Tours/Penang Island/Penang City & Temple Tour With Penang Hill(Fast Lane)
Viator · Private tour

Penang City & Temple Tour With Penang Hill(Fast Lane)

4.9(177)Penang Island1 hour
VIATOR4.9(50)TRIPADVISOR5.0(127)

Description

Even if you have only a short time in Penang, experience the island’s highlights on this action-packed half-day tour. Ride the funicular to the 2,733-foot (833-meter) summit of Penang Hill for breathtaking panoramic views, visit the iconic Kek Lok Si Temple, and explore the vibrant streets of George Town. This is one of the most popular tours on Penang Island, and a favorite choice among cruise passengers looking for a convenient and memorable shore excursion. • Discover the rich multicultural diversity of Penang • Ride the funicular to the summit of Penang Hill • Explore George Town and Kek Lok Si Temple • Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door round-trip transfers

Tour Options

Private Tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

60 min

Chayamangkalaram Temple, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, Streets of George Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wat Chayamangkalaram is a Thai Temple in Penang famous for its large gold plated Reclining Buddha (not a Sleeping Buddha), which at 33 metres, is one of the largest in the world

Admission included120 min

Then you will also visit Penang Hill where you will ride a funicular train to its peak at 833m above sea level to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Georgetown and mainland Butterworth. Colonial bungalows can be found around this hill due to the British preferring to stay in a cooler climate compared to the hot and humid environment in the city.

Admission not included60 min

After that, you will visit Kek Lok Si Temple. Built in 1891 as a small shrine, it has since expanded to become one of the most majestic and largest temples in South-East Asia. Since its founding in 1930, the “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” is considered one of Penang’s most beautiful architectural wonders as it is able to incorporate 3 cultures into one structure – Chinese octagonal base, Thai middle tier and Burmese Crown. A 30.2m Guan Yin – Goddess of Mercy bronze statue was erected in 2002 on the highest point of the temple. It can be reached via an Inclined lift at the middle. On the way, we will stop for some free sampling of Penang’s famous White Coffee/ Tea at Coffee Tree and also at Crown Pewter for demonstration – Witness how Malaysian handicraft is made. End of the tour return to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Highlights

Hotel pickup and drop-off
English speaking Driver
Ticket for Penang Hill Train

What's included

Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
English speaking Driver
Ticket for Penang Hill Train
Not included
Food and Drinks
Gratuities
Personal expenses
No Guide (above 8 Pax Guide service will provide)
Ticket for Kek Lok Si Temple

Pickup Locations & Times

Free hotel pick up & drop off from your hotel located at George Town City Centre (4 km radius). An additional surcharge for hotel pickup outside 4 km radius from the city center is applicable and payable on the day of your activity.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
177 reviews
5
169
4
5
3
2
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Kek Lok Si Temple tickets not included: approx. MYR 16 per adult, MYR 8 per child. Payment is at the counter only in MYR, so please bring cash with you.
  • If exceed tour hours as stated above, additional hour will be charged
  • Itinerary sequence or location may change due to traffic or closure of places of interest
  • Please wait at Hotel Lobby 15 minutes before the time specified on this voucher to start
  • Driver can be late up to 10 - 15 Minutes due to Traffic or any unwanted clauses
  • For temple entry, wear modestand respectful attire, typically covering shoulders, arms, and legs, such as a long dress or pants and a simple top
  • Surcharge 50% to be applied during super peak like Chinese new year / festive season & must be paid on the day of travel
  • Please provide the arrival and departure times for your cruise, the name of the cruise, and confirm if the cruise pickup location has been booked
  • A 50% surcharge will apply for pick-up or drop-off locations outside of George Town.
  • Free pick-up is available within George Town only; pick-up from Seberang Perai (mainland) will require an extra charge.
  • Optional 7-tier Pagoda at Kek Lok Si Temple: RM 2 per person to enter the 7-tier pagoda (optional, not compulsory)

Reviews(177)

F
FellowTraveler677984
August 3, 2026
Cheaper to do it on your own

Driver was great picked us up on time and we drove to The Temple, bought our own tickets (not included) went to Penang Hill express tickets included £16 if we had bought or own. Went into George Town then back to the hotel. Paid £131 for 2 if we had used taxis would have been £50-£60 feel ripped off

8
888shrn
August 2, 2026
Mr. Teh went above and beyond all expectations 100/10.

Mr. Teh Tee is the absolute best tour guide in all of Penang. I am convinced. He was not an "official" guide, as he let us go into places on our own like Penang Hill, but he is a real font of information. Extremely helpful, kind, I wish I had known ahead of time to book him 100% for our trip in Penang, as he was the loveliest, nicest, kindest uncle ever to bring us around. We all wished we had more time to learn from him, visit more of Penang and especially to really take in the city through his eyes. If you get him be sure to consider booking him for the next whole day (Penang is a real mess to drive around in), and he was extremely accommodating to my elderly parents. He went above and beyond.

T
Traveler17869611398
July 31, 2026
Fantastic tour and tour guide!

A big thank you to Mr Teh who drove our family of four around Georgetown, and gave us a tour of Kek Lok Si temple, drove us (and advised us on what to do) to Penang Hill. He also drove us to the Ong family temple, and to the Nyonya Peranakan museum, Chew Jetty, the Fort, as well as several places where the locals eat. Mr. Teh was outstanding, and was chock full of knowledge about everything on the tour and on the history of Penang. Without his insights and experience, you would never know the finer details of what you're looking at, or experiencing. Without his driving skills and navigation around Georgetown, you would never be able to go anywhere without the fear of causing an accident or getting lost (the traffic here is crazy, the streets are very narrow and there are a ton of pedestrians and motorcycles). Parking is also nearly non existent in the downtown area. Finally, without his knowledge of where to go around the town, you could miss most of the best places to see in your limited time in Georgetown. These things are exactly why you must book him for as a tour guide.

R
Roving35674574876
July 25, 2026
Great accompaniment

Even with a very last-minute booking, everything worked out wonderfully. Our guide was very friendly and accommodating, we saw and learned a lot and were more than satisfied. Many thanks

7
741anirudhj
July 22, 2026
Great Tour

Very knowledgeable guide and great information about Penang

R
rrI3352SP
July 21, 2026
great tour with Lek Lok Si temple as the highlight

this tour is well worth taking. It is self guided as were were less than 8 (just 2 of us) and they give you a driver. The tour is pretty self explanatory. The views from the top of Penang hill are amazing if you luck out with the weather, as we did. The funicular is a fun ride to experience but fast lane is a MUST or you will have a long wait. Walk up to David Browns cafe and have a cold one up there. The building is well worth seeing. You really only need an hour up here on the hill at most. Lek Lok Si Temple is the highlight of this tour, take your time to walk through the multiple temples and climb up the pagoda. The itinerary says this is only and hour but you can easily spend multiple hours walking through these temples. I would spend more time here than on Penang Hill. Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple, as well as the Burmese temple across the street, are beautiful. Walk up to the top of the pagoda in the Burmese temple. 45 in both temples if plenty but worth seeing.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing such a detailed review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Penang City & Temple Tour with Penang Hill and had the opportunity to explore the beautiful temples and scenic views of Penang. We're glad the fast-track access for the funicular helped you make the most of your time and that you enjoyed the experience at Penang Hill. It's wonderful to know that Kek Lok Si Temple was a highlight of your visit and that you appreciated the cultural beauty of the temples included in the tour. We truly value your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Penang. Best regards, M. Zaid

C
Chris_A
July 15, 2026
Simply exceptional!

Simply exceptional! Our guide Danny, is the most amazing man, truly such a nice person. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Five stars is not enough. A great private tour and you learn so much. My partner Vivianne and I would highly recommend this tour and if you can, ask for Danny. To Danny, many, many thanks for the tour and all your kindness. Truly appreciated!

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for your simply exceptional review. We're truly delighted to hear that you and Vivianne had such a memorable experience on the Penang City & Temple Tour with Penang Hill. It's wonderful to know that Danny's knowledge, kindness, and accommodating nature made your private tour so special. We greatly appreciate your high recommendation and your kind words for Danny, and we will be happy to share your appreciation with him. We hope to welcome you both again for another wonderful journey in Penang. Best regards, M. Zaid

S
Seema_V
July 14, 2026
Lovely day

As two families with pre teen and teenage children we had a great day and Gshan was very knowledgable with great insight to all of our questions. We had a brilliant day

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear that you and your families had a brilliant day exploring Penang with Gshan. It's wonderful to know that his knowledge and insights helped make the tour enjoyable for both adults and children. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Penang. Best regards, M. Zaid

M
Mpcaudibert
July 6, 2026
Simply exceptional!

Simply exceptional! Our guide Danny is the most amazing man, truly such a nice person. Very knowledgeable and accomodating. Five stars is not enough. A great private tour and you learn so much. My partner Vivianne and I would highly recommend this tour and if you can, ask for Danny. To Danny, many, many thanks for the tour and all your kindness. Truly appreciated!

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for your exceptional review. We're delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience on the Penang City & Temple Tour with Penang Hill. It's wonderful to know that Danny's knowledge, kindness, and attentive service made your tour truly special. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us, and we will be sure to share your appreciation with Danny. We hope to welcome you and Vivianne again for another wonderful experience in Penang. Best regards, M. Zaid

R
ramihK1450MN
June 25, 2026
Beautiful trip with temples and Penang Hill

We had an excellent trip. Mr. Ong Aun is a very friendly guide.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that you had an excellent experience exploring Penang Hill and the beautiful temples. We're glad that Mr. Ong Aun provided friendly service and helped make your tour enjoyable. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another memorable journey in Penang. Best regards, M. Zaid

You might also like...

4.9(177)
Book now