Heritage Jewels Of Georgetown

Georgetown’s rich heritage comes to life as you explore its landmark temples and historical residences, which include an ornate mansion, clan house and Chinese immigrant community.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through Georgetown, a former trading post that was under British colonial rule until 1957. So many reminders of its illustrious past have been restored that Georgetown has become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

For an enlightening look into its religious heritage, you will visit the Reclining Buddha Temple, known locally as the Sleeping Buddha Temple. Built in 1845, the temple houses an enormous, gold-plated statue of Buddha in a reclining position that symbolizes complete peace. A short walk across the street brings you to an even older Burmese Buddhist temple, the only one outside of Myanmar. Small statues of serene-faced Buddha left by devotees and beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s journey adorn the inside.

Then, it’s on to Chung Keng Kooi Mansion, also known as Baba Nyonya Mansion. Beautifully ornate and full of antiques, it was once the home of a Chinese Kapitan that was the head of the Hai San secret society. For a different perspective of Chinese family life, you will see Khoo Kongsi, a 650-year-old clan house built to celebrate the success of the Khoo family.

Finally, on the way back to the pier, you will stop at Chew Jetty, a settlement of wooden houses on stilts that Chinese immigrants built in the 19th century.