Top Things to Do in George Town

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The Best Ways to Enjoy Malaysia's Second Largest City

George Town, Penang is often considered the "culinary capital of Malaysia" so you are sure to sample many memorable local dishes. But Malaysia's second-largest city isn't just about eating. It's true that you can even fantasize about pasta at odd hours of the night, but many of the best things to do in George Town have nothing to do with food.

Penang is an island, but this is not always the case. For white sand and Southeast Asian island vibes, head to Langkawi or Tioman Island. While in Penang, enjoy George Town's UNESCO World Heritage status. You will have many options to learn about the culture of the clan and admire the colonial architecture from the time of the spice trade and pirate navigation.

Tip: Start by visiting the Penang Heritage Trust office on Church Street. Pick up some of the free walking maps and materials to discover even more interesting things to do in George Town.

1. Discover Your New Favorite Food

For culinary delights in George Town, you have plenty of options: the touristy yet pleasant Gurney Drive, sprawling food courts and street vendors, street food carts, and small restaurants. Some family-run stores may sell just one or two specialties dominated by decades of repetition in the kitchen.

You'll recognize some of the Kuala Lumpur family favorites, but George Town has certainly developed its own food scene. If you don't know where to start, sampling starts with the largest number of tourists on Gurney Drive, Air Itam, or Red Garden Food Court. You'll enjoy a variety of options and lots of people watching, but ask the locals what the best street vendor options are once you discover a local favorite.

2. See a Famous Cannon at Fort Cornwallis

Captain Francis Light built Fort Cornwallis on behalf of the British East India Company when he took control of Penang. Although the fort never saw combat, it served as a deterrent against pirates and rioters who may have disrupted the spice trade.

The most ornate of the bronze cannons intended for potential pirates is the Dutch-made Seri Rambai, dating from 1603. The legendary cannon was fought, moved, sunk, recovered, and is now displayed on top of the fort.

The prominent position of Fort Cornwallis at the eastern tip of Penang allows many good views of the fort's battlements.

3. Admire the Colonial Structures

After visiting Fort Cornwallis, stroll across the massive lawn to see the colonial architecture of the State Assembly Hall and Penang City Hall. The impressive City Hall building was featured in the 1999 film "Anna and the King."

The 18-meter high Victoria Memorial Clock Tower is located in a roundabout to the south, at the junction of Lebuh Light and Lebuh Pantai. The beautiful clock was built by a local millionaire in 1897 to commemorate the 60-year reign of Queen Victoria.

4. Walk Along Armenian Street

Walking down Armenian Street is one of the most popular things to do in George Town. The neighborhood is home to numerous galleries, street murals, cafes, souvenir shops, and other attractions. Combined, the various local businesses add to the charm of the strip. Lebuh Armenian is also home to the famous street art mural "Boys on a Bicycle" by Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian-born artist.

Trishaw tours are available, and yes, the street's goal is to make tourists happy, but the prices in art stores are reasonable. Plan to do some shopping for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and enjoy a drink (teh tarik is a local option) at one of the quirky cafes.

5. Visit Little India

Walking along Rua Arênia doesn't take long; it is much shorter than most travelers expect. Conveniently, Little India in Penang is practically next door, just a few blocks north.

As is often the case in "Little India" neighborhoods, you will find a lot of excitement in an exciting and slightly hectic environment. Bollywood provides the soundtrack and aromatic spices perfume the air.

This is the place in Penang for delicious and inexpensive Malay Indian food. Try one of the "banana leaf" curry houses, if you haven't already. If it's not the right time, at least grab one of the stuffed samosas or another tempting snack for later. If you are dressed properly, immerse yourself in the colorful Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple on the island.

Be prepared: Little India looks ... well ... small, especially if you've recently passed its Kuala Lumpur counterpart.

6. Tour the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

The indigo-colored mansion belonged to Cheong Fatt Tze, a wealthy merchant who brought in artists from China to build the house according to feng shui guidelines.

When exploring the beautiful grounds of the mansion, keep in mind that Cheong Fatt Tze was a poor immigrant who left his homeland to escape the war and find success. Although he started out as a merchant in Jakarta, he developed his business and his wealth from scratch. The impressive Leith Street mansion was just one of his residences.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion also functions as an exclusive hostel. Only overnight guests can take pictures indoors. You'll want to book one of the three daily tours in advance, they cost 18 Malaysian ringgit and last 45 minutes.

7. Enjoy the Decoration in the Khoo Kongsi Clan house

Of the many ornate clan houses in Penang, Khoo Kongsi is undoubtedly one of the most impressive. The temple was completed in 1906 at the height of the clan's wealth and power. Chinese operas and events are occasionally staged on the beautiful stage; check the official website for a calendar of upcoming events.

Khoo Kongsi can be difficult to find. Look for him in Cannon Square, not far from Lebuh Armenian. Admission for adults is Malaysian Ringgit 10.

8. See More Chinese Clan Houses

Due to the popularity and entrance fee of Khoo Kongsi, many travelers prefer Cheah Kongsi as an alternative. Cheah Kongsi, founded in 1810, is just a 7-minute walk from Khoo Kongsi. Some period furniture and artifacts are on display and admission is free.

Another option in the area is Tan Kongsi, a Hokkien clan house and temple established in 1878. The property is just a 5-minute walk south. As you would expect in George Town, the surrounding neighborhood is filled with cafes, galleries, and restaurants that specialize in a single dish.

9. Take a Stroll Down Love Lane

Love Lane (Lorong Cinta) is the area for backpackers and budget travelers in Penang. Calling Love Lane Penang "Khao San Road" would be an overstatement, but like Bangkok's famous backpacker base, Love Lane and adjacent Chulia Street are packed with cheap inns, sidewalk bars, and street food carts. .

The Love Lane / Chulia Street area is all about socializing and nightlife. It's not really the place to go for a walk, but you'll find the Carpenters Guild holding out defiantly as cafes and hostels take over the street.

Founded in 1850, the historic Carpenters Guild building served as home to many of the forgotten immigrants who came to build the famous clan houses seen in Penang. The temple is dedicated to Lo Pan, the patron deity of carpenters.

Shop and Play in KOMTAR

If the weather isn't ideal, head to the KOMTAR tower, the tallest skyscraper on the island. In 1986, KOMTAR was the second tallest building in Asia, with 65 floors. Three more floors were added in 2016, bringing the total to 68.

The KOMTAR tower is literally filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment in the form of museums, a movie theater, and themed attractions. If you want to put your fear of heights to the test, go to the world's highest ropes course at level 65 or pay handsomely to walk (no shoes) on the glass Rainbow Skywalk that projects 816 feet above sea level.

The lower part of KOMTAR serves as the main bus terminal for Penang. From there you can very well get to any part of the island (including the beach).

11. Run From Monkeys in the Penang Botanic Gardens

The Penang Botanical Gardens are located at the northern end of George Town. As the name implies, you will be surrounded by greenery in a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

But there is a problem: Macaque monkeys patrol this lush paradise. They're bold enough to pick up your water bottle, and you're really in trouble if you hide a snack somewhere.

The botanical gardens are located on the site of a spice garden that dates back to colonial times. You can enjoy a scenic waterfall along with a tropical jungle setting and the creatures it attracts.

The gardens have free entry and are open every day from 5 am to 8 pm; some views may have restricted hours. If you want to avoid dealing with taxi drivers, many are more daring than monkeys, KOMTAR bus number 10 will take you there.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Incredible Things to Do in George Town, Penang

Source: Georgia Caney

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