03.20.2024 George Town , Malaysia

George Town is the colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. Once an important Straits of Malacca trading hub, the city is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques. Beyond the old town, George Town is a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping malls. Verdant Penang Hill, with hiking and a funicular railway, overlooks it all.
Today’s optional excursion: We rode the funicular railway to the peak of Penang Hill, and visited Kek Lok Si, Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple.
Our tram climbed to the summit of Penang's highest hill, Bukit Bendera, which reaches an altitude of over 2,700 feet above sea level. From here we enjoyed a spectacular panoramic view overlooking George Town and the Strait of Malacca.
Diana (Myron’s knees did not want to go that many steps) saw the Penang Hill Mosque, or Masjid Bukit Bendera, it is the only mosque on Penang Hill. Erected for use by Muslims living and working on the Hill, the mosque is located at a short distance from the Hindu Temple. The majority of users of the mosque are those working at the stalls near the Penang Hill Railway Station, government servants working on Penang Hill
She then visited Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan, or better known as the Penang Hill Hindu Temple, is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. It was set up in the 1800's as a small shrine to the Hindu deity Murugan (the deity associated with Thaipusam) by the Indian sepoys and sedan chair carriers, and is located at a mount within Penang Hill called Gun Hill.
Next, we traveled to the Kek Lok Si Temple-one of the best-known Buddhist temples on the island and one of the biggest and most stunning in all of Southeast Asia. Its striking seven-tiered pagoda blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship, and the sacred Pond of Longevity is home to hundreds of tortoises. In Chinese culture, tortoises are a symbol of longevity, strength, and endurance, and here they are set free by local worshippers.
While at the temple we went to see the 36.57-metre-tall (120 ft) bronze statue of Guanyin (Kuan Yin), the Goddess of Mercy.
Lunch was on the 21st floor of a hotel. Great views. The spaghetti was spicy!
Dinner tonight was with Randy and Vicki at the Chef’s table. We experienced the Xian menu tonight. Good food and great company.
We end the evening with Chris Powley, the voice of legends.
Clocks back an hour do yea! we get some extra sleep. Czytaj więcej