 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.
Penang Museum & Art Gallery
Reputedly one of the best state museums in the country, Penang Museum & Art Gallery is dedicated to Penang’s historical past, showcasing Penang’s culture and heritage throughout the years with galleries housing a fine collection of photographs, maps, documents, antiques, costumes and other historical artefacts. Located on the first floor is the Art Gallery housing the works of local artists as well paintings of old Penang. Seasonal exhibitions are also held here from time to time.
Address: Lebuh Farquhar, George Town (between Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling at Lebuh Pitt and Love Lane).
Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday 09:00 – 17:00; Closed on Fridays.
Tel: (604) 261 3144
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
 Built on the principles of Feng Shui over seven years from 1896 to 1904 by a team of master craftsmen from China, the award-winning Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was once the abode of an influential Nanyang industrialist and a first-class Mandarin in the Manchu government, who had made Penang his home in the early 1890s. The house’s beautiful, intricate details and lush interior have been well-preserved and restored throughout the years, representing the best of 18th and 19th-century Chinese architecture, which also happens to be one of the three traditional Chinese mansions left outside of China.
Address: 14 Leith Street (Lebuh Leith), George Town.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 & 15:00, when a guided tour would be conducted.
Tel: (604) 262 0006
Fort Cornwallis
 Named after Charles Cornwallis, the Governor General of India, Fort Cornwallis is one of the most well-known landmarks in Penang. The fortress’ 10-feet walls are laid out in the shape of a star, and within those walls, some of the original structures built over a century ago can still be seen – a chapel, some prison cells, ammunition storage area, a harbour light, the original flagstaff and some old bronze cannons, which includes the infamous 17th-century Dutch cannon called ‘Seri Rambai’, believed by the locals to have an encouraging effect on women’s fertility. Originally built out of wood, this historical attraction now houses a tourist information kiosk, a café, and open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery, a souvenir centre and tour guides to show visitors around and provide them with a peek into the fortress’ history.
Address: Lebuh Light, Padang Kota Lama, George Town.
Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 18:30
Tel: (604) 261 0262
Khoo Kongsi
 One of the most prominent Chinese lineages in Malaysia, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi for short, dates back to some 650 years ago. Khoo Kongsi, together with Cheah, Yeoh, Lim and Tan Kongsi, were the ‘Goh Tai Seh’ (Five Big Clans) that had formed the backbone of the Hokkien community in olden-day Penang, Characterised by close-knit communities and clearly-divided territories marked by rows of terrace houses, each kongsi has its own clanhouse which acts as the central point of the community. The Khoo Kongsi’s clanhouse, the Leong San Tong, a magnificent structure standing on a square of granite, is perhaps the most majestic clanhouse in South-East Asia. Craftsmen from China had been commissioned to built this architectural masterpiece at the height of the Khoo Kongsi’s prominence, making this clanhouse one of the most beautiful pieces of Chinese culture in history.
Address: 18 Cannon Square, George Town (near the end of Lebuh Pitt, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling).
Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 17:00
Tel: (604) 261 4609
Kek Lok Si Temple
Arguably the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple stands on top of a hill in the little town of Air Itam. Founded more than a hundred years ago, its temple complex is filled with beautifully-landscaped gardens and sacred temples. A striking seven-tiered pagoda called The Pagoda of 1000 Buddhas – which combines Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles in one structure - houses a stunning collection of Buddha statues made from all sorts of precious materials. Also can be found within the temple complex are the statues of The Four Heavenly Kings, guarding the four points of the compass – North, South, West and East – with the statue of The Laughing Buddha in the middle. But the temple’s focal attraction has got to be the massive bronze Kuan Yin statue high up on the hill, measuring 120 feet in height.
Address: Air Itam (Near Jalan Balik Pulau - 6kms from George Town)
Getting there: Depending on where you come from, you can take the Rapid Penang bus No. U201, U203, U204, U206, T306 and U502. Taxi from George Town costs around RM 20. If driving, look for the signboard that leads to Ayer Itam. Once you get there, you should be able to see the signboard that directs you to the temple.
Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 18:00.
Tel: (604) 899 8222
The Clock Tower
One of the most recognisable icons in Penang, The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower was commissioned by a local millionaire, Cheah Chen Eok, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Standing at 60 feet tall with each foot representing each year of the Queen’s 60-year reign, the clock tower leans to one side due to the impact from bombs being dropped around it during the Second World War, although it’s hardly noticeable.
Location: At the intersection of Light Street, Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) and King Edward’s Place (Persiaran King Edward).
Opening hours: N/A
Tel: N/A
Kapitan Keling Mosque
 Situated along Pitt Street, the Kapitan Keling Mosque is Penang’s first-ever mosque built in the 19th century, which is also the largest and one of the oldest mosques in town. A monumental structure surrounded by low walls and crowned with Moghul-style copper domes, the mosque was named after the head of the Indian Muslim community back then, Cauder Maydin Merican, a prominent trader appointed by the-then British rulers as leader of the community. The word ‘Keling’ refers to South Indian immigrants back then, so the word ‘Kapitan Keling’ literally means ‘Captain of the Kelings’.
Address: Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling,George Town (located at the busy junction of Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Buckingham).
Opening hours: N/A, but permission to enter must be obtained from the mosque officials. No shoes are allowed inside the mosque, and all visitors must be decently dressed.
Tel: (604) 262 0202
Kuan Yin Temple
 Penang’s oldest temple, Kuan Yin Temple, was built in honour of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin), an important Buddhist deity, hence why this temple is also sometimes referred to as ‘The Goddess of Mercy Temple’. Constructed in the early 1800s by early immigrant settlers from China, the temple features a classic Chinese architectural style, with stone carvings of dragons and wavy rooftops. The temple is also dedicated to Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers.
Address: Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Georgetown (between Lorong Stewart and Lebuh Farquhar).
Opening hours: Early morning to late evening.
Tel: (604) 261 6663
Penang Islamic Museum
Housed in a beautiful heritage building which was once the residence of Syed Al –Attas, the Penang Islamic Museum takes you through the beginnings of Islam and its development in the country throughout the years, from the early days to the present day. Featuring exhibits which are displayed according to themes in its many sections and galleries, the museum also illustrates the beauty and the philosophies of the religion.
Address: 128 Armenian Street, George Town.
Opening hours: Daily, 09:30 – 18:00; Closed on Tuesdays.
Tel: (604) 262 0172
St George’s Church
Built by convicts back in 1816, Penang’s St George’s Church is South-East Asia’s oldest Anglican church. Even through all these years, the original structure of the building hasn’t altered much, and the walls haven’t weathered much either. One of Penang’s most beautiful heritage landmarks, the most striking features of the church are the huge Grecian columns that stand outside the building. Since its conception in the 19th century, it has been holding regular services. A grand Francis Light memorial sits in front of the church, a tribute to the man who had established the island in 1786.
Address: 1 Jalan Lebuh Farquhar, George Town.
Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Tel: (604) 261 2739
Sri Mariamman Temple
The colourful Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Featuring a distinctive South Indian Dravidian architectural style, the temple is filled with intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu deities, with the main focal point being an opulent statue of Lord Subramaniam which is decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. In the early morning, visitors can observe the prayer sessions that are being held.
Location: Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (Lebuh Pitt), between Lebuh Pasar and Lebuh Chulia (if you wish to enter the temple, ask for permission first from any of the temple’s priests, and do remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds).
Opening hours: 8.00 am - 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Penang Peranakan Mansion
 The opulent lifestyle of a Peranakan (Straits Chinese) tycoon is recreated in this century-old stately mansion, offering a glimpse into the Peranakan customs and traditions. Serving as a museum of sorts for the Peranakan heritage, this mansion was once the abode of a rich Baba leader, Kapitan (Captain) Chung Keng Kwee. Amongst the items displayed are a traditional marital bed, an opium bed and opium-smoking paraphernalia, and various women’s accessories and gold jewellery.
Address: 29 Church Street, George Town.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 09:30 – 17:00, Saturday 09:30 – 15:00; by appointment only on Sundays & Public Holidays.
Tel: (604) 264 2929
The Clan Jetties
Consisting of a row of wooden houses on stilts along a planked walkway built over the water, The Clan Jetties are picturesque fishing villages lined along Weld Quay. The traditional fishing settlements have been in existence since the 19th century, and are some of Penang’s remaining links to its rich and colourful past. Eight clan jetties can be found here – Chew Jetty, Koay Jetty, Lee Jetty, Lim Jetty, Peng Aun Jetty, Tan Jetty, Yeoh Jetty and Mixed Clans Jetty – with Chew Jetty being the biggest and most well-known.
Location: Along Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay) – near Tanjung City Marina & Ferry Terminal. Gat Lebuh Armenian leads directly to Chew Jetty, the biggest of the Clan Jetties.
Opening Hours: N/A
Tel: N/A
Penang Hill
Penang Hill, or Flagstaff Hill (Bukit Bendera) as it is officially known, rises 821 metres above sea level, providing a welcome respite from the heat down below. One of the most popular attractions in Penang, a trip up Penang Hill is something that is not to be missed when visiting this island; breathtaking panoramic views of the whole island awaits you at the top, as far as the eyes can see. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Seberang Prai. A funicular train takes you all the way up to the top of the hill in half an hour. On top you will find a restaurant, a Hindu temple, a church, a mosque and a snake show where you can take photos with a tame python for a fee.
Location: Air Itam, George Town (about 3km from Kek Lok Si Temple).
How To Get There: From Weld Quay, Komtar & Lebuh Chulia, take Rapid Penang bus No. U204 which takes you straight to Penang Hill. You can also get there by taxi, costing approximately RM 20 per journey.
Train’s Operating Hours: Sunday – Friday 06:30 – 21:30, Saturday & Public Holiday 06:30 – 23:30.
Tel: (604) 262 0202
Penang Botanic Gardens
Filled with all sorts of plants from hundreds of species, Penang Botanic Gardens showcases the wonders of nature in a sprawling 29 hectares of green land. A public park cum botanical gardens, it is as much an educational area as a recreational spot. Hiking through its jungles or jogging in its parks is a refreshingly pleasant affair. There is also an impressive waterfall within.
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga
Getting here: It is possible to walk to Penang Botanic Gardens from Pengkalan Weld, if your feet could carry you far. Cross Pengkalan Weld by the pedestrian bridge, turn left and walk until you reach the junction with Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right and walk the distance until you arrive at Penang Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, you can also take the transit link bus No. 7 from KOMTAR.
Tel: (604) 227 0428/228 5125
Opening Hours: Daily, 05:00 – 20:00
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