Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Travelationship
George Town, Malaysia, is a quaint little town located on the island of Penang in the Malacca Strait on the West side of Malaysia. Melaka and George Town were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008 for their multicultural heritage and architectural wonders. In recent years, George Town has become synonymous with incredible street art and delicious food. Home to some of the most famous murals worldwide, Penang should be a top placeholder on any art lover’s must-visit list.
Welcome to George Town, Malaysia
Upon arriving at your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or B&B, ask your host for a map. We were given three different maps, which were quite helpful, but we loved the Historic City of George Town World Heritage Site Map and the Tourism Penang’s Street Art Map.
Between those two maps, we were able to locate all the street art, welded iron caricatures, and places of interest within the city. We also asked our host to mark new mural locations on our map. He gave us one extra but suggested we ask some restaurant and café employees for more.
For the most part, we had no issues communicating in George Town. The area is very much focused on tourists, so it was quite easy to find English speakers to help out anytime we couldn’t get by with our very limited Malay.
We spent three days in Penang and only saw George Town. The street art and strolling the streets engrossed us, so we ran out of time to travel inland to see more of the island. We didn’t even make it to any of the beaches. It seems like such “a travel fail,” but I have to say it was ok because we enjoyed taking our time in George Town.
How to Get There
We took the train from Kuala Lumpur’s Central Railway Station to the Butterworth Railway Station. The train ride is comfortable and takes about 4-4.5 hours. The Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal is located next to the Butterworth Station. Exit the rail station, turn left, and follow the covered walkway to the ferry. The signs are fairly easy to follow, but if in doubt, follow the mass of people walking toward the port.
The ferry from the mainland to Penang runs every 20-30 minutes and takes 15-20 minutes to cross the water. Bench seating is available, or feel free to stand on the sides and enjoy the view. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on the ferry. One set of restrooms is available at the bow or front section of the boat.
Getting Around Penang
Buses are available to all towns in Penang and at the bus terminal next to the ferry terminal.
There is also a free George Town bus, which departs from Terminal B and runs the older part of George Town. We did not see or find this bus during our time in Penang. I recommend checking with the bus terminal office for more information and to obtain a current bus schedule.
Taxis are also available outside the ferry/bus terminal. Know where your accommodations are before arriving. George Town is a very walkable place, but the heat can be a bitch, especially when hauling luggage around. That said, negotiate all taxi prices before getting into a cab or insist the driver use his meter.
Walking is the easiest, cheapest, and best way around George Town. Walking, we could see more of the town’s charm and find alleys and streets full of interesting buildings and characters.
Bicycles are available for rental, but we opted out of cycling because some streets are quite uneven. We also weren’t interested in finding safe places to park and lock the bike as we visited different places.
Motorbikes are available for rental, and although we did not rent a bike, I would highly recommend renting one for at least a day and getting out of George Town to see more of the island. We are big on renting an MB and touring the outskirts and surrounding areas. Looking back, we regret not leaving George Town to see more of the island.
Goerge Town Sights
I know we raved about the maps, but at least for a few hours or more, tuck them in your bag and wander. The streets of George Town are full of so much character and little details. It’s fascinating & fun to roam around and take it all in.
Street Art and Murals
As we mentioned, we were in George Town for street art. Artists from all around the world have painted masterpieces on walls all around Penang. The streets of George Town and beyond contain some of the most famous pieces in the world. Penang residents learned early on that their murals were beautiful and a huge draw to bring people to their island. The local population and government have put in much effort and time to keep their art pieces protected and in great shape.
See more of our street art fun here.
Temples & Religious Sites
Several temples, mausoleums, mosques, cathedrals, churches, and religious sites and structures are located within George Town. We visited quite a few different religious locations, some more impressive than others. Some were also closed to visitors for various reasons.
Our favorites included:
- St. George’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia
- Goddess of Mercy Temple, dedicated to Kuan Yin
- She Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi which features classic Chinese architecture with a flair of British influence
- Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in George Town
- Kapitan Keling Mosque is the largest mosque in the city.
- Hainan Temple, dedicated to the goddess Mar Chor.
Architecture in George Town
George Town is full of beautiful properties. Several association buildings are worth walking by for their outside views and to see the city and town hall buildings. We particularly liked the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion & the Pinang Peranakan Mansion tours.
Museums & Other Sights
We visited four museums while in George Town and would recommend two. The Penang State Museum is interesting and full of random things to read and look at. If you are an Instagram or Camera fanatic and have the extra RM20 for the entrance fee, we recommend the Camera Museum.
Clan Jetties
The jetties are a must-see while in George Town. Originally built to house the early fishing families, the piers remind visitors of the island’s unique beginnings and continued heritage. Families still live on the jetties; some have combined their homefronts to serve as craft shops, food stalls, or stores for tourists.
*Note most of the street art previously located on the jetties has been painted over.
Where to Eat in George Town
George Town is a foodie lover’s paradise. Their street food and ahhmazing restaurants are slated to be some of the best in Malaysia. Sadly, we are not big foodies and cannot offer much advice on where and what to eat. We enjoyed our burgers at Junk Café, our coffee and pastries at Mugshot Café & Rainforest Bakery, and our noodles, chicken skewers, and fried rolls at a handful of street stalls.
Here are some additional restaurant recommendations:
Kebaya Dining Room
- Cuisine: Refined Nyonya (Straits Chinese) cuisine in a historical setting.
- Why it’s Special: Kebaya elevates traditional Nyonya home-style dishes with top-notch ingredients and a beautiful presentation. The restaurant is housed in a gorgeous heritage mansion, adding to the unique experience.
Tek Sen Restaurant
- Cuisine: Authentic Chinese-Malaysian, known for their ‘wok hei’ infused dishes.
- Why it’s Special: A Penang institution, Tek Sen serves up flavorful, no-frills Chinese-style seafood and stir-fries. Expect generous portions and a lively, local atmosphere.
Jawi House Cafe Gallery
- Cuisine: Jawi Peranakan (Straits Malay) cuisine with Middle Eastern influences.
- Why it’s Special: This charming cafe in a restored shophouse beautifully showcases the lesser-known Jawi Peranakan cuisine. Their flavorful dishes and elegant ambiance are top-notch.
Il Bacaro
- Cuisine: Italian, with a focus on Venetian-style dishes.
- Why it’s Special: A sophisticated break from the local fare. Il Bacaro dishes up authentic, delicious Italian meals. The restaurant is located within the Campbell House boutique hotel, offering a lovely ambiance.
Staying in George Town
The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang. Unfussy rooms and suites in a polished high-rise hotel offering dining, an infinity pool, and a gym. This 4-star hotel balances comfort, location, and amenities.
Sunway Hotel Georgetown. Contemporary quarters in a refined hotel with a rooftop pool, a 24-hour gym, and all-day dining. This 4-star hotel is a great choice for those seeking a modern hotel with convenient amenities.
JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La. Warmly furnished quarters in a relaxed hotel offering a stylish restaurant and a casual bar. This 4-star hotel boasts a comfortable atmosphere and on-site dining options.
OZO George Town Penang. Airy rooms and suites, some with ocean views, in a hip hotel with an outdoor pool and a rooftop bar. This 4-star hotel is a stylish choice with a great rooftop bar.
Le Dream Boutique Hotel. A cool boutique hotel offers modern rooms, free breakfast, a rooftop bar, and a hot tub. This 4.5-star hotel is great for those seeking a unique boutique experience with a complimentary breakfast.
Things to Note
The heat was intense, and we had to take several breaks throughout the day to cool off. George Town is full of charming cafes and restaurants, so finding a reprieve from the sun was not an issue. I recommend always carrying water because that heat can sneak up on you as you wander the streets.
Although conservative dress is not required in or around Penang, please consider covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Carrying a wrap or shawl makes covering up for a short time during your walkthrough effortless.
What to Bring
Besides the obvious SE Asian warm weather attire, consider bringing the below.
- Cash – ATMs are available, but if you can get extra cash from the mainland, bring it.
- Sunscreen/Bug Spray – It’s an island, so things are more expensive than usual.
- Hat – The sun is intense.
- Umbrella – Again, the sun is intense.
Travel Basics
Web sites: Tourism Penang
Money: Credit cards were accepted at most permanent businesses. Cash only at all street vendors and smaller businesses.
Price: Train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth is $4-17, depending on your ticket class. The Ferry from Butterworth to Penang is RM 1.40 for an adult and RM 0.60 for a child.
Tipping: This is not required, but if you would like to tip, 10% is standard. Most locations add a 10% service charge to the bill.
Travelationship Rating
4 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. For the traveler who likes – adventure, romance, relaxation, partier, historical, UNESCO, bucket lister, street art, culture, heritage
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Informative article. Looks to be a very beautiful place. The pictures are attractive and impressive. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Robert,
Many thanks. George Town is without a doubt a beautiful place and one we would both recommend for a visit. Let us know whenever you get out that way. Happy Travels -Matt
Travel is a very great gift from god and that is what we have learned from your blog. Thanks for such a good write up. Truly an amazing piece of writing.
Travel is a gift for sure. Thank you very much Laxman, you are too kind.