Penang: George Town World Heritage Site, Malaysia

by Tsvete Popp
LillaGreen House Penang

Welcome to George Town, Malaysia

Discover the charm and cultural heritage of George Town World Heritage Site in Penang. Immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant street art, and mouthwatering culinary delights. Explore the narrow lanes lined with colorful colonial buildings, visit historic temples and mosques, and indulge in the flavors of Penang’s famous street food. With its unique blend of cultures, captivating architecture, and bustling markets, George Town is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience. Plan your visit now and embark on a journey through time in this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Streets of George Town

Where to Stay in George Town, Malaysia

As you would expect from a major travel destination in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.

Best 3 Luxury Hotels in George Town Malaysia

  • Eastern & Oriental Hotel: Located along the historic Farquhar Street, Eastern & Oriental Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with a colonial charm. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, multiple dining options, and a seafront infinity pool. Guests can enjoy exquisite hospitality, stunning views of the sea, and easy access to George Town’s attractions.
  • Seven Terraces: Situated in the heart of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seven Terraces provides boutique luxury accommodations in a restored Chinese mansion. The hotel offers spacious suites with antique furnishings, a courtyard pool, a library, and a restaurant serving Peranakan cuisine. Guests can experience a blend of heritage and modern comfort.
  • Macalister Mansion: A unique boutique hotel, Macalister Mansion offers contemporary luxury in a restored colonial building. The hotel features stylish rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a bar, and multiple dining options. Guests can indulge in modern design, artistic touches, and culinary delights within the mansion’s vibrant atmosphere.

 

Best 3 Mid-Range Hotels in George Town Malaysia

  • Muntri Grove: Situated in the historic Muntri Street, Muntri Grove offers boutique accommodations with a blend of heritage and modern design. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a courtyard garden, a restaurant, and a bar. Guests can enjoy a tranquil retreat while being close to the cultural attractions and street art of George Town.
  • Campbell House: Located in the heart of George Town, Campbell House is a heritage boutique hotel with contemporary touches. The hotel offers well-appointed rooms, a courtyard garden, a restaurant, and a spa. Guests can experience personalized service, artistic ambiance, and explore the vibrant neighborhood.
  • Armenian Street Heritage Hotel: Situated on the famous Armenian Street, this boutique hotel preserves the heritage of George Town. The hotel features comfortable rooms with traditional motifs, a courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with city views. Guests can immerse themselves in the historic atmosphere and easily explore the surrounding attractions.

 

Best 3 Hostels in George Town Malaysia

  • The Frame Guesthouse: Situated in the bustling area of Chulia Street, The Frame Guesthouse provides comfortable and affordable accommodations in a renovated heritage building. The hostel offers dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a cozy lounge area. Guests can experience a blend of modern comfort and traditional architecture, explore the lively neighborhood, and discover George Town’s cultural sites.
  • Red Inn Court: Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Red Inn Court offers budget-friendly accommodations with a traditional ambiance. The hostel features dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a common area. Guests can experience a friendly atmosphere, cultural immersion, and explore the nearby attractions.
  • Kim Haus Loft: Located in the bustling Campbell Street, Kim Haus Loft offers a unique blend of hostel and cafe. The hostel features stylish dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a vibrant cafe serving delicious food and drinks. Guests can enjoy the artistic decor, relax in the cozy lounge area, and explore the nearby street markets and local attractions.

Reasons to Visit MalaysiaBegin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Booking.com)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Tripadvisor)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Agoda)

Discover affordable hostels in Malaysia here (Hostelworld)

Easily compare prices and book hotels in Malaysia here (Hotellook)

Visiting George Town, Malaysia

We spent two unforgettable days in the Cameron Highlands and its unique ecosystem and wild nature. Our next stop was the turtle-shaped island of Penang, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the Strait of Malacca. The journey from Cameron Highlands to Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal in Penang took about 4 hours, followed by another 30 minutes of a drive (by Grab!) to the capital of the island – George Town.

The Streets of George Town

The Streets of George Town

Penang is logistically perfectly arranged – the Penang International Airport connects the island with several major regional cities from neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. The longest bridge in Malaysia connects Penang with the rest of Peninsular Malaysia. Additionally, the port of Penang is still the major link to the rest of the World, as it connects the island with more than 200 ports worldwide!


The Streets of George Town

Why you should visit George Town, Malaysia?

Actually, there are numerous reasons why this island is the most tourist-visited destination in Malaysia! George Town, the capital city of Penang, is one of the most colourful and culturally diverse cities in Southeast Asia. Penang has a very rich history! Back in the day, the island was a highly important trade route between Europe, India, China and the Middle East. As all travellers and merchants brought their own cultures over the years, Penang became home to three ancient cultures – the Chinese, Malayan and Indian. Even so, none of these gave the name to the capital city, as George Town was named after King George III (the King of Great Britain between the years of 1760 and 1801).

The Streets of George Town

The Streets of George Town

A Short History of George Town, Penang

A long, long time ago, somewhere in the 1st century, Penang was part of the very important Indian trade community Kedah. Kedah has an important role in the history of Malaysia. The island of Penang was a meeting point for Indian merchants who were trading herbs, spices and gold. Logically, all these merchants brought their own religion and culture and that is how Buddhism and Hinduism were introduced to George Town! The same thing happened during the 9th century as numerous Muslim merchants from the Middle East came to Malaysia in order to trade, but they left their religion and culture as the others did before.

The Streets of George Town

LillaGreen House

In the 17th century, George Town was one of the very first British settlements in Southeast Asia. During this period Penang was the hub for the lucrative opium trade, wisely managed by some Chinese drug dealers. A century later the island became part of the British Crown Colony in the Straits Settlements (a group of British territories located in Southeast Asia).

Nowadays, Penang is the only state in Malaysia which has a Chinese majority in the population! Perchance this is the main reason why George Town is the most tolerant region in Malaysia toward any kind of religion and culture (in my opinion Buddhism is the most tolerant religion out there).

St. George's Church, Penang

Our Top 5 Places to Visit in George Town, Malaysia

  • Penang Street Art: Discover the vibrant street art scene as you wander through the city’s alleys and witness captivating murals depicting local culture and history.
  • Kek Lok Si Temple: Visit the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, marvel at its stunning architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location.
  • Clan Jetties: Explore the unique waterfront settlements that house traditional Chinese clans on stilts, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the area.
  • Penang Hill: Take a funicular railway up to this scenic hill station and enjoy breathtaking views of George Town and the surrounding areas, along with lush greenery and nature trails.
  • Little India: Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, fragrant spices, and lively atmosphere of this Indian neighborhood, known for its bustling markets, traditional shops, and mouthwatering cuisine.

The Edison George Town

The Streets of George Town

My Thoughts about George Town, Penang

It should not be a secret – we enjoyed every single minute of all 4 days that we spent in George Town! Due to its reach religious, cultural and even colonial past, Penang features numerous must-see attractions! Georg Town has been introduced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year of 2008 and there is no doubt – the city is like walking through the paths of history!


The Streets of George Town

The historical core of George Town is a well-preserved cultural and historical mishmash of colonial architecture, all kinds of people and cultures, unique street art, hippie boutiques and cafés, Hindu and Buddhist temples, churches and mosques, narrow roads with old-fashioned mansions, great nightlife and according to all different kinds of media – the food capital of Malaysia!

The Streets of George Town

My advice to all of you who are planning to visit Penang – take your time in this city! There is so much to be discovered … Feel the magic of the streets! Talk to the locals! Learn more about Chinese culture! Eat well! Feel gorgeous! This city is spreading peace and freedom … and the feeling of being very welcomed on this Earth!

Kuan Im Teng

Kuan Im Teng: Chinese Jiaobei – one of the most common methods used by the Chinese for answering the Yes and No questions! The one side that is bulged is Yin and the other flat side – Yang. Yin and Yang in combination means ‘Yes’. Yin and Yin means ‘No’. And double Yang is very difficult to be interpreted …


Kuan Im Teng

Kuan Im Teng: You can write down your wishes and put those on a candle.


Kuan Im Teng

Kuan Im Teng: All the wishes from the last couple of months!

Khoo Kongsi, George Town

Khoo Kongsi, George Town

Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple

Hock Teik Cheng Sin Tempel

Hock Teik Cheng Sin Tempel

Clan Jetties Of Penang

Clan Jetties Of Penang

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

Planning a trip to Malaysia?

Malaysia Accommodation

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

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Malaysia Flights

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Private Airport Transfers

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Rental Car in Malaysia

Looking to rent a car in Malaysia? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Malaysia to find you the best price possible.

Malaysia Tours

If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find a wide variety of options to suit every preference. Discover and join fascinating guided tours across Malaysia.

Travel Insurance

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Enjoy the day!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that meet our high standards and that we genuinely believe in. The opinions expressed are solely our own and are based on our personal experience.

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