George Town (Malaysia)

George Town is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang. It is Malaysia's sixth largest city, with a population of about 708,000, with 1.7 million in the metro area, as of 2020. Founded as an entrepôt in 1786, it was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. Over the centuries, the city has evolved into a melting pot of sorts and is now home to a cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic populace. Due to its unique architecture, the old core of the city is designated as a. George Town is also regarded as the culinary capital of Malaysia.

The city of George Town has a diverse set of attractions. Aside from George Town's living heritage, colonial-era buildings interspersed with towering skyscrapers, modern shopping malls and other amenities, the city is lined with sandy, tranquil beaches. Penang Hill, a well-known hill station, overlooks the entirety of the city. George Town, a city filled with various festivities in any given year, has gained popularity for its arts scene as well, with the annual George Town Festival growing into one of the region's most prominent arts event.

Districts
George Town, centred at the northeastern promontory of Penang Island, was granted city status by the British government in 1957. Since then, the city has grown beyond its original boundaries, and in 2015, the city limits were expanded to encompass all of Penang Island, as well as a handful of smaller islets just off the island's coast, including Jerejak Island.

The original city limit of George Town, as recognised by the 1957 grant of city status, is now commonly recognised as the city centre. Within the city centre lies the oldest core of George Town, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The UNESCO-protected zone covers nearly 260 ha of the northeastern tip of Penang Island and is surrounded by more modernised parts of the city centre, such as KOMTAR, Macalister Road, Northam Road and Gurney Drive.

The eastern half of Penang Island is heavily urbanised. Upmarket suburbs lie to the north of the city centre, such as Pulau Tikus, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi, the latter of which is popular for its golden beaches. To the west of the city centre lies the suburb of Air Itam at the foot of Penang Hill and home to the famous Kek Lok Si Temple. Other suburbs lie to the south of the city centre, such as Jelutong, Gelugor and Batu Lanchang. Bayan Lepas, near the southeastern tip of the island, is where the Penang International Airport and a major industrial zone are located, hence its more industrial feel.

Meanwhile, the western half of Penang Island is more rural, as the hill ranges at the centre of the island limit any westward urban sprawl. Tourists venture to Balik Pulau for its agricultural produce, specifically durians and nutmegs. Teluk Bahang, at the northwestern tip of Penang Island, is also home to several ecotourism attractions, such as the Penang National Park.

The city of George Town forms the heart of Greater George Town, the second largest conurbation in Malaysia. The conurbation covers the entirety of the State of Penang, the towns of Sungai Petani, Kulim and Bandar Baharu in neighbouring Kedah, and Parit Buntar in Perak.

Understand
Founded in 1786 by British trader Francis Light, George Town was part of the British crown colony of the Straits Settlements, along with Malacca and Singapore. Similar to Singapore, George Town evolved from a swampy island into a bustling entrepôt, and came under direct British rule (as opposed to the rest of the Malay Peninsula under indirect British influence). These gave Singapore and George Town distinctive British colonial characteristics and truly multicultural demographics consisting of the Malays, Chinese, Peranakans, Indians, Eurasians, Siamese, Europeans and others.

George Town was granted city status in 1957 and became the first city within the newly-independent Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia). In the decades after independence, however, George Town faced economic decline when the Malaysian government revoked the city's free port status in the late 1960s. Under the administration of Chief Minister Lim Chong Eu, the city's economy gradually reoriented towards manufacturing, with Bayan Lepas being earmarked for an eponymous industrial zone which attracted various multinational firms, particularly the semiconductor industry. As a result, George Town is now regarded as the "Silicon Valley of the East". Rapid development of George Town has been underpinned by its appeal as a haven for tourist and expatriates, helped by the UNESCO World Heritage Site within the city centre and the city's reputation as the centre of medical tourism within Malaysia.

The city retains its heritage and diverse cultures, and is home to one of the best preserved collections of pre-war heritage buildings in Southeast Asia. Unlike Kuala Lumpur, where many heritage buildings faced demolition to make way for the concrete jungle, George Town's heritage shophouses are also being given a new lease of life as hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants. Traditional trades still operate out of some of these shophouses, alongside bustling street markets and hawkers. Indeed, in this aspect, George Town is often likened to Singapore in the 1960s and 70s.

George Town has a rather relaxed pace of life, which made the city attractive for expatriates and foreign retirees, especially from Britain, Australia, the United States, Japan and Singapore. The city's ease of living is underpinned by its modern amenities, hospitals and shopping centres, as well as a burgeoning fine dining scene. In addition, urban dwellers and tourists alike have the option of escaping to the beaches or the forested hills, all of which are within easy reach. Increasingly, traffic congestion and the construction of new highways are changing the face of many parts of the island with the northern coastal fringe and the routes connecting Bayan Lepas to the city centre particularly badly affected at peak times. There has been intense debate between the politicians and town planners on one side, and conservationists and community groups on the other. The latter fear that unbridled expansion is changing the face of Penang and spoiling its unique character.

History
Penang's modern history really began with the founding of George Town by Francis Light. After negotiating with the then Sultan of Kedah for the cession of Penang Island to the British East India Company, Light and his crew landed at the northeastern promontory of the island on 11 August, raised the Union Jack and established George Town as the newest settlement of the British Empire.

George Town was the first British foothold in Southeast Asia and its strategic location within the Malacca Straits allowed the settlement to be developed into a major entrepôt. In the beginning, George Town was the centre of the booming spice trade, where spices cultivated inland were exported out. Maritime trade grew and by the end of the 19th century, George Town served as a conduit for the export of tin and rubber, Malaya's two most important commodities.

George Town was briefly made the capital of the Straits Settlements, which also included Singapore and Malacca. Eventhough the capital was eventually relocated to Singapore, George Town continued to grow as one of the largest towns in Malaya. The Straits Settlements were made a British crown colony in 1867. Direct British rule ushered in an era of prosperity and economic boom in George Town.

During World War II, the British evacuated Penang without a fight, abandoning George Town and its residents to the mercy of the Japanese who captured the town on 19 December 1941. A brutal period of Japanese occupation followed, during which thousands of ethnic Chinese were massacred. Upon the end of the war, George Town became the first town in Malaya to be liberated by British forces.

George Town was granted city status on 1 January 1957 by the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. When the Federation of Malaya attained independence later that year, George Town became the new country's first and only city. However, in the decades that followed, the city gradually declined. George Town's free port status was revoked by 1969, sparking off massive unemployment, an economic downturn and brain drain, as Penangites looked elsewhere for greener pastures. Concurrently, the development of Port Klang near Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia's main harbour took away much of George Town's maritime trade. George Town's economy was in need of reform, which was implemented in the form of the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. Multinational electronics and engineering firms flocked into the city and high tech manufacturing became one of the main pillars of George Town's economy, earning the city its moniker the Silicon Valley of the East.

However, George Town's decline continued into the 21st century. In 2008, local residents, incensed by the conditions in the city, voted out the incumbent state government led by Barisan Nasional. The new Pakatan Rakyat (now Pakatan Harapan) administration sought to bring back the glory of the Pearl of the Orient. Penang's economy rebounded, while efforts to clean up George Town, improvements in traffic flow, crime reduction, upgrades of the city's infrastructure and rebranding the city's cultural attractions were intensified. Consequently, George Town has been undergoing a renaissance of sorts; it was accorded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008 and ranked the most liveable city in Malaysia by ECA International.

Orientation
Unlike other Malaysian cities, most of the city's English street names are retained, albeit altered with Malay road name designations. The most common Malay street name designation in George Town starts with Jalan, meaning road, although Lebuh, which means street, is also common within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Malay street name designations and their English translations are as listed below. Street Ghaut refers to the extensions of a street that were part of reclaimed land.

You will find that street names are often referred to by their English and Malay names interchangeably. In the case of Beach Street, its Malay translation is Lebuh Pantai, with the Malay term Pantai, meaning Beach. To further add to the confusion, you may also hear streets being referred to by their English colonial names. For instance, local Penangites still prefer "Pitt Street" to the road's official name (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling), "Northam Road" instead of "Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah" and "Green Lane" instead of "Jalan Masjid Negeri". This indicates a strong conservatism among the local population, who see Penang's colonial history as part of their local identity.

In 2008, the standard street signs throughout George Town were modified with the addition of the streets' English, Chinese, Tamil and/or Jawi (Arabic-script Malay) names. The new street signs are still in use to this day throughout the city.

People
Only a few Malaysian cities could claim to have George Town's multiethnic mix. What separates George Town, and the State of Penang, from the rest is that there is a higher proportion of ethnic Chinese compared to Malays. The city is also home to substantial proportions of Indians, Eurasians and Thais, along with a large expatriate community.

George Town is also a centre of Peranakan culture. When Chinese traders first came to George Town soon after its establishment, some of them took local Malay brides and adopted many local customs. This resulted in an interesting fusion of Malay and Chinese cultures. In addition, at the time, the British favoured George Town over Malacca and endeavoured to transfer Malacca's wealthy merchant class, including the Peranakans, to George Town. Historically, this particular community played an important role in George Town's economy and politics.

The harmonious coexistence of various ethnicities, cultures and religions over the centuries has manifested itself along one particular street in George Town. Pitt Street (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling) is also known as the "Street of Harmony", due to the Muslim, Taoist, Hindu and Christian places of worship sharing the same street, metres away from one another.

Climate
With George Town being fairly close to the equator you can expect a typical tropical climate. Temperatures are generally constant year round, with daily highs of around 30-32°C (86-90°F) and nightly lows around 22-24°C (71-75°F). Humidity is also usually high so do not be surprised by stinking hot days.

Along with the glaring sun and humidity, rainfall is almost guaranteed daily and the occasional deafening thunderstorm from the Strait of Malacca will drench the city, especially during the wet season. Annual rainfall averages around 2,500 mm, with the wettest months being around September to November. The driest months of the year run from December to February, although rainfall is still frequent.

As with much of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, George Town suffers from the annual haze phenomenon, which is caused by forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia. The hazy season typically occurs between July and October. If you happen to be in George Town during a haze, it is best to constantly check for the latest air pollution index (API), reduce outdoor activities if the haze gets worse and, of course, drink more water.

Festivals
With the cocktail of cultures and religions, George Town takes its holidays seriously. Many of the cultural and religious festivities in George Town are celebrated in ways unique only to Penang.

Ethnic Chinese in Penang celebrate Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. In particular, the Chinese New Year festivities in George Town are more boisterous than anywhere else in Malaysia; it is also said that while other Malaysian cities fall silent during this period, George Town is the most happening city due to the wide array of festivities. While this might seem to be an ideal time to visit, many smaller shops and eateries are closed for the first 2–3 days, though convenience stores like 7-Eleven will remain open. Due to the influence of the majority Hokkien community, the Chinese in Penang not only celebrate the first few days of Chinese New Year, but also the Jade Emperor's Birthday, colloquially known as the Hokkien New Year, on the 8th day. On that day, offerings to the Jade Emperor, a Taoist deity, are made at the Chew Jetty at Weld Quay, attracting thousands of locals and visitors alike. In addition, there is the annual city-wide Chinese New Year festival on the 5th day, when all the Chinese clan houses within the UNESCO World Heritage Site open their doors and cultural performances, such as lion dances and Penang-style Chingay, are held on the streets. The last day of Chinese New Year (15th day), also known as Chap Goh Meh, is essentially a Chinese version of Valentine's Day, when single ladies would gather at waterfronts like Gurney Drive and the Esplanade, write their numbers on oranges and throw the oranges into the sea.

The Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, is observed to commemorate a Chinese folk hero. As part of the celebrations, rice dumplings, which are sometimes wrapped in pandan leaves instead of the original bamboo leaves, are usually eaten. Meanwhile, the seventh month, usually either in July or August, is known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, when ethnic Chinese, sticking to age-old traditions, would burn 'hell money' and food offerings to please the spirits of ancestors who are said to return to Earth from hell during the month. Hokkien opera performances are also held throughout the city. On the other hand, the Mid-Autumn Festival is observed with lantern decorations and moon cakes.

As for the Muslims, the Islamic month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, or Hari Raya Puasa as it is called here, are major occasions. Open houses would be held throughout the city, offering visitors a rich array of Malay cuisine to sample. Shopping malls and the Malay enclave in the UNESCO World Heritage Site would also be decorated for the festivities. Another festival celebrated by the Muslims is Eid-ul-Adha, known locally as Hari Raya Haji. In local mosques, lambs contributed by the faithful are sacrificed and their meat is given to the needy.

The Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, known locally as Deepavali, is celebrated around October or November. For this particular occasion, Little India, with its brightly-coloured decorations, becomes the most happening place in George Town. The other major festivity, which falls in either January or February, is Thaipusam, during which male devotees would carry a kavadi, an elaborate structure which pierces through several parts of his body, through the length of the city into Little India. This boisterous celebration also includes the smashing of coconuts on the road, symbolising the shattering of one's ego to unveil inner purity.

The Buddhists, of both Theravada and Mahayana faiths, observe Vesak Day, which also includes street processions with large hand-made floats by the various Buddhist associations and temples. Towards the end of each year, there is Christmas Day, which is observed by the Christians, including the Eurasians at Pulau Tikus.

As George Town is home to thousands of expatriates of various nationalities, other cultural celebrations include Songkran, Bon Odori, St. Patrick's Festival and Oktoberfest. Songkran is celebrated by ethnic Thais and other Penangites regardless of ethnicity at Pulau Tikus, where two Buddhist temples - Wat Chaiyamangkalaram and the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple - are located. Bon Odori is typically held at the Esplanade and features Japanese cultural performances. St. Patrick's Festival is organised by the Penang Irish Association and held annually at Straits Quay, while the Malaysian-German Association holds the yearly Oktoberfest celebrations.

The secular holidays in Penang include the New Year's Day, Malaysia's National Day on 31 August and the George Town World Heritage Day on 7 July. The latter commemorates the listing of the city centre as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and features various organised activities within the city's old core.

Events
George Town hosts numerous events in any given year. Among the more prominent ones include the George Town Festival, the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the Penang international Food Festival, Pesta Pulau Pinang, the George Town Literary Festival, the Penang Fashion Week, the Penang Island Jazz Festival, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the annual Chingay Parade in December.

Talk
As with the rest of Malaysia, Malay is the official language and spoken by almost all locals. English is widely spoken as well, compared to most other places in Malaysia. Thus, English-speaking tourists would have no problems getting around. The relatively significant expatriate community also contributes to the high level of English proficiency amongst the locals.

However, Penang Hokkien remains the unofficial lingua franca within the city. This local version of the original Hokkien dialect, which originated from China's Fujian Province, is not only spoken by ethnic Chinese, but also widely used by residents of other ethnicities, including the Malays and Indians. Penang Hokkien differs from the original Hokkien by the usage of local Malay and English loanwords, such as roti, sabun and gostan.

Most Chinese are also conversant in Mandarin and Cantonese, although there are fears that Mandarin may soon push Penang Hokkien into irrelevance. Meanwhile, the Indians are a heterogenous grouping, consisting of various language groups, with Tamil being the dominant Indian language, and significant minorities speaking other Indian languages like Malayalam and Punjabi.

By plane
The, about 16 km south of the city centre, is Malaysia's third busiest airport, with good connectivity to several major regional cities. It is well-served by flights from domestic destinations, including Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kuching, Langkawi and Malacca, mainly operated by Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and AirAsia. International flights also call at the airport from Banda Aceh, Bangkok, Doha, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hanoi, Hat Yai, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kunming, Medan, Nanning, Phuket, Sanya, Singapore, Surabaya, Taipei and Wuhan.

Ground transport options to the airport fall under two categories: local taxis or the public bus system, Rapid Penang. Taxis operate with a pre-paid coupon system that you collect from the taxi counter near the arrivals area of the airport. The coupon to George Town will cost around RM44.70, but between midnight and 6AM will cost RM67. For a Rapid Penang bus to the heart of George Town, take either bus 102 (to Teluk Bahang), 401 (to Jetty), 401E (to Jetty) or AT. The fare to KOMTAR is RM2.70, where you can then transfer to another bus if needed. Have the correct fare ready as bus drivers don't give out change.

From Butterworth
From Butterworth, the easiest way to reach the heart of George Town is by Rapid Ferry, the oldest ferry service in Malaysia. See the get in section of the Butterworth page for information on how to arrive by train. Only a short walk from the Butterworth train station is the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (also known as the Butterworth Ferry Terminal), with the cross-strait ferries departing every 10-20 minutes between 5:20AM– and 12:40AM daily. The fare to George Town costs RM1.20 for adults or RM0.60 for children. If you are returning to Butterworth the journey is free. Ferries arrive at at Weld Quay within the city centre's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Virtually all Rapid Penang buses within George Town arrive and depart from Weld Quay, with a brief stopover at KOMTAR. The car ferry service has been discontinued, and all cars are now required to use one of the two bridges; the ferry service now only carries passengers, bicycles and motorcycles.

From Langkawi
The Langkawi Ferry Service operates a ferry service between Swettenham Pier, within the city centre's UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the island of Langkawi. Two ferries depart Langkawi for Swettenham Pier daily - at 10:30AM and 3PM. Tickets for adults cost RM60 (RM120 for a two-way trip) and RM45 (RM90) for children.

Cruises
, within the city centre's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the cruise terminal of George Town and the busiest of all cruise terminals within Malaysia. Many cruise ships call here from other major cities in Southeast Asia. The port is also a frequent stop for round-the-world and major regional cruises often originating from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Europe and North America. Typically these cruises allow a port visit in George Town for several hours before continuing to another destination. Refer to individual cruise companies for details of these cruise routes and the duration of stay at each port.

By road
Motorists heading to George Town will have two cross-strait options to reach the city from the mainland - the and the. The Penang Bridge stretches across the mid-span of the Penang Strait that separates Penang Island and the mainland, connecting the suburb of Gelugor in George Town with the town of Perai. Meanwhile, the 24 km-long Second Penang Bridge, opened in 2014, is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. It is situated to the south, linking Bayan Lepas on the island with the town of Batu Kawan on the mainland. The car ferry service has been discontinued, and the remaining vehicular ferries only carry bicycles and motorcycles.

Toll charges for drivers using the Penang Bridge is RM7.00, and RM8.50 for those using the Second Penang Bridge. The tolls can be paid using the Touch n Go card. Drivers heading to George Town are required to pay the tolls on the mainland side, just prior to getting onto the bridges. Conversely, those driving out of George Town towards the mainland are not required to pay toll charges.

Penang Bridge
Motorists from the north may prefer the Penang Bridge due to the geographical proximity and its direct connections to the city centre. Those who are using the North South Expressway from Butterworth should keep a straight course via an interchange between Exits 162 and 161 (within the town of Perai) to access the Penang Bridge. Toll charges must be paid at the Sungai Dua Toll Booth (Exit 165). Once on Penang Island, motorists have the option of using either the Lim Chong Eu Expressway or Green Lane to get to the city centre to the north.

Second Penang Bridge
Motorists opting for the Second Penang Bridge may transit from the North South Expressway towards the bridge at Exit 157 (near the town of Batu Kawan). After turning left, motorists will have to pay the toll at the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge Toll Plaza, before heading straight onto the bridge. However, this option is less used, as the bridge leads to Bayan Lepas near the southeastern tip of Penang Island, away from the city centre.

Penang Bridge
Motorists from the south who are using the North South Expressway should use Exit 161 (within the town of Perai) to access the Penang Bridge. Toll charges must be paid at the Juru Toll Booth (Exit 160).

Second Penang Bridge
Motorists from the south may prefer the Second Penang Bridge, due to the slightly closer geographical proximity. To access the Second Penang Bridge, motorists can transit from the North South Expressway towards the bridge at Exit 157 (near the town of Batu Kawan). After turning left, motorists will have to pay the toll at the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge Toll Plaza, before heading straight onto the bridge.

The bridge leads to Bayan Lepas near the southeastern tip of Penang Island, so motorists would also need to factor in the northward commute towards the city centre, which is best done along the Lim Chong Eu Expressway stretching along the east coast of the island.

By bus
Intercity express buses are a common means of travel between cities and regions in Malaysia. The bus network is not only extensive but is also relatively cheap and comfortable.

The is in Sungai Nibong, to the south of the city centre. All intercity express bus services headed for George Town from the rest of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore or southern Thailand will terminate here. To reach the city centre from here, a taxi will cost around RM30. You could alternatively take Rapid Penang 's buses 102, 303, 305, 308, or 401 to get to the city centre.

By train
There are no intercity railway lines on Penang Island, but Butterworth just across the Penang Strait on the mainland is connected to Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Gemas (for connections onward to Johor Bahru) via KTM's flagship ETS service, and to Alor Setar and Padang Besar (for connections onward into Thailand) via a KTM Komuter service. Butterworth railway station is located adjacent to the ferry terminal, making it convenient to transfer onto ferries bound for George Town.

By bus
There are two types of public bus services within George Town.

Rapid Penang is the main public bus service provider, with various routes covering the entire city of George Town as well as the State of Penang. Most bus routes start from the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal at Weld Quay (also known as the Jetty), transiting through KOMTAR before continuing on to the suburbs. Depending on the service, buses begin operating around 05:30 from Weld Quay and can cease operating as early as 10PM, with some major bus routes continuing until midnight.

The fare structure used by Rapid Penang is distance-based. Most fares within the city centre will cost RM1.40 or RM2. For those heading outwards to the suburbs, the fare could be between RM2.70 and RM4. The exact fare is required, so keep hold of some loose change; if you are unsure of how much to pay, just tell the driver where you are going. If you plan to stay in George Town and around Penang for more than a few days, you can buy a "Rapid Passport". This 7-day travel pass allows for unlimited travel on all Rapid Penang buses throughout Penang for RM30. There is also a 1-month passport for RM115 (RM110 if additional month extension). The Rapid Passport can be purchased from the Rapid Kiosks at KOMTAR and Weld Quay, or from the Penang visitors centre at Whiteaways Arcade, Beach Street.

In addition to the paid bus services, Rapid Penang also operates a handful of free-of-charge routes. The Central Area Transit (CAT) and the CAT George Town Loop 2 services cater to commuters within the city centre; the former loops within the UNESCO World Heritage Site with stops at Light Street, Little India, Penang Road and Pitt Street, while the latter circles the more modernised areas of the city centre, including Burmah Road, Northam Road and Macalister Road. The CAT Air Itam, CAT Balik Pulau and CAT Tanjung Tokong/Pulau Tikus loops provide free bus service in the suburbs.

The Hop-On Hop-Off service is the second public bus service within George Town. Aimed primarily at tourists, it utilises open-top double deckers and features two routes - the City Route and the Beach Route. Both routes originate at Gurney Drive. The City Route snakes its way to the Botanical Gardens and the suburb of Air Itam, including Penang Hill and the Kek Lok Si Temple, before returning to the city centre via KOMTAR. The Beach Route heads north towards the beaches of Batu Ferringhi. This bus service operates daily between 9AM and 7PM, with a frequency of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The route map can be seen here.

By foot
George Town, in particular the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a relatively compact city to explore on foot. Sidewalks have been refurbished, and cycling lanes have been added, occasionally alongside the sidewalks. Tourists can hop off the boats at Weld Quay and explore the city centre, either on foot or by cycling, past some of the most historical landmarks within the vicinity, including Wisma Kastam, the Penang State Legislative Assembly Building, the City Hall, the Esplanade, the High Court of Penang, St. George's Church and the banks along Beach Street. It is possible for a pedestrian to walk from the sea terminals all the way to KOMTAR and its adjacent shopping malls (1st Avenue and Prangin Mall), through some of the more famous places such as Little India, Pitt Street and Armenian Street. Gurney Drive, a seafront promenade, is another place for a stroll at either sunrise or sunset.

Cycling lanes have been extended from the city centre to the outlying suburbs, such as Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, Jelutong, Gelugor and Bayan Lepas (Queensbay Mall), so it is possible to cycle along almost the entire eastern coastline of Penang Island. Certain areas within the suburbs are pedestrian-friendly as well. At Tanjung Tokong, for instance, visitors can walk or cycle along Straits Quay. At Jelutong, the sea-facing Karpal Singh Drive is another place to consider for a stroll. At Air Itam, tourists could walk from the Kek Lok Si Temple to the nearby Air Itam Market, which is famous for its asam laksa stall. A city bicycle service Link Bike is also available with 1-day pass RM6.

By trishaw
The humble trishaw, or beca in Malay, was once the primary mode of transport for the locals. With the introduction of an extensive bus network the trishaws of George Town have dwindled and are now primarily aimed at tourists. They are still a fun and unique way to travel the streets at a leisurely pace and perhaps find some of the city's hidden gems along the extensive back streets. Trishaws are generally found within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiring can be done on an hourly basis, costing around RM30-40/hr, or for shorter travel the price will vary, around RM10-15 for a 15-min trip. Always agree on a price in advance and do not be afraid to haggle, as drivers will often inflate their first price.

By e-hailing
Grab, an e-hailing app widely used within the city, is possibly the most convenient method for tourists to get around, provided that the Internet connection is available. More often than not, Grab serves as the cheaper alternative to taxis, which are notorious for fleecing tourists and for refusing to use the meter. Most Grab drivers speak at least a reasonable command of English, so communication would not be a problem.

By taxi
City taxis are required to charge according to the meter. However, as is the case in Kuala Lumpur, most taxi drivers have no respect for this law. Attempts at finding a taxi driver willing to use a meter will be futile. Taxi drivers, particularly at the Penang International Airport, are also notorious for fleecing arriving tourists.

Always haggle with the taxi driver and firmly agree on a price beforehand. Taxis can also be hired for a minimum of 3 hr at RM25-30/hr.

Most likely using Grab is a better option as a tourist than a taxi as one knows the rate in advance.

By motorbike or scooter
You may also rent your own motorbike or scooter to get around. These shops can be found along Chulia Street and also Penang Road. Cost is around RM25 for each day if you're renting more than a couple of days rental including the loan of an unsanitary helmet. Deposit is often RM200 (May 2015). Test the brakes and chain tightness as most are not well-maintained.

See


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See Penang for attractions in the rest of the state; this list covers only sights in George Town.

Thanks to the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing and strict zoning laws within the historic core of George Town, a combination of historical buildings and gently crumbling, but largely intact, shophouses offer a glimpse into the city's past. It may be worthwhile engaging a walking tour guide as they are trained to give in-depth details on the history and culture of heritage sites. There are several themed walking guides to choose from and each typically takes around 3 hours. Book ahead.

Graffiti has become all the rage in George Town, after Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, painted several whimsical murals of the city's lifestyle and history, such as the pensive Boy on a Bike and the cheerful Little Children on a Bicycle on the walls of old buildings as part of the George Town Festival in 2012. Since then, many more wall paintings have popped up around the city, grabbing the attention of passers-by. Wire art has also been widely installed by the heritage board, commemorating bits and pieces of Penang history with pithy quotes. An informative map is available from the visitor centre.



Residences




Religious sites
George Town has a profusion of sites of worship of all different faiths. Within the city centre, four major religions - Christianity, Taoism, Hinduism and Islam - have a presence along Pitt Street, earning the road its moniker, the Street of Harmony.



Other religious sites outside the city centre are as follows.



Do
Besides enjoying excellent food, walking tours and sightseeing the beautiful old city, George Town offers various modern entertainment options to the discerning tourist. If you, tired of walking, want to kill a couple of hours there is the possibility of catching a movie at any of the several shopping malls in the city centre, including 1st Avenue, Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon. Some shopping malls, notably Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall contain other forms of entertainment as well, such as karaoke, laser tag and escape games.

Many George Town shops now offer bike rentals for RM10/day, as travellers embark on a street art trail of sorts, cycling around main roads and hidden back lanes to look at murals and wire art. Bicycle pathways have been painted throughout the city, making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians alike.


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Buy
Markets remain a daily way of life in Penang, and locals often go to them to buy cheap accessories and fresh food. Bargain hard to get a good price and preferably get a local to accompany you. George Town's retail scene is complemented by several modern shopping malls as well, with some offering various entertainment options.

Night markets
Night markets (or pasar malam in Malay) are open-air flea markets held at night. Various accessories, apparel and tidbits can be found at dirt-cheap prices, so long as you are able to bargain hard.



Batu Ferringhi may be a little too far for some tourists within the city centre, but there are other night markets held at different locations every night.



Shopping malls




Bakeries




Eat
Penang is widely considered to be the food capital of Malaysia, and George Town is the best place in Penang to eat. (See Penang for listings of local dishes.)

Gurney Drive may be the main location where tourists go to have their food, but that does not necessarily mean that the best food can be found there. In fact, most locals consider it to be overrated and expensive. A variety of Chinese food courts, and Durian stalls, can be found in Jalan Macalister between the crossing with Jalan Penang and number 105. It's best to ask the locals to point you toward the best locations for food, though walking into any "coffee shop" or stall would almost certainly guarantee a worthwhile experience for your taste buds. Knowing some Malay or Hokkien will be useful, but most vendors speak enough English to communicate the basics.

Upper Penang Road
If you're looking for something to do at night, there's always Upper Penang Road, where clubs, pubs and bars are always flooded with young people. UPR is opposite the famed Eastern And Oriental Hotel and beside the City Bayview Hotel.



Elsewhere
Love Lane and Lebuh Chulia are also favourite hangout haunts, with many bars and cafes mixed with backpacker hostels.



Budget




Splurge




Learn
George Town is home to several tertiary institutions and is considered the education hub within northern Malaysia. In addition, the city contains numerous international schools which cater for expatriates.

Universities


 * Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Penang's premier university is also the oldest within the state. Founded in 1969 as Malaysia's second university, its strength lies in the various scientific and research fields.
 * Wawasan Open University (WOU). A local private university specialising in open distance learning.
 * Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and University College Dublin Malaysia Campus. Formerly known as the Penang Medical College, it is a branch campus of two Irish universities. Specialises in medical courses.

Colleges


 * DISTED College. The oldest local private college was founded in 1987. It offers various twinning diploma and degree courses up to degree level, with a focus on business-related studies.
 * Equator College. A local private college with a focus on the arts.
 * Han Chiang University College of Communication. A not-for-profit higher learning institution offering undergraduate courses that are related to communication & media, business management, arts & design and Chinese studies.
 * INTI International College
 * KDU College. University of Wollongong, Malaysia.
 * Penang Skills Development Centre. A government-owned institute specialising on technical and engineering courses.
 * SEGi College
 * SENTRAL College. A local private college specialising in business-related courses, as well as tourism and early childhood education.

Language centres


 * British Council
 * Alliance Française
 * Malaysian-German Society
 * Penang Japanese Language Society

Stay safe
Compared to other major Malaysian cities, George Town is relatively safe. The city's crime rate is somewhat low and serious crimes are pretty rare. Be extra careful in crowds and on roadsides, as they are the spots where petty crimes such as snatch thefts and pickpockets occur.

If you look like a tourist, you will get considerably higher prices from the salesmen in markets, like Batu Ferringhi Night Market, or the market near the Kek Lok Si temple. The real price of the product is always a lot less and at times the "best price" is five times the normal price.

Taxis generally do not use meters due to poor enforcement by local authorities, even though it is "compulsory". The meters are often claimed to be "broken" or are hidden. You should always ask for the use of the meter. The metered price is always less than a price given in advance. Tourists are often cheated, sometimes even left by the roadside in the middle of nowhere if they refuse to pay a considerably inflated sum of money. You should negotiate the fare before boarding if the taxi driver refuses to use the meter, preferably seek a different taxi if they refuse to use the meter. Taxis from Penang International Airport are paid using slips given in a small office in the airport terminal.

Stay away from drugs. Malaysia's laws provide very harsh punishment for any drug related offence, including the death penalty. Just the amount of the drug you are caught with will determine whether you are charged as a user or a dealer. Pay heed to the warning signs at all entry points to the country and just don't have anything to do with illegal substances.

Stay healthy
George Town is Malaysia's leading hub for medical tourism, attracting approximately half of the country's incoming foreign patients. The city has several relatively well-equipped hospitals, staffed by professionals who offer treatments and surgeries at a lower cost compared to other healthcare hubs in the region. Many of the hospitals are accredited by either the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCI) or the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH).



Consulates

 * 🇦🇺 Australia
 * 🇦🇹 Austria
 * 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * 🇫🇮 Finland
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇮🇩 Indonesia
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇳🇴 Norway🇸🇪 Sweden
 * 🇵🇰 Pakistan
 * 🇵🇱 Poland
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇹🇭 Thailand

Connect
Cyber cafés are plentiful in George Town. Among them are:



Most hotels are equipped with their own Wi-Fi networks. In addition, eateries such as McDonalds, Starbucks and Burger King have free Wi-Fi as well.

If you are outdoors within the city centre, you can use Penang Free Wi-Fi in a pinch; this government-sponsored service is free-of-charge. Users would need to register their particulars prior to using the free Wi-Fi service and the system automatically logs users out every 30 minutes, so the user would have to log in again to continue using the Wi-Fi.

Go next

 * Butterworth - the main town of Seberang Perai, the mainland half of the State of Penang.
 * Langkawi - the tax-free Jewel of Kedah is accessible via the Langkawi Ferry Service, which departs Swettenham Pier daily at 8:30 and 2PM. Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and jungle trekking are just some of the activities to do in Langkawi.
 * Taiping - about two-hours drive away via the North South Expressway, the Taiping Zoo, its Lake Gardens and Maxwell Hill are some of the noteworthy destinations.
 * Ipoh - about three-hours drive away via the North South Expressway, the capital city of the State of Perak is well-known for its cuisine, colonial architecture and cave temples.
 * Cameron Highlands - lush rolling hills covered by tea plantations and strawberry farms, as well as fresher air, are the main draws of this hill resort about four hours away by car.
 * Kuala Lumpur - the capital of Malaysia is home to some of the country's largest shopping malls.
 * Medan - the capital of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra is just a short hop across the Malacca Straits by plane.
 * Hat Yai - a popular destination among Penangites, local tour companies provide bus and van trips to this city in Southern Thailand.
 * Bangkok - the capital of Thailand can be reached either by regular daily flights or by train from the Butterworth Train Station.