George Town, Malaysia Plan a trip

George Town is a jumble of different cultures and architectural styles. A trip here makes for an exciting experience for any traveller as there’s plenty to discover.

George Town is the capital of Penang on the west coast of Malaysia. It’s a melting pot of cultures; the Malay, Chinese and Indians have all called this place home for years. These societies have lived side by side for centuries and, over time, they’ve merged together. This might be why George Town is known as one of the best ‘food destinations’ in the whole of Malaysia. The flavours of its cuisines all blend together to create mouth-watering, unique dishes.

The best way to explore George Town is to stroll around its colonial streets. As you walk, keep an eye out for the quirky murals. The street art scene is growing here, so you might even spot the next Banksy! Learn more about the area’s history by visiting the remains of Fort Cornwallis, the clan association halls in Chinatown and the old shophouses. Then, embrace the city’s modern side by taking a trip to the tall KOMTAR centre that offers great views of South Malaysia.

You’ll find museums, temples, restaurants and more around the city’s two main streets: Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Venture a little outside the city to Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai Buddhist temple with fantastic and intricate designs, including snakes guarding the doors and a 33-metre-long reclining Buddha.

A trip to George Town is an exciting adventure – there’s something different around every corner. You might also spot a few oddities within the city’s different areas; you’ll find Chinese temples in the Indian section and mosques in Chinatown. You’ll also see tall western skyscrapers towering amongst British Raj-era architecture.

Coming here is very rewarding, even if you don’t have a specific plan for your visit. Just walk through the narrow streets lined with paper lanterns, colourful market stalls and a handful of swish new bars.

Plan your trip to George Town today.