Celebrity Cruise, Spice Route. Penang, Malaysia. January 2026

 Celebrity Cruise, Millennium. Penang, Malaysia.

29 January 2026

Well rested from the sea day yesterday,  and having enjoyed our first 'Evening Chic' night with a 'Totally 80s Party'.  I woke at 07.00 as the Millennium sailed into the port of Georgetown, Penang. 

The ship docked at Swettenham Pier, and it is walking distance to the main sights of Georgetown.

Georgetown, with its preserved colonial architecture and traditional shophouses was listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 2007, and is one of the most visited city's in Malaysia. 

Penang

Penang

As we had not received permission to leave the ship, we went for breakfast in the very busy Ocean View buffet restaurant, the eggs Florentine were outstanding! 

Then as soon as we were advised we could leave the ship we were off! 

As we walked out of the cruise port terminal, there were lots of tour operators offering tours of Georgetown and its surrounds, and out side the terminal building many taxis and rickshaws offering tours. 

Penang Hill Railway Funicular

Penang Hill Railway Funicular

Penang Hill Railway Funicular

I had booked the Penang Hill Railway Funicular on line. So we ordered a Grab Taxi via the app and were at the lower station at about 08.30, just before the crowds arrived. 

Penang hill is Malaysia's oldest hill station as it was developed in 1897. You can choose to hike to the top or ride the Penang Hill Railway, built in 1923. As the hike can be three hours or more I choose the later and the funicular whisked us up to the top of the hill in about 5 minutes.

There was a lot to do once at the top of the hill. Firstly was walked to The Habitat, a canopy walk and a tree top walk. Enjoyed the views and explored the temples and old gate house. 

Penang Hill 

Penang Hill 

Penang Hill 

Penang Hill 

Penang Hill 

Penang Hill 

I had not realised how cool it was at the top of the hill until we came back down. Once at the lower station the heat and humidity hit you! From then on the day got progressively hotter and hotter.  

We went into George Town and explored the heritage buildings, sadly Fort Cornwallis was closed for renovations. 

Penang

Penag

Penang

We stopped for a drink at the beautiful - and air conditioned!- Eastern and Oriental Hotel. 

Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Penang

We really enjoyed our short stop in Penang with its mixture of cultures, interesting history, Colonial and traditional buildings.

The time ashore was from 08.00 to 17.30, and this gave us plenty of time to explore and enjoy the stop. 

Back on the ship, this evenings attire was 'Smart Casual', we enjoyed a Martini at the Martini Bar, and watched the Bar Flair Show. Enjoyed our dinner, did the music pub quiz, but gave the Beatles party in the sky lounge a miss.