Ultimate George Town, Penang Travel Guide - Malaysia’s Cultural Foodie Heaven — *George Town is a lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site*

Welcome to George Town! The vibrant and culturally significant capital of the Malaysian island state of Penang! Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town is the perfect holiday destination to learn and explore the history of British colonialism in Malaysia.

History isn’t all that George Town, Penang has to offer! George Town, Penang is also the epicenter for amazing Malaysian Street Food! With delicious dishes like Penang Laksa, and Char Kway Teow, George Town is a heaven for foodies and explorers just like you and I :)

So come with me as I bring you to explore George Town, Penang in this Ultimate George Town Travel Guide!

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My George Town YouTube Video!

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How to get to George Town from Kuala Lumpur?

*A Bus ride from Kuala Lumpur to George Town will take roughly 4-5 hours*

Traveling to George Town from Kuala Lumpur is pretty straight forwards but I will warn you that you should book your tickets in advance, they sell out quick! You have multiple options for transportation:

By Airplane (Fastest Option)

By far the fastest and most efficient option is to take a plane from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Penang International Airport (PEN). The flight duration is about an hour and a ticket costs around 50 - 250 MYR depending on the airline, though I’d say AirAsia is the preferred option, you honestly don’t need a full serviced flight, a budget airline will work just fine.

Need transfers from/to Penang International Airport? You can book private airport transfers at this link.

By Train

Another viable option is to travel by Train which is an approximately 5 hour journey from KL Sentral to Butterworth, from there you’ll need to hop on a car or taxi to cross over to Penang Island and get to George Town (Butterworth is on the mainland). Alternatively there is also a Penang Ferry service (about a 15 minute ride). A Train ticket will cost you around 60 -150 MYR depending on the train operator and seats.

By Bus (Recommend)

My personal recommendation is to take the bus from Kuala Lumpur to George Town, I recommend your destination be the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal. You’ll need to book a ticket in advance using Easybook (recommended app by locals). Popular bus operators are Aeroline and Plusliner. Word of warning, be careful about Billion Stars Express, I’ve heard from many reviews and discussions that they are the worst operator in Malaysia.

A bus journey will take about 5 hours and costs 30 - 70 MYR making it a very affordable option.

Top George Town Hotels and Accommodations

Cititel Express Penang Hotel

Located right in the center of George Town, the Cititel Express Hotel is a comfortable 3 star hotel that doesn’t break the bank. It comes with all the amenities and services you need to enjoy your holiday in Penang, this is also the place where I stayed during my visit to George Town. The thing I like the most about Cititel is the location. It’s only about 100 meters from the city center making transportation a breeze.

Google Maps Rating: 3.8 / 5 (1,700+ Reviews)

Location: 123, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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St. Giles Wembley Penang

St. Giles Wembley Penang is a 4 star high-rise hotel overlooking the Strait of Malacca. Located in the George Town city center, this hotel features beautiful and comfy rooms with all the amenities like free Wi-Fi, TVs, and minifridges. Kids can also stay at no extra cost. St. Giles Wembley Penang also features 2 Asian restaurants and 2 Bars, as well as a gym, pool, and ballroom.

Google Maps Rating: 4.3 / 5 (3,750+ Reviews)

Location: 183, Jalan Magazine, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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Bayview Hotel Georgetown

The Bayview Hotel Georgetown is a 4 star hotel that is located along the George Town Esplanade (near Fort Cornwallis). Though quite a bit away from the George Town city center, this hotel makes up for it by featuring comfy rooms that includes a coffee maker! There are also a fancy revolving rooftop restaurant and bar for those of you who want to enjoy a nice evening overlooking the Strait of Malacca. What Bayview Hotel Georgetown lacks in location, it more than makes up for it in atmosphere.

Google Maps Rating: 3.7 / 5 (4,100+ Reviews)

Location: 25-A, Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

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Hostels in George Town, Penang

If you’re looking for more budget friendly accommodations or don’t mind sharing a room with new friends then George Town, Penang is home to some great hostels.

Exploring George Town, Penang

George Town Penang Lebuh Armenian — *Chinese lanterns line the streets of George Town, signaling its cultural history*

George Town is the capital of the island state of Penang, Malaysia and it’s a city that’s filled to the brim with deep culture and history. In 2008, George Town was even designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

I’ll start off with a little bit of a history lesson to give you a better context of George Town, Penang. Feel free to skip this section if you find history boring…

George Town Penang Chew Jetty — *It feels so serene to stand on the Esplanade*

Before the arrival of European colonial powers, Penang was part of the Kedah Sultanate. Known locally as Pulau Pinang (Island of the Areca Nut), it was a quiet island inhabited by local Malay fishermen and merchant traders. Its strategic location in the Strait of Malacca made it an important stopover for maritime trade routes connecting India, China, and the Middle East. However, the island was also frequented by pirates, making it a dangerous place for traders.

It wasn’t until 1786, when Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company negotiated with the Sultan of Kedah to lease Penang in exchange for military protection against Siamese and Burmese threats. The settlement of George Town was then formed on Penang, named after the King George III.

With the establishment of George Town, Captain Francis Light declared Penang a free port, which opened up the island to a plethora of merchants and immigrants, thus also creating a multicultural city.

Kimberley street food night market — *Some street food stalls in George Town have lines that stretch for hundreds of meters*

Growth and development of George Town was prospering until the Japanese occupation during the Second World War. The city really took a step backwards. Luckily, after the war, in 1957, Malaysia gained independence from British colonial rule and though this was a significantly positive event in Malayan history, the island of Penang lost its free port status which lead to economic and industrial decline…

George Town Penang street art — *A wall mural that I found at the Chew Jetty, Folklore by the sea*

Nowadays, George Town is no longer the trading hub that it once was, however the city still retained all of it’s historical and cultural identity. Walking along the many winding alleys really feels like you’ve been transported 150 years into the past.

The city of George Town is divided into multiple districts each with their distinct identity:

The Heritage Core Zone - The cultural heart of George Town and the part where the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site is given
Inner City Districts - The area surround the heritage zone and provide a mix of residential areas, local businesses, and modern attractions.
Macalister Road (Jalan Macalister) - This district contains modern hotels, hospitals, and eateries.
Gurney Drive Area - The coastal promenade, an upscale district with modern high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and delicious hawker street foods.
Air Itam - The outskits of George Town, where you can find Penang Hill
Tanjung Bungah - The northern district is known for its beaches, resorts, and residential areas. More quiet and chill compared to the George Town city center.

Things to Do in George Town, Penang

You’ll be doing a lot of exploring in George Town. Dotted around the city are various historically and culturally significant buildings and alleyways that paints (literally and figuratively) a picture of what life was like back during the early colonial days of Penang.

Stroll Along the Historical Armenian Street

George Town Penang Armenian Street — *Just a humble Syrian man making some Turkish Coffee in the Malay island state of Penang*

A historical rich street in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Zone. The name came from the Armenian community that settled in this area during the early 19th century. Armenian Street is famous specifically for its abundance of street art and vibrant decorations like the multi-colored handing umbrellas that shades the street.

Here is where I also found a humble Syrian man selling some traditional Turkish coffee, and it was also my first time trying Turkish coffee.

Also a famous art mural by artist Ernest Zacharevic, the “Children on a Bicycle” can also be found here.

Also for political history buffs, the Sun Yat Sen Museum is located nearby, a townhouse where the Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen gathered in a conference room to raise $8,000 for revolutionary activities against China in the 1910s.

Admire Beautiful Pieces of Street Art

penang street art — *What beautiful eyes this cat has*

Coming from the mentions of street art above, George Town is full of beautiful street art! These pieces are typically concentrated around Armenian Street, Chulia Street, and Muntri Street, although if you stroll off the beaten path you’re bound to come across some hidden gems. Aside from painted pieces, there are also sculptures and interactive art pieces scattered across George Town.

Though you should note that these art pieces are often painted on private property so you should keep in mind to respect and definitely do not vandalise any of these works or locations.

Some famous pieces of work you’d want to look out for are: The Peranakan Mural, Children Playing Roundabout, The Angry Baby, The Trishaw, Children on a Bicycle, The Little Boy and the Cat, The Malaysian Girl, and so much more…

They’re like Pokemon, See if you can find them all!

Visit the Colonial Fort Cornwallis

fort cornwallis penang — *A singular guard guards the entrance to Fort Cornwallis*

A historic landmark on the waterfronts of George Town, Fort Cornwallis is a British colonial fort built in 1786 by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company.

The fort was constructed to protect Penang from threats like piracy or other invaders, though the funny thing is that Fort Cornwallis never saw actual combat…

Today, Fort Cornwallis is a popular attraction in George Town where you can see real canons and admire the scenic Penang coastline. There is also a restaurant and what I assume is a pop up bar but when I went they seem to be closed. Nevertheless, Fort Cornwallis is a chill place to enjoy an afternoon walk.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

The Peranakan Chinese are an ethnic group that settled in Southeast Asian Malayan archipelago some 500 years ago and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in George Town, Penang is a museum dedicated to that Peranakan Heritage. One interesting tidbit of information is that the word “peranaken” in Malay means “local born”.

Here you can learn and explore around a thousand Peranakan artifacts as well as admire the historical construction of the green-hued mansion that once served as the residence and office a 19th century Chinese tycoon, Chung Keng Quee.

Penang Hill

While not necessarily inside of George Town (though it’s about a 30 min car ride away), Penang Hill is one of THE must visit landmarks in the entirety of Penang.

Penang Hill, as the name suggests, is a hilly landmass that rises 800 meters above sea level. Within the Penang Hill area are natural parks, sightseeing viewpoints, a random earthquake simulator, and of course hiking trails. You also shouldn’t miss out on the world’s longest double span ribbon bridge at The Habitat Penang Hill!

Though the most iconic feature of Penang Hill is how you get up to the top of the hill. The iconic Funicular Railway Car will bring you up to the summit of Penang Hill, it is one of the oldest in Asia and it’s a point of pride for the people of Penang.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Nearby the Penang Hill is the Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest and most iconic Buddhist temples in not just Malaysia but the whole of Southeast Asia. The Kek Lok Si Temple was built in 1891 and features a blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles.

The biggest highlight is the striking 36.5 meter tall bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, which overlooks the Kek Lok Si Temple.

Also, another structural feature, and one that makes me proud to be a Thai, is the 30 meter tall Pagoda of the Ten Thousand Buddhas also known as the Rama Pagoda, whose foundational stone was laid by the Thai King Rama 6. Later a Buddha image donated by the Thai King Rama 9 would also be housed in this pagoda.

Kek Lok Si also features a mini funicular rail system if you wanna ride up to the top of the temple.

ESCAPE Penang

ESCAPE Penang, Penang’s premiere water park/theme park, holds a Guinness World Record for having the Longest Tube Water Slide and the Longest Zip Coaster in the world.

What’s really cool about ESCAPE Penang is that the park features an eco-friendly design philosophy, that blends modern high octane action with nature, it’s a concept that I’ve personally never seen before and I love it. There’s over 35 rides and activities to try ranging from your classic waterslides, to obstacle course, camping, to even ziplines.

If you and your family are the adventurous type, I highly recommend you come here. You can purchase an online ticket at this link.

Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm

Ok, in stark contrast to the adrenaline filled action of ESCAPE Penang, Entopia is a chill stroll through a magical butterfly indoor farm . Entopia is one of the largest butterfly farms in all of Malaysia with more than 15,000 butterflies and over 200 species of plants.

Entopia also features waterfalls, caves, and luscious gardens. There are also learning exhibitions where you can partake in some hands-on activities to learn more about insects.

You can purchase online tickets here for entry into the Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm.

Clan Jetties of Penang

The Clan Jetties of Penang are series of coastal communities located along the waterfront of George Town, Penang. These are Chinese settlements established by migrants during the late 19th century.

Each of the jetties are named after the Chinese clans, such as the Lim and Tan jetties. The most famous and popular for tourists like you and I is the Chew Jetty.

They’re sort of like Thai Floating Markets in a way with a long wooden walkway lined on both sides with homes and shops. Where the similarities differ is that the jetties are actual living communities rather than tourist attractions.

I recommend you check the Clan Jetties of Penang to soak in the humble life and heritage of Penang’s early settlers. It really is a different environment compared to the George Town city center.

Penang 3D Trick Art Museum

Who would’ve thought that there would be a 3D Museum in Penang? The Penang 3D Trick Art Museum features more than 40 mind boggling optical illusion paintings and sculptures that you can pose and interact with.

If you’ve never been to one of these museums before, they’re basically like that scene in Squid Games with the bright pastel stairs and combined with Salvador Dali, but like interactive. Not the best description but it’s a fun family museum nonetheless. Good for taking pictures to share with friends or post on your socials

You can purchase a Penang 3D Trick Art Museum Ticket online for easier bookings and cheaper prices.

Penang Wonderfood Museum

Another fun and unique museum that is perfect for my fellow foodies is the Penang Wonderfood Museum with sculptures and exhibits featuring oversized replicas of Malaysia’s favorite dishes.

Though it’s more like an Art gallery rather than a museum, I think this is a must-visit just because the sculptures have been replicated in such great detail, like the Laksa sculpture for example, you can see the shreds of fish in the soup. And also it’s fun. Who doesn’t like fun?

I recommend purchasing a Penang Wonderfood Museum Ticket online for easier bookings and cheaper prices.

Discounted Tours and Activities

You can find more tours and activities in George Town, Penang for great discounted prices using the widget below:

Foods to Try in George Town, Penang

Penang roti bakar hutton lane — *A delicious plate of roti canai, from Roti Bakar Hutton Lane*

You might’ve heard that Penang is where all the good food is in terms of Malaysian cuisine and yes that is true. But what I didn’t expect was that George Town is full of Michelin Guide recommendations! Literally everywhere I go, I see that red signage stuck in front of the restaurant saying that the establishment won a Michelin Guide recommendation for however many years in a row!

So just know that if you’re a foodie and you are in George Town, you are in good hands. Some must try dishes in not just George Town but all of Penang are:

penang char kway teow — *I think Char Kway Teow has to be my favorite dish in all of Malaysia*

Penang Laksa - A spicy and tangy noodle soup made with mackerel fish, tamarind, and chili, served with thick rice noodles. There is also another variant called Nyonya Laksa made with a coconut milk soup-base
Char Kway Teow - Stir-fried flat rice noodles cooked with prawns, eggs, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and a variety of seasonings in a wok over high heat, full of wok hei flavor
Cendol - A shaved ice dessert made with pandan-flavored jelly noodles, red beans, and coconut milk, topped with palm sugar syrup.
Penang Rojak - A sweet and savory fruit salad tossed in a thick, tangy shrimp paste sauce, typically including cucumber, pineapple, guava, and tofu.
Nasi Kandar - An Indian fusion dish of rice served with your choice of curries, meats, and vegetables.

For foodie hotspots, I recommend visiting some of the many street food night markets in George Town, mainly the Kimberely Street Food Night Market and the Chulia Street Food Night Market. These markets are packed with Michelin awarded street food stalls.

I recommend you go during the early evening when the restaraunts are starting to open. This is because some of the places have long lines that stretches for several blocks. So you’ll need to queue up if you want to try some of the foods.

Another popular street, especially for desserts like cendol shaved ice is Lebuh Keng Kwee. Though I will say that there are multiple restaurants in this street, they all seem to be working together? Like you sit at one restaurant and when you order something, they seem to get the food from another restaurant. So maybe it doesn’t matter much where you choose to dine.

George Town Nightlife

You can’t talk about nightlife in George Town, Penang without mentioning Love Lane and Chulia Street! These areas are where most of George Town’s bars and nightclubs are located. For being such a humble city, George Town does have quite the active nightlife scene.

I’ll start with Chulia Street, Chulia Street is where you’ll find countless cafes, bars, restaurants, and hawker stalls to satisfy your night cravings. During the late evening is when this street comes alive and where you’ll probably go to get some hangover foods.

Chulia Street also has a sizable Indian migrant population, meaning that his is also your go to place if you want some dang good Indian food. Some bars that I recommend in Chulia Street are:

The Pokok - A popular and relaxing bar to enjoy some nice food and music
Rockafellas Kitchen & Bar - Excellent local bar with a live band
Gravybaby - Popular modern American style bar with big food portions

love lane penang — *During the early evening the vibes here are immaculate*

Love Lane is an alley that branches out from Chulia Street. The history behind this alley is acutally quite amusing. I think the story goes that Love Lane got its name from when merchants would go here to meet up with their mistresses. Anyways, it’s a fun alley to explore. Some bars that I recommend in Love Lane are: