George Town Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, and where to stay in George Town, Malaysia with this comprehensive tour guide.


George Town, the capital city of Penang in West Coast Malaysia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a melting pot of cultures and history. This vibrant city offers a wide range of experiences, from its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural attractions, mouthwatering food, and warm hospitality. In this travel guide, we will explore the best things to see and do in George Town, where to stay, and what to eat.

Introduction to George Town

George Town, located on the northeastern coast of Penang Island, was founded in 1786 by the British East India Company. The city’s strategic location made it an important point for trade and commerce between Europe, India, and China. As a result, George Town is a mix of cultures, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European communities.

List of Places to Visit in George Town

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Penang Peranakan Mansion - The mansion showcases the opulent lifestyle of the Baba-Nyonya, the local-born Chinese community.
  2. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion - A beautiful blue-colored mansion that was built in the 19th century and displays the unique Peranakan culture.
  3. Khoo Kongsi - A clanhouse that preserves the history of the Khoo family and their contributions to George Town’s development.
  4. Pinang Peranakan Museum - A private museum that exhibits the incredible collection of artifacts and antiques of the Peranakan culture.
  5. Fort Cornwallis - A historical fort that was built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century and now serves as a popular tourist attraction and event venue.

Natural Attractions of George Town: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Penang Hill - A hill station that offers panoramic views of George Town and surrounding areas.
  2. Penang National Park - A protected forest reserve that is home to various flora and fauna.
  3. Balik Pulau - A countryside town that offers a peaceful and scenic escape from the bustling city.
  4. Batu Ferringhi - A beautiful beach town that is known for water sports and seafood.
  5. Penang Botanic Gardens - A serene and beautiful garden that showcases a vast collection of rare plants and trees.

Hiking/Biking Routes of George Town

  1. Penang Hill Forest Trail - A challenging hike that takes around 4-5 hours to complete.
  2. Balik Pulau Cycling Tour - A leisurely bike tour that takes you through the stunning countryside of Balik Pulau.

Best Things to Do in George Town: Activities and Tours

  1. Street Art Hunting - George Town is renowned for its street art and murals, which are scattered throughout the city.
  2. Food Tour - Taste the delectable street food that George Town offers.
  3. Penang Amazing Race - A thrilling adventure that challenges you to explore George Town’s highlights.

Week-Long Itinerary for George Town

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Batu Ferringhi beach and try the water sports.
Day 2 Discover the street art in George Town and also Khoo Kongsi, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and Pinang Peranakan Museum.
Day 3 Go for a hike at Penang National Park and explore the rainforest.
Day 4 Taste the local delicacies on a food tour.
Day 5 Visit the Penang Hill and enjoy the scenic views.
Day 6 Shop for souvenirs and visit the temples.
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the day at the beach or resort.

Food and Drink Scene of George Town

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Char kway teow - Fried rice noodles with soy sauce, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
  2. Assam laksa - A spicy and sour fish-based soup with tamarind broth and noodles.
  3. Curry mee - Rich and creamy coconut-based curry with noodles, pork, shrimp, and tofu.
  4. Hokkien mee - A mixed prawn and pork noodle soup with a flavorful broth.
  5. Nasi kandar - A dish of steamed rice with various curries and spices.

Local Beverages

  1. Teh tarik - A traditional tea that is sweetened with condensed milk and pulled until frothy.
  2. Kopi-o - Black coffee with sugar and without milk.
  3. Limau ais - A refreshing lime juice with ice.

Where to Stay in George Town: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Eastern & Oriental Hotel - A luxurious hotel that offers colonial-style rooms and suites.
  2. Muntri Mews - A boutique hotel that is housed in a restored 19th-century building.
  3. Eight Rooms - A budget hotel that provides clean and comfortable accommodation that is perfect for solo travelers.
  4. 23 Love Lane - A heritage guesthouse that provides a unique and authentic experience of staying in a traditional Peranakan house.

What to Buy in George Town: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Nutmeg products - Nutmeg is one of the most popular products in Penang, and you can find nutmeg biscuits, oil, and jam in any souvenir shop.
  2. Batik textiles - Batik is a traditional art form that is famous in Malaysia, and you can find batik clothes and accessories in George Town.

Local Culture and Customs of George Town

George Town has a rich cultural history, and it is important to respect their local traditions and customs. Modest clothing is advised when visiting religious and cultural sites, and it is respectful to remove shoes before entering sacred places.

Best Time to Visit George Town

The best time to visit George Town is between December and February when the weather is cooler and drier. However, do note that it is a peak season and prices may be more expensive. March to May and September to November are also excellent times to visit when the weather is warmer, and the prices are slightly cheaper.

Do’s and Don’ts of George Town

Do:

  1. Try the local food and drink.
  2. Pay attention to dress codes when visiting religious and cultural sites.
  3. Take your time to appreciate the history and culture of George Town.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  2. Litter or damage the street art and public property.
  3. Bargain too hard when shopping, especially at small local stores.

Safety and Health

Safety in George Town

George Town is generally safe, and violent crimes are rare. However, do take care when walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas. It’s safer to travel in groups and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.

Health in George Town

Tap water in George Town is generally safe to drink, but it is best to drink bottled water or boiled water if possible. Dengue fever is common in Malaysia, so carry mosquito repellent when traveling outdoors.

Getting to George Town: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near George Town

Penang International Airport is the main airport that connects George Town to the world. It is located approximately 16 km south of the city.

Bus Stations Near George Town

The main bus station in George Town is Komtar Bus Terminal, which offers buses to various destinations around Malaysia.

Other Options

You can also get to George Town by train or ferry from Kuala Lumpur, Thailand, and Indonesia.

How to Get Around in George Town

The best way to get around George Town is by walking or cycling. You can also take a bus or taxi to explore further destinations. Trishaws are also available for a more leisurely sightseeing experience.

Where to Go Next from George Town: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Langkawi Island - A beautiful island that is famous for pristine beaches and duty-free shopping.
  2. Cameron Highlands - A hill station that is famous for tea plantations and strawberry farms.
  3. Ipoh - A charming old town that is known for its delicious food and historic architecture.

Conclusion

George Town is a city that you will fall in love with. It has a rich history, stunning attractions, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, George Town has something to offer for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you a glimpse of George Town and its wonderful offerings.

Skyline of George Town at night Skyline of George Town at night Map of George Town, Penang, Malaysia Map of George Town, Penang, Malaysia Skyline of George Town as seen from Penang Hill Skyline of George Town as seen from Penang Hill Fort Cornwallis was built on the spot where Francis Light first landed in 1786. Fort Cornwallis was built on the spot where Francis Light first landed in 1786. The City Hall was built in 1903 and is still in use by the city's local government. The City Hall was built in 1903 and is still in use by the city's local government. One of George Town's bilingual street signs, which in this case, is at Victoria Street. One of George Town's bilingual street signs, which in this case, is at Victoria Street. Ethnic Indians, shown here celebrating Thaipusam, account for 10% of George Town's population Ethnic Indians, shown here celebrating Thaipusam, account for 10% of George Town's population Songkran festivities in George Town Songkran festivities in George Town The annual Chingay Parade in the city streets every December. The annual Chingay Parade in the city streets every December. Penang International Airport at Bayan Lepas Penang International Airport at Bayan Lepas A repainted Rapid Ferry, which offers daily shuttles between George Town and Butterworth. A repainted Rapid Ferry, which offers daily shuttles between George Town and Butterworth. Swettenham Pier is one of the main entry points of George Town. Swettenham Pier is one of the main entry points of George Town. The Second Penang Bridge is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. The Second Penang Bridge is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. The Penang Bridge connects the suburb of Gelugor in George Town with Perai on the mainland. The Penang Bridge connects the suburb of Gelugor in George Town with Perai on the mainland. A Rapid Penang bus A Rapid Penang bus A Hop-On Hop-Off double decker A Hop-On Hop-Off double decker A trishaw, known by the locals as the '''''beca''''' A trishaw, known by the locals as the '''''beca''''' The Penang State Museum was built at the end of the 19th century to house Penang Free School, the oldest English school in Southeast Asia. The Penang State Museum was built at the end of the 19th century to house Penang Free School, the oldest English school in Southeast Asia. Wisma Kastam is one of the first sights that greet arriving seaborne tourists. Wisma Kastam is one of the first sights that greet arriving seaborne tourists. HSBC, housed within the HSBC Building, is one of the several international banks along Beach Street, which serves as the Central Business District (CBD) of George Town. HSBC, housed within the HSBC Building, is one of the several international banks along Beach Street, which serves as the Central Business District (CBD) of George Town. Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Pinang Peranakan Mansion Pinang Peranakan Mansion St. George's Church, the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia St. George's Church, the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng) Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng) Sri Mariamman Temple Sri Mariamman Temple Kapitan Keling Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city centre Kapitan Keling Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city centre Wat Chaiyamangkalaram Wat Chaiyamangkalaram ''Boy on a Bike'' by Ernest Zacharevic ''Boy on a Bike'' by Ernest Zacharevic Penang Hill Funicular Railway Penang Hill Funicular Railway The Rainbow Skywalk, a glass skywalk at the top of the KOMTAR Tower, was launched in 2016. The Rainbow Skywalk, a glass skywalk at the top of the KOMTAR Tower, was launched in 2016. The beaches of Batu Ferringhi The beaches of Batu Ferringhi ESCAPE Theme Park at Teluk Bahang ESCAPE Theme Park at Teluk Bahang Gurney Plaza, one of the more well-known shopping malls Gurney Plaza, one of the more well-known shopping malls ''Tambun pneah'', a flaky pastry with mung bean filling ''Tambun pneah'', a flaky pastry with mung bean filling Fiery Hokkien Mee, one of Penang's specialities, at a stall in George Town Fiery Hokkien Mee, one of Penang's specialities, at a stall in George Town Old houses on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling Old houses on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling Eastern & Oriental Hotel Eastern & Oriental Hotel