MALAYSIA | WHAT TO SEE & DO IN CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN

George City is Penang’s fundamental vacationer draw. Its metropolis heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site—with its charming, old-world shophouses and good-looking colonial buildings. Its reputation with vacationers skyrocketed in 2012 when avenue artwork and wall murals began showing alongside its age-old partitions.

UNDERSTAND CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN

A TYPICAL STREET AT GEORGE TOWN’S HISTORIC CENTER IN PENANG

George City, which is sort of at all times incorrectly spelled as Georgetown, is a metropolis that encompasses the entire of Penang Island. Its heart is Central George City, which is subdivided into the Core Zone Historic Middle, Buffer Zone Historic Middle, Central Enterprise District, and outer George City.

CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN’S CBD AREA

The UNESCO World Heritage a part of George City is definitely solely a seventh in dimension with that of Central George City’s 19-hectare space. Positioned on the easternmost aspect of city, these are the Core Zone and Buffer Zone. Most of George City’s vacationer spots are situated inside this historic heart, however there’s nonetheless quite a bit to see outdoors these areas.

HOW TO GET TO CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN

GETTING AROUND GEORGE TOWN

Fast Penang buses goes to and from Central George City with terminus at Komtar Bus Terminal and the Weld Quay Jetty Bus Terminal. There are additionally free CAT (Central Space Transit) Buses that loops round George City’s historic core. Taxis and Seize Automobiles are additionally obtainable within the metropolis, so are colourful trishaws that you could hire for fast excursions across the historic core.

CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN STREET ART

George City is known for its avenue artwork, and it’s really one in every of its fundamental driving pressure. Most vacationers go to Penang to easily pose beside these wall murals. One distinctive side of George City avenue artwork is the way it integrates real-world objects with painted ones.

ERNEST ZACHAREVIC

ERNEST ZACHAREVIC’S CHILDREN ON A BICYCLE, A PENANG FAVORITE FOR TOURISTS

It was in 2012 when Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic did Mirrors of George City for the George City Competition—six murals painted over elements of George City that put Penang on the world’s vacationer map. These embody the now iconic Little Kids on a Bicycle (Armenian Road), The Boy and his Bike, Little Boy with a Pet Dinosaur (Ah Quee Road), and Boy on a Chair (Cannon Road).

LOUIS GAN

LOUIS GAN’S BROTHER & SISTER ON A SWING AND CHILDREN PLAYING BASKETBALL

A number of of the extra well-known murals in Penang is the work of a deaf-mute Penangite, Louis Gan. A number of of those are Brother and Sister on a Swing, Kids Taking part in Basketball (Chulia Road), and Nostalgic Meal Order (Kinta Alley). These are inside the Penang framework of blending real-world objects with artwork.

JULIA VOLCHKOVA

JULIA VOLCHKOVA’S THE INDIAN BOATMAN & OLD INDIAN WOMAN ~ PHOTO BY AH WEI FROM FLICKR

One other outstanding artist that has made it mark in Penang is Julia Volchkova. The Russian artist has executed evocative portraits of Indian folks. A number of of her notable works in Penang are the Outdated Indian Girl (Lumut Lane), Indian Water Bearer (Acheh Road), and The Indian Boatman (Stewart Lane). A number of of her larger-than-life work, standing two-storeys excessive, can be seen at Balik Pulau—which isn’t a part of Central George City, by the best way—are The Outdated Fisherman, The Silat Grasp, and The Rubber Tapper.

101 LOST KITTENS

ONE OF THE ORIGINAL TWELVE  101 LOST KITTENS

Painted by the group Artists for Stray Animals are a collection of twelve cat-inspired avenue artwork and murals alongside the streets of Central George City to boost consciousness in regards to the strays within the metropolis. Among the extra well-known of those are The Actual Bruce Lee Would By no means Do This (Ah Quee Road), Cats Strolling for Animal Consciousness (Seaside Road), and I Can Assist Catch Rats (Armenian Road).

PENANG IRON ROD STREET ART

ONE OF THE 52 QUIRKY IRON ROD STREET ART IN CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN

Unfold all alongside George City are 52 metallic rod artworks depicting humorous native scenes within the metropolis. The metallic rods are bent and curved to create outlines, ala comedian caricature-style, and are created by KL-based artwork studio, Sculpture At Work in 2013.

CLAN JETTIES OF PENANG

Positioned on the japanese a part of the George City historic heart, alongside Weld Quay, are six jetties made well-known by homes on stilts that stand beside its picket walkways. Pengkalan Weld was a part of a reclaimed space within the late nineteenth century and the jetties that jutted out of it was the product of Chinese language staff employed alongside the harbor. Every floating village had been named after the clans that occupy it.

YEOH JETTY

YEOH JETTY ~ PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS

The southernmost jetty from the bunch. Like many of the clan jetties, Yeoh Jetty is constructed throughout the late nineteenth century. Its buildings are located on the shallower portion of the ocean and the pylons that assist the homes can really be seen standing on mudflats because the tide ebbs.

NEW JETTY

A VIEW OF NEW JETTY FROM CHEW JETTY

As with the title, that is the latest of the six jetties. Constructed throughout the sixties, it is usually the smallest—sheltering solely twenty two homes. It is usually known as the Combined Clan Jetty, because the residents listed here are, nicely, composed of combined clans.

LEE JETTY

LEE JETTY ~ PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS

Constructed by laborers from China’s Fujian Province, Lee Jetty is the shortest of the six. This is without doubt one of the least business of the jetties and is finest visited throughout the evenings, with its plethora of colourful lights and lanterns lighting the pier.

TAN JETTY

TAN JETTY’S MAZU TEMPLE ~ PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS

The Tan Jetty is exclusive to the opposite six as it’s dwelling to Chinese language fishermen somewhat than coolies or laborers from yesteryears. It is usually the longest of the six, with a railless picket pier extending seaward and ending on a nondescript pink temple for Mazu, the Goddess of Seafarers.

CHEW JETTY

CHEW JETTY’S BUSY WALKWAY

The oldest, most populated, and hottest of the six jetties, Chew Jetty is as business as it might get. A lot of the residences that entrance its picket path are actually transformed into outlets, eating places, and even lodgings for vacationers. There are additionally a little bit of avenue artwork that may be discovered on just a few of the sea-worn picket partitions of its stilt homes.

LIM JETTY

LIM JETTY, QUIET BUT STILL INTERESTING

Rebuilt after being destroyed throughout the Second World Struggle, Lim Jetty is the northernmost of the six Penang jetties. The households residing right here migrated from China’s Hokkien Province throughout the early 1900s. Its buildings are composed primarily of residences, with out outlets and eating places for vacationers.

CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN MUSEUMS

Penang has tons of museums catering to all walks of life—for teenagers to adults, from artwork to whimsical, meals to faith, and random stuff, like, ghosts. In accordance with Google Maps, Central George City has at least twenty museums to this point. And for brevity, let’s simply checklist the 5 most attention-grabbing museums in Central George City.

BATIK PAINTING MUSEUM PENANG

BATIK PAINTING MUSEUM ~ PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS

Housed inside an eclectic Straits Settlement-type shophouse, the three-story Muzium Lukisan Batik Pulau Pinang holds at least eighty batik work executed by twenty 5 Malaysian artists. Excellent for people who find themselves into distinctive native artwork.

PINANG PERANAKAN MANSION

PENANG PERANAKAN MANSION ~ PHOTO BY SUPANUT ARUNOPRAYOTE FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Peranakans typically seek advice from folks with combined Chinese language and Malay blood. And the grand fusion of those cultures may be seen on the quite a few artifacts and the interiors of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.

For a deeper understanding of Peranakan Tradition, a go to to the Pinang Peranakang Mansion is a should. And because the museum was additionally featured as one of many Pit Stops for the sixteenth season of The Superb Race, it’s additionally a must-visit for The Superb Race followers as nicely.

ASIA CAMERA MUSEUM

THE ASIA CAMERA MUSEUM

The Asia Digital camera Museum is split into three sections—the Darkish Room, the place you possibly can discover how one can really develop an image from movie; the Digital camera Restore Office, the place you may get your palms on instruments used to restore cameras within the sixties; and at last the Digital camera Assortment, the place you possibly can really maintain a whole bunch of vintage and classic cameras and tools. There aren’t many museums devoted to cameras, so a go to is a should for images fans.

WONDER FOOD MUSEUM

LARGER THAN LIFE FOOD AT WONDER FOOD MUSEUM PENANG ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR FB PAGE

Penang, being one in every of Malaysia’s culinary facilities, after all has a museum devoted to meals. In the event you haven’t had sufficient of consuming round Penang, then delve right into a playful world of meals on the Surprise Meals Museum. Right here, outsized Malaysian dishes are displayed, prepared for you and the ‘gram. However if you happen to’re not into that, there are additionally extra severe sections within the museum which discover in regards to the historical past and heritage of Malaysian delicacies.

PENANG STATE MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

PENANG STATE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR WEBSITE

Housed in a Malaysian heritage constructing, the Penang State Museum and Artwork Gallery has a powerful assortment of contemporary and up to date Malaysian artwork—from work, sculptures, images, and even video movies and previous maps. It additionally has a rotating gallery that options each native and worldwide artists. For artwork fans, that is the museum to go to in Penang.

CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN TEMPLES & MOSQUES

Central George City is dwelling to quite a few temples. Malaysia’s multi-cultural side can be mirrored with the city’s various home of worships—from Muslim mosques, Burmese temple, Thai wats, Christian church buildings, and Hindu mandirs. There are in all probability 100 worship locations in Penang, and listed below are just a few of essentially the most attention-grabbing ones. Notice that Ke Klok Si, the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, isn’t listed right here because it’s actually not situated in Central George City.

KAPITAN KELING MOSQUE

KAPITAN KELING MOSQUE IN GEORGE TOWN

Arguably the preferred mosque in Penang, Masjid Kapitan Keling is a nineteenth century Indian Muslim mosque. It’s the largest mosque in Penang and sports activities an Indian-Moghal structure. It options an enormous central dome offset by two smaller ochre ones. A separate minaret stands independently off its left flank.

LEONG SAN TONG KHOO KONGSI TEMPLE

ORNAMENTATION OVERLOAD AT THE KHOO KONGSI TEMPLE

Probably the most ornate temple this aspect of Malaysia, the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Temple—or just Khoo Kongsi Temple—is definitely a part of a Hokkien clanhouse clustered round a granite-paved sq.. It was in-built 1906 for the Khoos—a rich Chinese language clan in Penang.

PENANG SNAKE TEMPLE

ACTUAL SNAKE AT PENANG’S SNAKE TEMPLE ~ PHOTO BY WILFORD PELOQUIN FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Also referred to as Temple of the Azure Clouds, Penang’s Snake Temple certainly has stay snakes inside its halls, which the devoted believes to be the reincarnation of the Grasp Qingshui’s disciples. It was constructed in 1805 and is dwelling to de-venomed pit vipers, amongst different snakes.

WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM

THE RECLINING BUDDHA AT WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM IN GEORGE TOWN

The Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple is a Theravada Buddhist temple constructed for the Thai neighborhood throughout the 1800s. It options one of many world’s longest reclining Buddha. Like most wats in Thailand, in addition they have a good time the festive Songkran Water Competition round this space.

DHAMMIKARAMA BURMESE TEMPLE

GIANT STANDING BUDDHA AT PENANG’S ONLY BURMESE TEMPLE

Proper throughout the Thai temple is the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. It’s additionally a Theravada Buddhist temple, however it’s the solely Burmese temple in the entire of Penang. Inbuilt 1803, it includes a conventional Burmese stupa and an enormous Standing Buddha. The temple additionally have a good time the Thingyan Competition, an analogous water competition that just about coincides with its neighbor’s Songkran Competition.

ARULMIGU BALATHANDAYUTHAPANI TEMPLE

THE HINDU WATERFALL HILLTOP TEMPLE ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR FB PAGE

Popularly referred to as the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, the Balathandayuthapani Temple is a Hindu mandir constructed on a hill prime close to the Penang Botanical Backyard. With its seven-storey excessive gopuram tower, it’s the largest Lord Mururgan temple outdoors of India.

PENANG OLD PROTESTANT CEMETERY

PENANG’S OLD PROTESTANT CEMETERY

Whereas probably not a spot of worship, the previous Protestant Cemetery is an attention-grabbing and exquisite—in a somber method—place to go to when in Central George City. Also referred to as Northam Street Cemetery, it was established in 1786 and is a historic dis-used Protestant graveyard crammed with ornate tombs and statues surrounded by a grove of aromatic frangipani timber.

CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN HISTORIC BUILDINGS

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With Penang’s colonial previous, Central George City is replete with stately authorities buildings. And despite the fact that the island has been bombed and strafed by the Japanese Imperial Forces, just a few of historic buildings nonetheless stay intact.

MALAYAN RAILWAY BUILDING & CLOCK TOWER

GEORGE TOWN’S MALAYAN RAILWAY BUILDING & CLOCK TOWER

Probably the most imposing colonial period constructing in the entire of Penang, the Malayan Railway Constructing served as a railway ticketing station for folks touring by way of the Prai Railway Station. It’s attention-grabbing to notice that again then, folks have to buy their tickets right here earlier than taking a ship to the mainland, the place the precise railway station is. Inbuilt 1909, the Edwardian Baroque-style station is 73 meters lengthy with a forty five meters tall clock tower with an enormous two-ton bell.

PENANG CENTRAL FIRE STATION

PENANG CENTRAL FIRE STATION’S RED AND WHITE FACADE

Additionally in-built 1909 is Penang’s first Central Fireplace Station. It’s a four-storey constructing painted in immaculate white with pink highlights. It has a Classical cum Edwardian cum Mughal architectural type. Its floor ground has a mini museum open for guests, and an precise fireplace truck the place you possibly can sit in.

PENANG CITY HALL & TOWN HALL

EVENING VIEW OF THE PENANG TOWN HALL

THE LIGHTED FACADE OF PENANG CITY HALL

Positioned proper subsequent to one another are two of essentially the most lovely buildings in Penang, the Penang City Corridor and Penang Metropolis Corridor. The City Corridor was constructed in 1880 whereas the Metropolis Corridor adopted 23 years later. Each have ornate Palladian and Edwardian Baroque façade.

FORT CORNWALLIS

FORT CORNWALLIS ENTRANCE ARCH

Penang’s Fort Cornwallis was in-built 1786 when the British took Penang from the Sultan of Kedah. Its current type of brick and stone was completed in 1810. There are quite a few cannons contained in the fort in addition to a 21-meter lighthouse—the second oldest in Malaysia.

QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER

QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL CLOCK FROM THE ROTUNDA

Also referred to as the Jubilee Clock Tower, the attractive Moorish-style thirty-meter tall clock tower was constructed to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.

CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN PARKS

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George City is situated in between mountains on the west and the ocean on the east. And in these are sprawling mountain parks, small city pocket parks surrounded by colonial homes, and seaside promenades. Probably the most well-liked parks in George City is Penang Hill, this nevertheless, falls outdoors of Central George City.

PENANG BOTANIC GARDENS

PENANG BOTANIC GARDENS ~ PHOTO BY DR. HTGOON FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Established in 1884 from an previous granite quarry by the identical man that supervised the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Penang Botanic Gardens is situated on the northern outer space of Central George City. The 29 hectare backyard is a well-liked spot for strolling, jogging, and trekking. There’s additionally a 121-meter waterfall within the space, however can solely be accessed throughout weekly guided excursions.

PENANG CITY PARK

PENANG CITY PARK’S PUBLIC POOL

Positioned close to the foot of the Penang Botanic Gardens, the Metropolis Park is a Youth Park. Opened in 1972, it has playgrounds, skating rink, outside auditorium, graffiti partitions, nature trails, reflexology paths, and even a public swimming pool.

COLOR PORT

COLOR PORT IN GEORGE TOWN

Located alongside Weld Quay is a colourful seaside promenade dubbed because the COLOR PORT. True to its title, it’s certainly a colourful park designed to enchantment to youthful folks. Apart from playgrounds for teenagers, it has quite a few meals stalls, café, and procuring kiosks.

MBPP WALKWAYS

ONE OF THE MBPP WALKWAYS IN GEORGE TOWN

A undertaking of Penang Island Metropolis Council, the MBPP Walkways are metropolis alleys transformed into shiny and colourful linear parks in George City. These areas are normally characterised with colourful paving blocks, poles, overhead umbrellas, and shiny lamps.

KOMTAR THE TOP PENANG THEME PARK, RAINBOW SKYWALK, THE GRAVITYZ

THE TOP THEME PARK AT THE UPPER FLOORS OF KOMTAR PENANG

Positioned at Komtar Tower, THE TOP is an indoor kiddie theme park situated on the higher flooring of Penang’s transport hub. It has quite a few rides, arcade machines, dinosaur park, carousels, 7D theater, and eating places.

PENANG RAINBOW SKYWALK ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR FB PAGE

It additionally homes the Penang Rainbow Skywalk. At 248 meters excessive, it’s the highest outside glass sky stroll in Malaysia. The 16-meter U-shaped walkway appears over Central George City, all the best way to Tangjung Tokong, Pulau Tikus, Air Itam, and Penang Hill.

THE GRAVITYZ ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR WEBSITE

There isn’t a bungee leaping at Penang’s Rainbow Skywalk, however The Gravityz at Stage 65, does supply a one-hour rope course problem, elevated 239 meters above floor.

FAMOUS CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN STREETS

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The entire George City Historic Zone is known, however a few of its streets and thoroughfares are extra well-known than others. Listed below are just a few of the notable ones.

LEBUH KING ~ LITTLE INDIA

STREET FOOD IN LITTLE INDIA

A part of Penang’s Indian enclave, Lebuh King is replete with colours from Indian shops promoting scarves and garments, distinct Indian music, and the scent of quite a few spices, and naturally, scrumptious Indian delicacies.

LEBUH ARMENIAN

TYPICAL VIEW AT LEBUH ARMENIAN

Well-known for Ernest Zacharevic’s iconic Little Kids on a Bicycle, Lebuh Armenian is without doubt one of the hottest streets in Penang. It’s dwelling to ornate clan homes, colourful shophouses, eating places, cafés, and museums.

LOVE LANE

LOVE LANE BACKPACKER AREA

Love Lane is George City’s backpacker space with its quite a few price range hostels. Its nook at Lebuh Chulia transforms into a celebration avenue at night time as bar crowds spill proper into the highway. The streets moniker got here from its previous as an space for brothels the place wealthy locals hold their mistresses.

LEBUH CHULIA

FOOD PLACES IN LEBUH CHULIA

Opened in 1798, Lebu Chulia is without doubt one of the oldest roads in George City. It’s a haven for foodies with its multitudes of eating places, bars, and hawker stalls that come alive throughout the evenings.

JALAN KEK CHUAN

COLORFUL SHOPHOUSES IN JALAN KEK CHUAN ~ PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS

Named as one of many forty of the Most Lovely Streets within the World That Will Cease You in Your Tracks by Home Lovely, Jalan Kek Chuan is host to colourful rows of shophouses sporting a uniform architectural design painted with the colours of the rainbow. The view is especially lovely and hypnotic alongside its sidewalk arcade.

CENTRAL GEORGE TOWN FOOD STREETS

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Evenings are particular in Penang—choose streets are closed to motorized site visitors, hawker stalls begin to open store, and the aroma and smoke from varied avenue meals begins to waft by means of the early twilight.

►EAT MORE: PENANG FOOD TRIP

CHULIA-CARNARVON FOOD STREET

HAWKER STALL AT CARNARVON FOOD STREET ~ PHOTO BY RICHARD LEE FROM FLICKR

Previously situated at Lebuh Chulia, the OG Chulia Road Meals has moved to an adjoining, much less busy, Lebuh Carnarvon to ease the site visitors on Penang’s fundamental avenue. Among the should tries listed here are the Mom & Son Wantan Mee and Chulia Road Curry Mee.

KIMBERLY STREET FOOD NIGHT MARKET

YONG TAU FOO AT KIMBERLY STREET FOOD NIGHT MARKET

Positioned at Lebuh Kimberly, the Kimberly Road Meals Evening Market pop up hawker stalls vie face to face with everlasting kopitiams alongside the road. The most effective dishes to order listed here are duck kway chup, yong tau foo, and lok lok.

NEW LANE STREET FOODSTALLS

NEW LANE STREET FOOD STALLS

Lorded over by a three-storey tall mural of a boy lovingly consuming his soup, the New Lane Road Foodstalls hawkers stall alongside Lorong Baru will get busy as night time settles in Penang. Should tries embody the Charcoal Seafood Char Koay Teow and Hokkien Mee with Lor Mee.

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