PORTS OF CALL - Asia
Penang, Malaysia
Gorgeous beaches. Abundant culture. Rich history. Excellent food. Truly, there is more to see and experience in Penang than one person can possibly handle. One of the most multicultural cities in all of Asia, Penang is like a concentrated version of the entire continent, while at the same time it maintains an identity all its own.
Don’t Miss
Lose yourself in the architectural wonderland of George Town, which doubles as the state's capital city and its Chinese quarter. From there, the massive and opulent Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is truly something to marvel over. Beach-lovers simply have to kick it for an hour or two on one of the many north coast beaches. And make sure you don't leave without checking out Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple. Finally, if you still have any energy left, there is always the monkey-ridden, 70-acre Botanical Gardens.
Sporting Adventures
As Cambodia's only beach resort community, sporting life in Sihanoukville is squarely focused on the sea. There's snorkelling, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, sea kayaking and sailing. The guesthouses that front the beaches can help arrange most of these activities. Or you could rent a moto (motorcycle taxi) for a tour. This is perhaps the most dangerous activity.
Local Flavors
Khmer cuisine is often thought of as Thai without the spice. Ingredients tend toward seafood locally caught and you should be able to find a good meal simply by walking the many food stalls set up near the beaches and sampling some of the dishes. The best part is that Cambodia is very inexpensive. So do feel free to try a lot of these local fares.
Shopping for Bargains
Shoppers will find it hard if not impossible to resist the 65 stories of Menara KOMTAR, Penang's largest shopping mall and tallest building. However, many other hotspots for shopping exist along the city streets of Georgetown that are every bit as inviting. And at dusk, Batu Feringgi, the main road, turns into a fun night bazaar.
Currency
Penang's currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. Most of the banks that exchange cash are located in downtown George Town, but ATMs can be found in the majority of shopping areas.