Day 02  Bukit Mertajam/Penang(Optional)/Singapore (B)

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Penang Island. Cross the Penang Bridge.

Penang Bridge is one of the longest bridge in Asia and the third longest in the world. The bridge connects the island to the mainland and offers unparalleled ocean views with 13.5km. Engineers designed the bridge to withstand earthquakes measuring up to 7.5 on the Richter scale, an amazing feat of craftsmanship.

Cross the bridge, drive into Penang Island via Gurney drive, most well-known for its happenings, and explore the Gurney drive along with other coastal sea views and attractions, especially the Gurney sea view.

Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm, reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings. From an unpopulated ‘Betel Nut Island’ it led George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. It is also a food capital of Malaysia, entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.

Start the tour with the Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera which is about 735m above sea level, located in Penang Island. It is the oldest of the four hill stations of colonial origin in Peninsular Malaysia.

The old funicular railway, known as Penang Hill Railway or Keretapi Bukit, the Swiss-built funicular was completed in 1923 and has trundled up and down ever since and made its final run on the 87-year-old track. Pictures below.

It is replaced with the new coaches and the journey time will be 10 minutes rather than 30 minutes on the old system.

Enjoy the climate and spectacular views over the island and mainland, gardens, an old-fashioned kiosk and a restaurant, as well as a lavishly decorated Hindu temple at the top. Enjoy watching the panoramic view of Georgetown and the Straits of Malacca. Take some water and food on longer walks. After exploring the Penang Hill, take the train downhill.

Next, visit George Town, named by the British after King George III, is Penang’s capital city. The government centre and its financial heart, George Town is an interesting and bustling city with modern high rise buildings, cathedrals, mosques, government offices, temples, bazaars, shops and cafes. A myriad of delights, George Town is very compact – the older part of the city is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleyways, which makes it a pleasure to walk and sightseeing.

Pesiaran King Edward, The Clock Tower was presented to Penang by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It towers 60 feet in high, one foot for each year of Her Majesty's reign. The Queen had died by the time the clock tower was finally completed in 1920.

The Esplanade is located next to Fort Cornwallis, a popular waterfront promenade which stretches from the hawker stalls at one end to the clock tower at the other. Central in the Esplanade is the Padang, a huge square of town green.

Standing proudly beside is the City Hall, a stately colonial building which is a fine example of British Palladian architecture featuring magnificent Corinthian columns and huge windows. It was once the seat of local government.

After the tour, depart Penang Island before the traffic start slowing down due to the office hours which heads to the bridge and the mainland.

After crossing the bridge, have an arranged Set Lunch at a restaurant as scheduled at (1.00pm to 2.00pm). After lunch, pick up some snacks and biscuits for the rest of the journey.

Continue your journey, you will enjoy the panoramic, scenic mountains and forest on both sides on the day time journey from the northern region down south.

Nearing Kuala Kangsar, you will get to experience admirable scenic, view of the soaring karsts mounts of 800 meters in length, the longest tunnel along the North-South Expressway, the Menora Tunnel.

Some half an hour drive after the tunnel, you will come across the longest bridge on the expressway, the Jambatan Sultan Azlan Shah across the Perak River. It is 300 meters long and is almost in the boundary of the state of Perak.

Sungai Perak is the 'River of Life' for Perak State in Malaysia. It flows over 400km in a 15,000 km2 catchment that covers 70% of the state lands. The second longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, it starts from the north-western corner of the state, flows south to Teluk Intan, where it bends westward and into the Straits of Malacca.

The river divides the state into two nearly equal halves and thus forms its natural backbone. And this river of life is special in many ways.

You may be able to see the river crossing the bridge before it turns dark approximately 7.30pm.

The highway heading to south from the northern region, especially as you are reaching Ipoh, the limestone caves, hills and views are simply amazing and wonderful. 

The highway Tapah south bound R&R is almost middle of the North South highway.  Have a quick stop here to stretch out and to use the toilet before you start your journey back to Singapore. Our bus will drop you in Singapore, Kranji MRT station for your convenient transfer back home. 

********************* End of Tour *******************

Package includes:-

• Exclusive 40 seater A/C Bus for 38 pax with transfers at all pick up and drop off points throughout the journey.

• English speaking guide throughout the tour.

• Travel Insurance & Medical claim (Singapore).

• 1 Homestay with 4 rooms with 4 baths (5 pax/room) to freshen up (2 hour only).

• 1 Breakfast at any restaurant nearby Homestay vicinity.

• 1 night in 3* hotel with breakfast.

• Pilgrimage return transfer to St Anne Church Bukit Mertajam.

• City tour and sightseeing in Penang Island as highlighted (Optional).

• Penang City tour with Train ride to Penang Hill with ticket (Optional).

• 1 Dinner after Novena feast in an Indian restaurant.

• 1 Lunch on departure day at Indian or Chinese restaurant.

Package excludes:-

• International/Domestic Airfare & Visa application

• Other Meals except specifically mentioned in the includes

• Tipping for driver/Guide (Appreciated if contributed)

• All Calls, Laundry, alcoholic or Non Alcoholic beverages or bottled water used in hotel, items ordered on room service, mini bar etc.

• All others specifically not mentioned in the includes.

Remarks:

• Above quotation is for 40 pax traveling in July 2024.

• Reservation and bookings of hotel has not been made till further confirmation and payment received from guest.

• Itinerary mentioned above is subject to changes according to your arrival time.

• Full payment shall be made at least 3 weeks in advance before travelling date, for accommodation and transportation bookings.

• Children below 12 is not accommodated in this package, due to the unmanageable crowd at St Anne’s Feast.

• No refund for cancellation at any time after payment confirmed with all bookings done.

• (Insurance and Medical claim implies only for Malaysian citizens from departure till return date on end of tour).