On an island off the west coast of Malaysia, colorful shophouses line streets where temples, mosques and churches stand side by side. Murals peek out from old walls, wooden houses stretch out over the sea on stilts, and the smell of street food fills the air. This is George Town Penang, one of the most vibrant heritage cities in Asia. In this guide, you will discover what to see, how to get there and when to visit.
Quick Facts About George Town, Malaysia
| Country | Malaysia |
| Region | Penang Island, Penang State |
| Known For | Street art, heritage shophouses, the Blue Mansion and hawker food |
| UNESCO Status | Part of Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca (2008) |
| Founded | 1786 |
| Best Time to Visit | December to February |
| Time Needed | Two to three days |
| Continent | Asia |
Where Is George Town, Penang?
George Town is the capital of Penang, a state in northwestern Malaysia. In fact, the city sits on the northeastern tip of Penang Island, facing the Strait of Malacca.
In addition, a ferry service and two long road bridges connect the island to the mainland. As a result, it is easy to reach from the rest of Malaysia.
Why Visit George Town, Penang?
First of all, George Town is a living museum. Indeed, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with shophouses, temples and colonial buildings.
In addition, the city is wonderfully multicultural. In fact, Chinese, Malay and Indian communities have shaped its culture, architecture and food. Moreover, Peranakan heritage adds another unique layer.
Finally, George Town is known as the food capital of Malaysia. Therefore, many visitors come simply to eat.
Exploring the Heritage Streets of George Town
The heritage zone is compact, so it is easy to explore on foot or by trishaw. Above all, wander without a fixed plan, since surprises wait around every corner.
Shophouses and Colonial Buildings
Rows of two-story shophouses line the old streets. In particular, their facades come in shades of yellow, blue and green, often with shuttered windows and decorative tiles. Meanwhile, grand colonial buildings recall the city’s British past.
Armenian Street
Armenian Street is one of the most popular streets in town. It is also lined with restored shophouses, cafes and craft shops. In particular, it is home to some of George Town’s most famous murals.
Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis was the first structure built when the British founded the settlement. Later, it was enlarged as the garrison. Today, its old walls stand near the waterfront.
Hunting for Street Art in George Town
George Town is famous for its street art. In 2012, the artist Ernest Zacharevic painted a series of murals for the George Town Festival, as part of a project called Mirrors George Town.
His most famous work, Little Children on a Bicycle, shows two children riding a real bicycle attached to the wall. Similarly, The Boy and his Motorbike places a real motorbike against an old door.
Since then, many more murals have appeared around the city. Consequently, hunting for them has become one of the most popular things to do in George Town Penang.
Landmarks and Neighborhoods
Beyond the street art, the city has several remarkable landmarks.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
The merchant Cheong Fatt Tze built his famous home, often called the Blue Mansion, between 1897 and 1904. Builders coated its walls with lime mixed with natural indigo dye, which also helps keep the house cool.
Inside the Mansion
In fact, the mansion has 38 rooms, 5 courtyards and 220 timber louvre windows. In 2000, its restoration won a UNESCO Heritage Conservation Award.
Tours and Stays
Today, the mansion is a boutique hotel and museum. Guided tours run daily. Alternatively, you can book a room and stay overnight in this historic home.
The Clan Jetties
Along the waterfront, the clan jetties are villages of wooden houses built on stilts over the sea. Each jetty was traditionally home to a different Chinese clan. Therefore, walking along the boardwalks offers a glimpse of a unique way of life.
Eating in George Town, Penang
George Town is famous for its hawker food. For example, asam laksa, a tangy fish noodle soup of Peranakan origin, is one of the city’s signature dishes. In addition, you will find countless noodle, rice and dessert stalls at hawker centers across town.
One Historical Fact About George Town, Penang
Francis Light, a former Royal Navy captain, founded George Town in 1786 for the British East India Company. In fact, it was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. Later, in 2008, UNESCO listed its historic center together with Melaka.
How to Get to George Town, Penang
In general, George Town is easy to reach.
- By air: Penang International Airport has flights from across Malaysia and Asia.
- By road: Two road bridges connect Penang Island with the mainland.
- By ferry: A ferry service runs between the mainland and George Town.
Best Time to Visit George Town, Penang
George Town has a tropical climate, with temperatures usually between 24°C and 32°C all year. However, it receives a lot of rain, about 2,477 millimeters a year.
Generally, December to February is drier and more comfortable for walking. In contrast, the wetter months bring heavy afternoon showers, although mornings are often clear.
Is George Town, Penang Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. George Town combines history, art, culture and food like few other cities in Asia. Moreover, it is compact and easy to explore.
Whether you love architecture, photography or eating, you will find plenty to enjoy. Therefore, it deserves a place on any trip to Malaysia.
Final Thoughts
George Town is a city of color, flavor and history. Hunt for murals, step inside the Blue Mansion and wander the clan jetties at sunset. Above all, come hungry, because the food alone is worth the trip. If you love historic port towns in Asia, you may also enjoy our guides to Melaka and Hoi An.
Image Credits
Unsplash
- Clan Jetties of George Town: Photo by Wind Tan on Unsplash (Unsplash License)
- Colonial Building at Dusk: Photo by LTE Photography on Unsplash (Unsplash License)
Wikimedia Commons
- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion: Photo by Gryffindor via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
- Heritage Building in George Town: Photo by Philip Mallis via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Little Children on a Bicycle Mural: Photo by DTW via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Heritage Buildings on Armenian Street: Photo by Philip Mallis via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)