A Day On Penang Island, Malaysia
Before we dive in, if you’re more of a watcher than a reader, I’ve got you covered.
🎥 Click here to check out the full Phuket day trip video on YouTube
We arrived at Penang Island just as the sun began to rise, casting golden light over the shoreline. From the upper deck of the cruise ship, the island looked like a tranquil paradise, with Georgetown’s skyline faintly outlined in the morning haze. It was a beautiful and peaceful welcome to Malaysia.
Wat Chayamangkalaram
After a short delay due to a minor mechanical issue with our tour bus, we were off to explore. Our first destination was Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai Buddhist temple in the heart of Georgetown. The temple is best known for housing one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues, stretching an impressive 33 meters in length. Before entering, we removed our shoes—a customary practice at many temples in Southeast Asia. A small sign at the entrance caught my attention: “Beware of Shoe Thieves.” Our tour guide, prepared for this possibility, had written his name directly on his shoes. Not a bad idea.
The temple grounds were vibrant and colorful, with four large dragon statues flanking the entrance and smaller figures of guards and mythical beings scattered throughout. It was both a visual feast and a peaceful start to the day.
Artist hand painting Batik fabric
Next, we made our way to Craft Batik, a workshop dedicated to the traditional Malaysian art of batik fabric-making. Here, we watched local artisans skillfully apply wax stamps to cloth before dyeing them in vivid colors. It was mesmerizing to see how much time and care went into each design. Naturally, the tour ended in a gift shop where we had the chance to purchase scarves, sarongs, and other handmade items crafted on-site.
Entopia Butterfly Farm
Our third stop was Entopia Butterfly Farm, one of Penang’s most beloved attractions. This wasn’t just a butterfly garden—it was an immersive nature experience. The space was lush and tropical, filled not only with fluttering butterflies but also insects, reptiles, and small animals. It felt like walking through a living fairytale.
After the butterflies, we headed to Hotel JEN Penang where we were served a well-deserved lunch. The food was satisfying, and the cool comfort of the hotel was a welcome break from the tropical heat.
Kek Lok Si Temple
With full stomachs, we continued to our next destination: Kek Lok Si Temple. Known as one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si is a sprawling complex perched on a hill in Air Itam. The temple features tiered roofs, vibrant murals, and an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. As expected, there were stairs—lots of them. But the views from the upper levels made the climb worth it, offering a panoramic look over the city below.
By the time we wrapped up at Kek Lok Si, I was starting to feel the wear and tear of the day. There was one final stop left on the tour, but I was running out of steam. I asked the driver if I could be dropped off at the port early. He agreed—but not before I signed a waiver. Once back in town, I made the walk to the port on foot, wandering through Georgetown’s streets and taking in the fading afternoon light.
Along the way, I stumbled upon something unexpected—one of the largest sticks of incense I’ve ever seen, burning slowly in front of a shrine. It was a perfect way to end a day full of cultural sights, vibrant color, and spiritual beauty.
Click here to watch the full Phuket day trip video on YouTube
