Port guide: George Town (Penang), Malaysia
Who goes there
Penang sits just off the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia and is visited by ships either making South-East Asian cruises, or longer cruises that are trekking towards Australia or India. Among lines that visit are Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea.
Sail on in
The Malacca Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping routes, so you'll be dodging container ships as you approach Penang Island and squeeze between it and the mainland. You'll first spot a lighthouse, then suburban high-rises and beaches. The cruise terminal sports orange roofs over which, if your ship's decks are high enough, you'll see the ruins of old British Fort Cornwallis.
Berth rites
At busy times, ships might be anchored and guests tendered ashore. Otherwise, ships of any size will dock at Swettenham Pier from which – if you don't mind the humidity – you can walk into town. Taxis and trishaws need firm negotiations; a free CAT bus takes you around major sights. The small terminal is an historical building, greatly overhauled in 2010, with few facilities beyond currency exchange and desultory shops. No need to linger because you'll find everything you need (and a few things you don't) in this buzzing trading town.
Going ashore
The entire old town, founded by the British in 1786, is World Heritage listed. Handsome colonial-era buildings include its landmark white clock tower, State Legislature and Church of St George. Penang Museum has idiosyncratic historical displays including a Rolls-Royce riddled with bullet holes in which a British governor-general was assassinated. Among notable temples are Sri Mariamman (Hindu), Goddess of Mercy (Chinese) and Kapitan Keling and Jamek mosques. But never mind the sights: George Town is a wander-worthy place in which to take in rickety alleys, fabulous food stalls, fashion boutiques and traditional shops, and an eccentric variety of wonderful street art.
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