1 Explore Street Art

Georgetown is renowned for its street art, with murals and installations scattered throughout the city. This movement started in 2012 as part of the “Mirrors George Town” project by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, who was commissioned by the Penang State Government. His work sparked a cultural renaissance, inspiring both local and international artists to contribute to the city’s aesthetic tapestry.

Don’t miss the interactive pieces such as “Boy on a Bike” and “Little Children on a Bicycle”, where you can become part of the art. Exploring these vibrant murals is a fun way to discover the city’s nooks and crannies​. The murals are scattered throughout the city, especially in the heritage area around Armenian Street, Ah Quee Street, and Cannon Street.

2 Visit Khoo Kongsi

Khoo Kongsi, one of the most renowned clan houses in Malaysia, is a must-visit landmark in Georgetown, Penang. Built in the late 19th century by the affluent Khoo clan, this structure served as a social and spiritual hub for Chinese immigrants. The original building, completed in 1906, was reconstructed after a fire shortly after its completion​. The architecture of Khoo Kongsi is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, featuring intricate carvings, ornate sculptures, and elaborate decorations. Visitors can explore the clan house, theater, and courtyards, with a small museum in the main hall providing insights into the Khoo clan’s history and contributions to Penang. Khoo Kongsi is easily accessible and open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with an entrance fee of RM 10. Allocate at least an hour to fully appreciate the complex’s architectural beauty and historical significance.

3 Indulge in Street Food

For food enthusiasts, Georgetown is a paradise. Penang’s street food is renowned worldwide, earning the city accolades as one of the best food destinations in Asia. The culinary scene here is a delightful fusion of flavors, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. From hawker stalls to food courts, there’s an endless variety of dishes to try​. Head to places like the Red Garden Food Paradise or the Jetty Food Court to sample a variety of local delicacies. From char kway teow to laksa, the street food here is great. Join a food tour to ensure you hit all the best spots and try the right dishes​.

4 Marvel at Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It features stunning architecture, a towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The temple is a serene place to spend a few hours exploring. Don’t miss the pagoda and the pavilion of the Four Heavenly Kings located in the middle section of the temple complex​.

5 Visit the Clan Jetties

The Clan Jetties, especially the Chew Jetty, offer a glimpse into the lives of Chinese immigrant communities. These wooden stilt houses extend into the sea and are perfect for a leisurely stroll and some photography. Each jetty is associated with a specific clan, providing a unique cultural insight into Penang’s history​​.

6 Discover Penang National Park

Just a short drive from Georgetown, Penang National Park offers a breath of fresh air and a variety of outdoor activities. Hike through lush jungles, visit the pristine Monkey Beach, or walk across the canopy walkway for stunning views. The park is also home to a Meromictic Lake, a rare natural phenomenon where layers of fresh and saltwater do not mix. It’s a perfect escape from busy Georgetown.

How much time you need

To fully experience Georgetown, Penang, you should ideally plan for at least three to four days. This duration allows you to explore its major attractions, including the street art, Clan Jetties, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, at a leisurely pace.

1-2 Days | If you are short on time, you can cover the highlights such as the street art, Clan Jetties, and Khoo Kongsi. You can even combine most of the sights in a day with a tour. A quick visit to one or two local eateries will give you a taste of Penang’s famous street food.

3-4 Days | This timeframe lets you delve deeper into the city’s cultural and historical sites, including a trip to Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang National Park. You can also take your time exploring the various neighborhoods and enjoying the local cuisine.

How to get there

By car | Georgetown, Penang, is easily accessible by car from various parts of Malaysia. It’s well connected via the North-South Expressway, making it a convenient drive from Kuala Lumpur (approximately 4 hours) and other major cities. The Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge connect the mainland to Penang Island, offering scenic views as you approach Georgetown.

By plane | Penang International Airport (PEN) serves Georgetown, with flights from major cities in Malaysia and international destinations. The airport is about 30 minutes from Georgetown by taxi or ride-sharing services. There are regular flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and other regional hubs.

By Train | Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Georgetown. However, you can take a train to Butterworth, located on the mainland, and then transfer to a ferry or a taxi to reach Georgetown (don’t worry, you cannot miss the ferry when coming from the train). The train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes about 4 hours, followed by a short ferry ride to Penang Island.

By Bus | Traveling to Georgetown by bus is convenient and affordable. Buses from Kuala Lumpur (4-5 hours) and other major cities in Malaysia arrive at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, which is a short taxi or ride-share away from Georgetown. There are numerous daily services, making it easy to find a suitable time.

How to get around

Georgetown’s heritage zone is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate its street art, architecture, and vibrant street life. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other. For those sights that are further away (such as Kek Lok Si Temple), take a taxi. The best way to do this is to use Grab (the local Uber), it is safe, easy and very cheap!
The easiest way to travel in Malaysia (except Kuala Lumpur, which is way too hectic for driving!) is by car. This way you can be really flexible and decide how long to stay, and explore additional less touristy spots. A great option is to rent a car through Discovercars, where it’s easy to find the best deal.

Where to stay

I usually book all my accommodation on Agoda in Southeast Asia, being from the region they have the biggest selection and the best deals (much better than Booking in my opinion!). Georgetown, Penang offers a diverse range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels – for a 2-3 day stay, consider a comfortable and well-located hotel as your base for exploring the city’s rich cultural and historical sites. Here are the best choices in each category:

Frenz Republic (budget) | Frenz Republic is an excellent choice for travelers (and especially solo travelers) seeking affordability without sacrificing comfort. Located in the heart of Georgetown, this boutique guesthouse offers clean, charming rooms with a touch of heritage aesthetics. Its central location makes it easy to explore Georgetown’s famous street art, local eateries, and cultural landmarks on foot.

The Edison George Town (mid-range) | The Edison George Town strikes a perfect balance between comfort and elegance. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, this hotel provides modern amenities while preserving its historical charm. It’s ideally located in the UNESCO World Heritage zone, close to key attractions like the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Khoo Kongsi.

Seven Terraces (boutique) | Seven Terraces, a luxury boutique hotel, is celebrated for its exquisite design and historical significance. Set in a row of 19th-century Anglo-Chinese terrace houses, it features elegantly furnished suites with Peranakan-inspired decor. This hotel is perfect for guests who appreciate a blend of history, luxury, and culture, located near Armenian Street and other heritage sites.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel (upscale) | For ultimate luxury and a taste of Penang’s colonial past, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel is unmatched. This iconic hotel offers opulent suites, fine dining, and exceptional service. With its waterfront location, guests can enjoy stunning views of the Strait of Malacca while being just a short stroll away from Georgetown’s main attractions.

Cost of travel

Transportation Costs | Your main expense will likely be getting to Georgetown. Flights from major Asian hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok range from $50 to $150, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Once in Penang, public transportation is very budget-friendly. Rapid Penang bus rides cost about MYR 2 to 3 ($0.50 to $0.75) per trip. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are available, with fares starting around MYR 5 ($1.25) for short trips within the city.

Accommodation | Hotel prices in Georgetown vary widely. Budget accommodations like hostels and guesthouses range from MYR 40 to 80 ($10 to $20) per night. Mid-range hotels typically cost between MYR 150 to 300 ($35 to $70) per night. For a more luxurious stay, expect to pay upwards of MYR 500 ($120) per night at high-end hotels.

Food and Drink | Georgetown is a food lover’s paradise with many affordable options. Eating at local hawker stalls and food courts, you can enjoy a meal for as little as MYR 5 to 10 ($1.25 to $2.50). Mid-range restaurants offer meals ranging from MYR 30 to 60 ($7.50 to $15) per person. For a more upscale dining experience, prices can range from MYR 100 to 200 ($25 to $50) per person.

Activities | Many of Georgetown’s attractions, such as exploring the street art and walking around historic neighborhoods, are free. Entrance fees for paid attractions like the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Khoo Kongsi are around MYR 20 to 50 ($5 to $12). A visit to Penang National Park is free, though some activities within the park, such as boat rides or guided tours, may incur additional costs.

On a tight budget, it’s possible to keep daily expenses under MYR 100 ($25) with careful planning. A mid-range travel experience in Georgetown might cost around MYR 200 to 400 ($50 to $100) per day, while a more luxurious visit could cost upwards of MYR 600 ($150) daily.