Destinations

 

Penang, Malaysia.
Dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient”, Penang has so much to offer its visitors: charming colonial architecture, ancient places of worship, tropical fauna and flora, hillside retreats and fantastic beaches. Of course, Penang’s mouth-watering delights, in particular, the hawker fare, is a culinary experience not to be missed.

   Penang, Malaysia

SuperStar Virgo Shore Excursions:

Regular Cruises

VPEN-1H – Trishaw Ride in the Pearl of the Orient

First enjoy a sumptuous lunch before heading off to enjoy a scenic Trishaw ride as you ride along the old section of Georgetown. Visit Wat Chayamankalarm temple which houses a large reclining Buddha. Next, head to Clan piers, a Chinese Water Village built on stilts, extending out into the sea. Proceed to the Khoo Kongsi clan temple next which is probably the most celebrated historic attraction in Penang. "Khoo" is the name of the Chinese family clan, whilst "Kongsi" means partnership or a guild set up by immigrant Chinese groups. This temple seen here, was the 2nd to be built after the first was razed in a fire. This courtyard was used in a gripping execution scene in the 2000 movie "Anna and the King", starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yuen-Fatt. Shop for local products before heading back to the ship.

VPEN-2H – Heritage & Temple

Visit the Wat Chayamankalarm temple which houses a large reclining Buddha and is reminiscent of Thai architecture. At this temple, the local Thais celebrate the traditional Buddhist festivals, the Songkran and the Loy Krathong. Also visit the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, which was founded in 1805. The Stupa and Sima Hall feature several early paintings. Shop for local products before heading to Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the finest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, which stands majestically on a hill. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas”. Taking more than 20 years to build, the temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings. There are many stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs along the path to the temple. Shop at Gurney Plaza before returning to the ship.

VPEN-3H – Fruit Farm

Take a guided tour of the Tropical Agro Farm where up to 140 species of tropical fruits and exotic spices grow. Next enjoy a sizzling BBQ lunch with free flow of fresh fruit juices before heading off to shop for local products. Visit one of Penang’s famous temples, the Wat Chayamankalarm which houses a large reclining Buddha and is reminiscent of Thai architecture before heading back to the ship.


VPEN-4H – Shopping Galore

Shopaholics! Head to Prangin Mall and Komtar, Penang’s local malls for some serious shopping. Next shop for some local products before heading to Gurney Plaza for more shopping.

VPEN-5H – Round Island Tour

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before heading to the Batik factory to witness the traditional techniques of batik painting using wax and dyes. Take a short stopovers at a local fruit/spice stall and a Malay Village. Head to the Snake Temple, built in memory of a Buddhist priest and healer. Finally catch a glimpse of the famed Penang Bridge – one of the longest bridges in the world before embarking the ship.

VPEN-6H – Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden

Visit the Butterfly Farm, a sanctuary for over 120 species of rare and exotic tropical butterflies. The farm is complete with a hatchery and a “Preserved Butterflies of the World” museum. Proceed to Tropical Spice Garden, showcasing a living collection of over 500 species of local and introduced flora from Malaysia and around the world, with particular emphasis on tropical herbs and spices, set amongst a lush nature conservation. It is also home to wild animals, birds and insects. Throughout the enchanting grounds are 11 distinct Garden Rooms featuring special plant collections such as herbs, spices, aquatic plants, bamboos, crotons, cycads, ferns, gingers, heliconias, jungle plants, wild orchids and rare palms. Finally shop for local products.


VPEN-7H – Fun In The Sun

For sea lovers who want to experience more sun, sea and sand, head to Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi. Guests on this package are entitled to:-

  • Usage of the resort swimming pool and the beach.
  • 1 pool towel per person.
  • 1 slice of ‘cake of the day’ with 1 beverage (coffee, tea or soft drink)
 

SuperStar Gemini Shore Excursions:

GPEN-1G – Trishaw Ride in the Pearl of the Orient

Visit Wat Chayamankalarm, home to a large reclining Buddha before heading out on an interesting trishaw ride along an old section of Georgetown. Arrive next at the Clan piers, a Chinese Water Village built on stilts, extending out into the sea. This place is known as the Clan Piers because each of the jetties is named after a different Chinese clan. It is a residential area with a very strong community feel. Seven fisherfolk clans have lived here on the wooden jetties for generations. Proceed to Khoo Kongsi next, to view the clan temple, one of the historic attractions in Penang. "Khoo" is the name of the Chinese family clan, whilst "Kongsi" means partnership or a guild set up by immigrant Chinese groups. This temple seen here, was the second to be built after the first was razed in a fire. It was built in 1906, and is a monument of Chuan Chew architecture, which is apparently more elaborate than anything built even in China of that period and style. This courtyard was used in a gripping execution scene in the 2000 movie "Anna and the King", starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yuen-Fatt. Finally head to the Batik factory to witness the traditional techniques of batik painting using wax and dyes.


GPEN-2G – Garden Delights

Arrive at Penang Botanical Gardens, located at the foot of Penang Hill and stroll through the main garden and learn about the local species of flora and fauna while monkeys roam freely. Witness the traditional techniques of batik painting using wax and dyes next at the Batik factory before heading off to the Butterfly Farm. This sanctuary has over 120 species of rare and exotic tropical butterflies and is complete with a hatchery and a “Preserved Butterflies of the World” museum. For nature lovers, visit the Tropical Spice Garden, showcasing a living collection of over 500 species of local and introduced flora from Malaysia and around the world, with particular emphasis on tropical herbs and spices, set amongst a lush nature conservation. It is also home to wild animals, birds and insects. Throughout the enchanting grounds are 11 distinct Garden Rooms featuring special plant collections such as herbs, spices, aquatic plants, bamboos, crotons, cycads, ferns, gingers, heliconias, jungle plants, wild orchids and rare palms.

GPEN-5G – Shopping and Handicrafts

Visit the Batik factory and witness the traditional techniques of batik painting using wax and dyes before heading off to the Royal Selangor Pewter. Be guided through the process of forming, scraping, polishing and packing of pewter products. Visitors will also have ample selection of pewter to purchase from. Finally head for some shopping at Prangin Mall and Gurney Plaza.
Updated as of 31/05/2007