10 Best Things to Do in George Town, Malaysia

George Town has grown into what it is today, from a small Malaysian village. During that time, Asia and Europe’s influences have endowed this city with a unique multicultural heritage that can be seen around every corner. George Town was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008, with all the magnificent history around the city.

George Town’s legacy of this past era is the number of preserved buildings. The capital of Penang presents some of the best examples of British architecture in Malaysia and South East Asia. Take a look at Fort Cornwallis, stately government buildings and Anglican churches. Grab a map and walk through old Penang and find architectural masterpieces around almost every corner.

Georgetown has over 12,000 old buildings consisting of offices and monuments for the Chinese shophouses, residential jetties, church, temples, mosques, and the great British colonial government. In fact, most of these buildings are clustered in the historic enclave of Lebuh Acheh which makes it easy to explore them on foot.

1.) Penang Hill, Georgetown

View of Penang Hill — Credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Penang Hill is a beautiful and small hill station in Penang Island, Malaysia, pleasant weather and breathtaking views, luxurious vegetation and the lumbering landscape is what you call as Penang Hill. It comprises a number of hills accessible by railway at the top of the hill and makes an excellent ride. If you’re an adventurous freak, entice yourself to indulge hiking trails and make it a much-loved destination to unwind.

2.) Kapitan Keling Mosque

The largest mosque in Georgetown and looks beautiful after sunset. The whitewashed mosque is surrounded by a low wall with yellow Moghul- style domes. And the tall minaret used by the muezzin to deliver his call to prayers is located on the corner of Buckingham and Pitt Street.

3.) Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang — Credits: Google Images

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a heritage site located in Georgetown, Penang. Also, The blue coloured outer walls and external decoration is most often known as Blue Mansion. It is located close to cultural areas of the city such as Chinatown, Little India and Floating village. If you’re an eternally curious traveller then this place should be on your list to know the interesting facts about Blue Mansion.

4.) Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The popular Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Also known as Queen Street Indian Temple, the highlight of the temple is the exquisite carving of various Gods and Goddesses over its facade and entrance gate.

This temple is Georgetown’s oldest Hindu temple, built back in 1883. You will find a lot of South Indians (locals at that), inside this temple. There is a typical gopuram above the entrance that adds to its charm.

5.) Penang Botanic Gardens

Botanical garden — Credits: Google Images

The Penang Botanic Gardens, also called the Waterfall Gardens, is located on the Jalan Air Terjun Road in George Town. The landscaped gardens are popular for housing the indigenous and exotic plant species.

The beautifully manicured 50-hectare park is divided into twelve sections. Namely, Formal Garden, Perdana Plant House, Tropical Rainforest Jungle Track, Lily Pond, Fern House, Fern Rockery, Cactus House, Aroid Walkaway, Horticulture Centre, Orchidarium, Nursery and Quarry Recreational Park.

6.) Admire the Colonial Structures

You must visit the Fort Cornwallis, wander across the massive lawn to see the colonial architecture of the State Assembly Hall and Penang Town Hall. The impressive town hall also appeared in one of the films “ Anna and the King”.
At the junction of Lebuh Light and Lebuh Pantai, the 60-foot-tall Victoria Memorial Clock Tower sits in a roundabout just south.

7.) See More Chinese Clan Houses

Colonail clan houses — Credits: Google Images

Due to Khoo Kongsi’s popularity and entrance fee, many travellers prefer Cheah Kongsi as an alternative. Cheah Kongsi, established in 1810, is only a 7-minute walk from Khoo Kongsi. Some furniture and artefacts from the era are on display. In addition to this, admission is free.

In addition to this, you can wander around Tan Kongsi, a Hokkien clan house and temple established in 1878. The property is only a 5-minute walk to the south. George town is surrounded by various cafes, galleries and eateries.

8.) Take a Stroll Down Love Lane

Love Lane (Lorong Cinta) is Penang’s backpacker and budget traveller area. Calling Love Lane the “Khao San Road” of Penang would be a stretch, but more like the famous backpacker base in Bangkok,Love Lane and the adjacent Chulia Street is crammed with budget guesthouses, bars with sidewalk seating, and street food carts.

The Love Lane / Chulia Street area is about socializing and nightlife. It isn’t really the place to go for sightseeing, but you will find the Carpenters’ Guild definitely holding on as cafes and hostels take over the street. This place served as home for forgotten immigrants who had constructed the famous clan houses you see around in Penang.

9.) Shop and Play in KOMTAR

KOMTAR Tower is jam-packed with retail, restaurants, and entertainment in the form of museums, a cinema, and themed attractions. Also if you want to test your fear of heights, go to Level 65 for the world’s highest rope course or pay for walking (without shoes) on the all-glass. In fact, Rainbow Skywalk jutting out 816 feet above sea level.

In addition to this, the bottom of KOMTAR serves as a primary bus terminal for Penang. You can pretty well get along to any part of the island (including the beach) from there.

10.) Run From Monkeys in the Penang Botanic Gardens

Botanical Gardens — Credits: Google Images

Penang Botanic Gardens situated in the edge of George Town the name implies, embraced by greenery in a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

But there’s a catch: Macaque monkeys reconnoitre this lush paradise. They’re bold enough to grab things and will be really in trouble if you happen to hide your snack somewhere. The botanical gardens sit on a spice garden which dates back to colonial days. Along with a tropical rainforest setting, you can enjoy a scenic waterfall, and the creatures it attracts.

In addition to this, The gardens have free entrance and are open daily from 5 a.m; some exhibits may have limited hours to 8 PM.

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