The best way to gain an insight into exciting Asia

As avid travellers, we were hesitant about booking our first large ship cruise. However, we reassured ourselves that the voyage would be long enough to form an opinion on whether this type of travel suited us and short enough to manage if we decided that cruising on liners wasn’t for us. The Taste of Asia cruise embarked and disembarked in Singapore, our preferred stopover destination, with day stops in Penang, Malaysia, and Phuket, Thailand. It was the best way to gain an insight into exciting Asia.

Things to do in Singapore pre-departure

Upon arriving in Singapore, we had the evening before our embarkation to explore so we strolled down Bras Basah Road to a nearby kopitiam, a food hall known for its authentic Asian cuisine to have dinner. Hawker centres are highly recommended for finding fresh Asian food. We particularly enjoy the kopitiams for their wide selection of freshly cooked and affordable meals, which are popular among locals all over Singapore.

Dinner is followed by a walk to Boat Quay nearby. Boat Quay is a different tourist experience. Full of eateries, restauranteurs stand outside touting their menus. Our experience has been that beverages are expensive and the food not of the quality you’ll find in more modest eateries around town, However, Boat Quay is always full of tourists meeting other tourists enjoying the waterfront atmosphere.

Since our sailing was in the late afternoon the next day, we had a free morning in Singapore so we took the opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens and grab something to eat at one of our favourite breakfast spots, Rocky Master followed by a detour to try out some fresh tropical fruit at Bugis Markets.

Setting off on the cruise

Once checked out of the hotel, the taxi ride to the cruise port is twenty minutes long and reality sunk in as we drew up at the ship. It was gigantic! We were travelling on Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas.

Our check-in time was pre-arranged and we’d pre-loaded our documentation on the cruise operator’s app so getting on board was quick, efficient and problem-free so we had plenty of time to settle in and explore the ship’s facilities before we set sail.

Departure was in the late afternoon and Singapore looked glorious as we drifted away.

The Ports

George Town, Penang, Malaysia

What we particularly liked about this cruise was that the ship didn’t spend time out in the open sea. Most of the journey to Phuket and back was spent hugging the coastline enabling passengers to see the diverse landscape of Malaysia and Thailand and at times close enough to observe small settlements on land and the small islands.

The last time we visited Malaysia we arrived in Singapore and entered the country using a different mode of transport. We travelled to Kuala Lumpur by bus with a stay in Malacca.

Penang is further north of Kuala Lumpur and this time we drifted north through the Malacca Straits docking in George Town just after lunch the day after embarking on the cruise.

As hoards of passengers boarded tour buses to see the sights around the wider Penang or go on shopping sprees in the malls at the skyscraper end of town, we stepped off the ship to enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town just metres from where we had docked. We agreed that we would have plenty of time to complete a more detailed and meaningful visit to the island city at another time.

The charming colonial architecture is the first thing that catches captures your eye as you step past the taxi drivers and tour operators vying for your custom at the exit of the port compound. We were instantly drawn towards the beautiful buildings and decided to save a walk along the seafront promenade for later in the day. While nowhere near extensive, below are some of the highlights of our afternoon in the old town of George Town.

Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

The first thing that caught our eye as we emerged from the port was the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. Sitting on a small but busy intersection of Light and Beach Streets, the clock tower was commissioned by a wealthy businessman and built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Interesting fact: The clock tower stands 60 feet tall, one foot for each year of Queen Victoria’s reign.

The Street of Harmony

Malaysia is a multicultural melting pot and George Town provides a perfect example of how Indians, Chinese, and Malay live harmoniously together with respect for each other’s faith for over two centuries. George Town was also home to Armenian migrants who arrived in the port city in the early 1800s.

A short walk along Beach Street from the Queen Victoria Clock Tower, it was not hard to find Farquhar Street. Starting from the seaside end of the street we strolled along stopping first at St Georges Church. The church was built in the 18th century by the British East India Company when they maintained a strong presence and base in George Town. It was mid-afternoon and the church was closed but we made the most of enjoying the exterior and lawns.

Further along, and on the same side of the street, there is a lot of activity at the Kuan Yin Temg Temple. The temple is also known as the Goddess of Mercy and dates back to 1728. A steady stream of people pray at the altar lighting incense although the first thing that captures our attention is the huge incense sticks burning at the front of the temple.

The huge incense sticks capture our attention along with a steady stream of people praying at the altar.

Next is the Sri Mahamariamman Temple which opened in the early 19th century. The exterior of the temple is designed in a traditional South Indian style with deities adorning the shrine and was built to cater to the large South Indian population who have made Penang their home. Unfortunately for us, the temple was closed at the time we passed by.

A little further, we arrive at the Masjid Kapitan Keling surrounded by beautiful gardens. The mosque was built in the 1800s and like the monuments started out as a small building that over time was replaced by the grand structure that sits there today. We were encouraged to enter the mosque for a visit. Arms and legs are required to be covered when visiting inside and we noticed that coverings were offered for visitors who were not appropriately attired.

Chulia Street

Chulia Street is the heart of old George Town and is long enough to have two distinctive ends. It intersects with Harmony Street.

We started off our exploration by turning right at the intersection to walk towards the China Town end. Beautiful colonial buildings, and small businesses operating out of the shopfronts selling all manner of brick brack and commodities mixed with street stalls offering hardware, it was a feast for the eyes. We had a great time strolling along the street and peering into the shops to see what was on offer and enjoying the snippets of cold air from the airconditioners wafting onto the pavement. Did we mention that the temperature was around 35deg Celcius?

It was late afternoon by the time we arrived at the end of the street and before we walked towards the other end, a refreshment break was required and we were drawn into colourful heritage-listed Chulia Court, a cafe by day, and a music bar by night. It was still too early for music but we were warmly greeted by the owner who served us crisp cold beers which we enjoyed by the fans.

We could easily have spent a few couple of hours appreciating the atmosphere and watching the streetlife from the comfort of the bar but time was limited so we started back towards the intersection to visit the Little India end of Chulia Street.

Starting in Chulia Street, Little India spread over a compact area of four streets close to the port. It’s a little piece of the home country for the Indian community who came to work in Malaysia as agricultural and plantation workers and spice traders.

We walked along the street immersed in the jumble of incense and spice fragrances and window displays endowed with brightly coloured saris, or laden with heavy and extravagantly filigreed 24-carat gold jewellery. A true attack on the senses and eyes.

On one corner we were tempted to stop at an India-style cart selling freshly roasted peanuts, chickpeas, and snacks and bought a couple of packs to nibble on as we continued on.

The Esplanade Promenade

Slowly, we wound our way past more charming British-era buildings with shaded verandahs to make our way back to the waterfront. By now, it was early evening and the George Town inhabitants were finishing work and congregating in the park in front of the waterfront promenade, strolling the promenade or simply catching up with each other on the seawall.

Cycle Rickshaw operators stood by to offer their services but we were more interested in the architecture of the two regal buildings next to the Esplanade, the City Hall and the Town Hall adjacent. Both are British-built and a reflection of times past.

Fort Cornwallis

We had expected Fort Cornwallis, Malaysia’s oldest and largest fort, to be one of the highlights of our short time in George Town. It’s one of George Town’s most famous landmarks, it’s where Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang Island first landed in 1786. Unfortunately, for us, the Fort is barricaded out of sight while it undergoes restoration, so we will have to wait for a future visit to explore further.

Esplanade Park Food Court

What better way to complete our time in George Town than partake in one of the local specialities, Char Koay Teow.

We’ve learnt during our travels to seek out the best eating establishments by looking at where the locals eat and when we had passed by earlier in the day, the Esplanade Park Food Court was busy. So it was at the modest food court that we decided to enjoy the local cuisine with a few young families having an early evening meal like us. A number of stalls were still preparing to reopen for the evening but we were lucky to find one open which had Char Koay Teow on their menu.

True to its reputation, the stir-fried flat noodle dish was delicious accompanied by the Penang version of the Klebang Coconut Shake (cold coconut water with a dollop of ice cream on top).

Phuket Island, Thailand

We awoke to glimpses of serenity passing by our balcony in the form of lush small islands and it was not long after breakfast that passengers were departing on tenders to the mainland. Those booked on tours departed first while we waited until the majority had left so we could enjoy the views across to Phuket from the ship’s deck and also enjoy clear views of the island and surrounds on the short trip across to Patong Beach where we disembarked to enjoy the day.

Patong Beach

Patong is one of Phuket’s most famous beaches and holiday destinations. We soaked up the idyllic scenery as we walked along the jetty surrounded by crystal clear blue water, long tail boats, tourists already on the white sand beach, and above us snatches of screams from holidaymakers flying high above us in paragliders before being dipped in the ocean. Originally a sleepy village discovered by backpackers in the 1960s and 70s, Patong has evolved into a major holiday destination for tourists from all over the world who flock here for the white sandy beaches and sun.

Bangla Walking Street

After a short walk along the waterfront and we arrive at Bangla Walking Street. Full of bars and clubs, which no doubt come alive in the evenings. Really a party street, it doesn’t strike us as being our scene but it was worth the experience of seeing this side of Patong. We were visiting during the day and found the street to be cheap and sleazy with shops selling the same caps and t-shirts but with the street has an appeal which is hard to describe. We could tell that nighttime, when the bright lights of the street lit up, would bring on a totally different atmosphere. We will have to make a return visit for that experience as the ship will be sailing in the early evening.

Patong Beach and Thawewong Road (Waterfront Esplanade)

What we really enjoyed was walking along Thawewong Road and the beachside observing locals and holidaymakers go about their business: a van with loudspeakers driving through the streets advertising a Muy Thai martial arts tournament being held that evening, stepping into the small boutiques, wandering into the small side streets, checking out the surf school, walking along the beach and checking out the eateries.

It’s late afternoon when we return to the jetty. We pick up some snacks from the street side food carts and catch the tender back to the ship to enjoy a swim in the pool before the other passengers arrive back on board and enjoy the wider views of Patong and Phuket Island from the ship’s top deck.

Post-cruise activities in Singapore

We spent two more nights and an entire day enjoying the activities on board the ship and relaxing before disembarking with almost two full days to explore more of Singapore’s attractions. Since we have visited Singapore several times in the past, we were happy to revisit our favourite places.

We particularly, love walking around Marina Bay, and the Gardens by the Bay, through the beautiful tropical gardens and along the boardwalks returning around the Bay to Orchard Road. Some of the things we like to do on our walk:

• Stroll past the iconic Raffles Hotel.
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – there’s always an exciting exhibition in the foyer.
• Walk over the Helix Bridge for views of the city on both sides of the Marina.
• Walk along the Bay side of the Gardens by the Bay to Marina Barrage.
• Explore the different parts of Gardens by the Bay. Note: Keep a morning, afternoon or, even a whole day aside to do this. Especially if you are intending to visit the Flower Dome and/or Cloud Forest and talk a walk on the OCBC Skywalk among the trees
• Stroll through the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and shopping mall to emerge by the Art Science Museum.
• Follow the walk towards the financial district along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.
• Admire the views across the Marina to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from the gardens by the Fullerton Bay Hotel.
• Join the crowds at one of Singapore’s iconic tourist venues, the Merlion.
• Cross Fullerton Bay Road to have a close-up look at another of Singepore’s icons, The Fullerton Hotel.
• Stroll across Anderson (Cavanagh) Bridge enjoying views of Boat Quay.
• Checking out the Asian Civilisations Museum building (spectacular by day and night).
• Cross Empress Lawn to see if there’s a cricket game in progress at the Singapore Cricket Club, Singapore’s oldest cricket club.
• Stroll down St Andrew’s Road and admire the magnificent National Gallery Building of Singapore. A little further up the road, you’ll find the breathtakingly beautiful St Andrew’s Cathedral.
• Wander up Emerald Hill Road just off Orchard Road to experience a hint of old-world Singapore.

Our conclusion – the best way to gain an insight into exciting Asia

For anyone new to this vibrant region, the Taste of Asia cruise offers an excellent opportunity to experience the unique cultures and attractions of different Asian countries. We were impressed by the rich history and diverse attractions of each destination we visited, and this cruise provides a great starting point for deciding which places to explore further in the future.

Another thing or two

If you’d like to learn more about our cruise ship experience, read our review of Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas.

If you’re looking for more things to do while in Singapore, read one more thing you absolutely love to do in Singapore.