Georgetown

destinationDescriptionTitle

About George Town, Penang

George Town is the capital of Penang, one of the best-known Malaysian states for its cultural heritage, natural beauty, unique architectural styles, and street food that give them the title as Malaysia’s gastronomical capital. Find more information about things to do in George Town here, from enjoying the modern look of George Town by exploring street art to historical destinations that give you a look into George Town’s old times. 

Top Things to do in George Town, Penang

There are many things to do in George Town, Penang including some interesting tourist destinations.

Komtar Tower

You get to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Penang from an open platform of the city’s tallest building with the price starting from RM 31.96. If you go to Rainbow Skywalk at the 68th floor, you get to experience walking 249m above earth. Komtar Tower also has Penang’s largest indoor theme park and Tech Dome, a house for over 120 interactive scientific and technology exhibits.

Explore Street Art

George Town is famous for its street art. Take a stroll around the city and discover murals and wrought-iron caricatures that tell the story of Penang's history and culture.

Clan Jetties

Explore the Clan Jetties, traditional Chinese waterfront settlements. Each jetty belongs to a different Chinese clan, and you can walk along the stilt houses and enjoy the views of the water.

Penang Peranakan Mansion

Discover the Baba-Nyonya culture at the Peranakan Mansion, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion showcasing Peranakan antiques, artifacts, and traditional clothing.

Khoo Kongsi Clan House

Visit Khoo Kongsi, a magnificent Chinese clan house with intricate carvings and stunning architecture. It's one of the most important and beautiful clan houses in Malaysia.

Kapitan Keling Mosque 

Explore the historic Kapitan Keling Mosque, an architectural gem that reflects the Islamic heritage of Penang.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion)

Take a guided tour of the iconic Blue Mansion, a beautifully preserved Chinese courtyard house with a fascinating history.

Penang National Park

If you enjoy nature, take a day trip to the Penang National Park. You can hike to the famous Monkey Beach or explore the canopy walkway.

Penang Hill

Take the funicular train to Penang Hill for panoramic views of the island. There are also hiking trails if you prefer a more active approach.

Fort Cornwallis

Visit Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in Malaysia. It has a rich history and offers a glimpse into Penang's colonial past.

Penang Street Food

Don't miss out on trying the diverse and mouth-watering street food in George Town. Char Kway Teow, Nasi Kandar, and Penang Laksa are must-tries.

Recommended George Town, Penang Food

Traveling in George Town without digging the cuisines is a mistake you absolutely need to avoid at all cost. George Town, Penang, is renowned for its diverse and delicious food scene, influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cultures. So, while in George Town, here are several food specialties that you need to try.

Char Kway Teow

A popular stir-fried noodle dish with prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts. It's often cooked with a flavorful soy sauce.

Penang Laksa

A spicy and tangy noodle soup with a fish-based broth, rice vermicelli, prawns, boiled eggs, and a variety of herbs. The unique broth is flavored with tamarind and lemongrass.

Nasi Kandar

This is a Malaysian dish of Indian-Muslim origin. It involves steamed rice accompanied by a variety of curries and side dishes. The name "Nasi Kandar" refers to the balance of flavors and spices.

Hokkien Mee

A noodle dish with prawns, squid, and a savory seafood-based broth. It is often served with a spicy chili paste.

Penang Prawn Mee (Hokkien Mee variation)

Another noodle dish features a flavorful broth made from prawns and pork. It's served with a mix of yellow and vermicelli noodles.

Cendol

A popular dessert consisting of shaved ice topped with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar, and red beans. It's a refreshing treat, especially in the hot weather.

Penang Curry Mee

A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk-based curry broth, featuring a mix of noodles, prawns, cuttlefish, and cockles.

Kuih (Assorted Malaysian Desserts)

Explore the variety of traditional Malaysian desserts, such as kuih lapis, kuih talam, and onde-onde, which are often found in local markets.

Penang White Coffee

Try the local coffee, known as Penang White Coffee. It's a rich and aromatic coffee often served with condensed milk.

Roti Canai

A popular Indian-influenced dish, Roti Canai is a type of flatbread usually served with dhal (lentil curry) or curry sauce.

Poh Piah

Fresh spring rolls filled with a mix of vegetables, prawns, and sometimes crab. They are often enjoyed with a sweet and savory hoisin-based sauce.

Penang Rojak

A mixed fruit and vegetable salad with a sweet and spicy shrimp paste dressing. It typically includes ingredients like jicama, pineapple, cucumber, and tofu.

Shopping Places in George Town, Penang

If you’re considering shopping to spend time in George Town, here are several recommended places.

Komtar and Prangin Mall

Located in the heart of George Town, Komtar (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) is a prominent landmark and shopping complex. Prangin Mall is adjacent to Komtar, offering a range of shops and boutiques.

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul (Chulia Street)

While primarily known for its famous Chendul dessert, this area also has various shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, and street food.

Little India (Lebuh Pasar)

Explore the vibrant streets of Little India, where you can find shops selling Indian textiles, spices, jewelry, and traditional clothing.

Campbell Street Market

Campbell Street is known for its market, where you can find a variety of goods, including clothes, accessories, and local snacks.

Khoo Kongsi Clanhoue Gift Shop

The Khoo Kongsi Clanhouse, besides being a historical attraction, has a gift shop where you can purchase unique souvenirs and traditional items.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Gift Shop

The Blue Mansion, a popular heritage site, has a gift shop offering a selection of items related to Peranakan culture and the mansion itself.

Penang Street Art Market (Armenian Street)

Armenian Street is famous for its street art and hosts a market where you can buy handmade crafts, artworks, and souvenirs.

Penang Time Tunnel (Green Lane)

If you're interested in history and memorabilia, the Penang Time Tunnel is a museum that also features a souvenir shop with nostalgic items.

Penang Peranakan Mansion Gift Shop

The Peranakan Mansion, showcasing the Baba-Nyonya culture, has a gift shop where you can purchase Peranakan-inspired items.

Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall

Located outside the core of George Town but easily accessible, Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall are modern shopping centers with a mix of international and local brands.