations. A highlight is Kek Lok, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, which sits on a hill outside just beyond George Town and is decorated with Chinese calligraphy, bronze statues and thousands of Buddha images. The complex is topped by a seven-tiered pagoda with sweeping Penang views.