George Town

George Town, the capital of Penang, Malaysia, is a city rich in cultural heritage. As you walk through its UNESCO-listed old town, you'll see Chinese shophouses, British colonial buildings, and colorful murals adorning walls. The city is home to various religious sites, including temples, mosques, and churches. George Town is also known for its local cuisine, with hawker stalls serving dishes like asam laksa and char kway teow.

Exploring the Old Town

George Town's old town consists of narrow streets and alleys lined with colorful shophouses. You can spend hours walking through this area, observing the architecture and discovering interesting spots. Pay attention to the details on building facades, such as ornate tiles and carved wooden shutters.

Street Art Scene

Since 2012, George Town has developed a notable street art scene. Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic started this trend with his series of murals depicting local life. Now, you'll find artwork throughout the city, including large-scale paintings and small wire sculptures. You can get a map from your hotel or join a guided tour to find the most popular pieces.

Temples and Religious Sites

George Town has various religious buildings representing different cultures. The Kek Lok Si Temple, located just outside the city center, is Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple complex. Its seven-story pagoda incorporates Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural elements. In the heart of the old town, you'll see the Kapitan Keling Mosque with its black domes, and the ornate Khoo Kongsi, a Chinese clan house.

Local Cuisine

Food plays a significant role in George Town's identity. The city's culinary scene blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, resulting in unique dishes like asam laksa (a sour fish soup) and char kway teow (stir-fried flat noodles). For an authentic local dining experience, visit popular hawker centers like Gurney Drive or New Lane. If you prefer a more upscale setting, try Kebaya at the Seven Terraces hotel, which serves Nyonya cuisine in a restored building.

Getting Around

While you can explore George Town on foot, it can get warm during the day. Consider renting a bicycle to cover more ground or use the free CAT (Central Area Transit) bus that loops around the main tourist areas. Trishaws are another option for seeing the old town's narrow streets, though they're primarily used by visitors.

Best Time to Visit

George Town experiences warm temperatures year-round, with January and February typically being the driest months. However, you should be prepared for occasional showers regardless of when you visit. If you're interested in cultural events, consider planning your trip during the George Town Festival in July and August, which features local and international art performances.

Where to Stay

Many boutique hotels in George Town are housed in restored shophouses. The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) offers luxurious rooms in a historic setting, while budget-conscious travelers might prefer guesthouses like Muntri Mews or Ren i Tang. If you want modern amenities, several international chain hotels along Gurney Drive have sea views and are close to shopping malls.