Georgetown Review

With a long and illustrious history under its belt, Penang’s capital city is one of the most interesting and colourful cities in Malaysia. Named after King George III, George Town was accorded city status by Queen Elizabeth II on the 1st of January 1957, making it the first town in the Federation of Malaya – after Singapore – to carry the city status.

Featuring an eclectic mix of old and new, walking down the streets of George Town is like walking through the paths of history. As acknowledgment of its well-preserved cultural and historical heritage, the city was listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the 7th of July 2008.

Visiting George Town is like visiting a world where time stands still – a world where history, nature and traditions are weaved into a rich cultural tapestry. Containing the best of Penang’s sights, sounds, smells and tastes, it wouldn’t be too much to say that George Town is easily Penang in a nutshell.

From heritage buildings to nature parks, Penang’s capital city has a multitude of attractions to appease the curious visitor. This historic town is best enjoyed on foot or trishaw, enabling you to take in the sights and sounds better. (Read more …)

There are plenty of things one can do around George Town. The town is filled with historical relics in the form of beautiful colonial buildings, so taking a walk around town can be quite an eye-opening experience, not to mention a pleasant one. From magnificent heritage buildings in the centre of town to lush landscapes from the top of the hills, there are many ways to explore this multi-faceted town.

Go by foot or hop on a trishaw, and go to the places the locals like to go to and do as the locals do – no matter what you partake in, the journey never seem to end and the excitement never seems to stop. (Read more …)

Since Penang is synonymous with good food (eating also seems to be Penangites’ favourite pastime), there are many places where one can find a good concentration of hawker stalls and restaurants on the island, especially in George Town. Being Penang’s capital, it’s only natural that this city is also Penang’s food central, and foodies’ heaven.

Aside from posh-nosh and local-flavour restaurants lining its streets, some roads convert into exciting hawker centres come nightfall, forming a significant part of the lively night atmosphere in George Town. (Read more...)

Nightlife is a happening affair in George Town. As night falls, people would be thronging the streets to let their hair down at a pub or a nightclub, particularly along the stretch of Jalan Penang from Cititel Hotel and to where it intersects with Lebuh Farquhar.

Since Penang is synonymous with good food (eating also seems to be Penangites’ favourite pastime), there are many places where one can find a good concentration of hawker stalls, only open at night, which form a significant part of the lively night atmosphere in George Town. (Read more …)

George Town provides an array of shopping opportunities, from mainstream offerings to unique bargains. Sprawling shopping malls interweave with roadside stalls and independent shops, creating an interesting and eclectic contrast that gives you plenty of choices and good value for money.

Jalan Penang, leading up all the way to KOMTAR, is the best place to go for shopping with many specialty shops and bazaars lined along it. (Read more …)