Sights and landmarks in George Town

Sights and landmarks in George Town

1. See

   Armenian Street

   Armenian Street, once home to some of the city's prominent Armenian merchants is now one of the hippest streets, with a number of interesting crafts shops, temples, at least two museums and probably most importantly, Zacharevic's street art of the two kids on a bicycle.

2. See

   Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple

   Waterfall Temple

   Located at a hilltop next to the Penang Botanic Gardens, the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple was built in the mid-19th century, making it one of the oldest Hindu temples in George Town. It was last renovated in the 2000s, with visitors now having to climb over 500 steps to reach the temple. It also serves as a focal point of the annual Thaipusam celebrations.

   6:45AM-12:30PM and 4:30-9:15PM

3. See

   Beach Street

   Lebuh Pantai

   As the main Central Business District (CBD) of George Town, Beach Street is lined with mercantile buildings constructed between the 1880s and the 1950s. Among the landmarks along the street are the Standard Chartered Building, HSBC Building, the Penang Islamic Council Building, OCBC Building, Bank of China Building, Whiteways Arcade, India House and the Logan Heritage Building.

4. See

   Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

   The Blue Mansion

   Built in the 1890s, and restored in the 1990s (earning it a UNESCO award in 2000), this indigo-blue Chinese mansion was the main residence of Cheong Fatt Tze (called Zhang Bishi in China), known as the Rockefeller of the East and J.P. Morgan of China. The mansion was built according to feng shui principles by master craftsmen from China, who used their skills to fashion a sprawling mansion of 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases and 220 windows. The mansion features in various films, including the 1993 Oscar-winning Indochine and the 2018 movie Crazy Rich Asians. Lodging is also available; see the sleep section.

   Guided tours are available at 11AM and 2PM. Each tour lasts 45 minutes.·RM16 for adults and RM8 for children below 12

5. See

   Chinese Clan Jetties

   There are six clan jetties along the eastern coastline of George Town. They are worth walking to and looking at, as they provide an insight to the way local Chinese live in traditional huts built on the sea on stilts. Chew Jetty is the most well known and leads to a small temple at the end. Lee Jetty is brightly lit at night by beautiful lanterns. Be cautious while walking in this area.

6. See

   Church of the Assumption

   The first permanent Catholic church to be built in George Town, the Church of the Assumption was established by a group of Eurasian immigrants who accompanied Captain Francis Light to Penang. It is also one of the few churches in Malaysia with church bells that were cast during British rule. It also houses one of the last remaining and oldest European-made air organs in Malaysia. Masses are on Saturday at 6:30PM and on Sunday at 10AM.

   Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 9AM-1PM·Admission is free

7. See

   City Hall

   The headquarters of the Penang Island City Council, the local government of George Town. A well-preserved colonial building constructed in 1903 when Penang was a British crown colony. External viewing.

8. See

   Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

   A Burmese Buddhist temple founded in 1803. At the entrance a pair of white elephants, which are sacred in Buddhism, guard the temple while within, a bodhi tree and wishing pond greets the visitor.

   5AM-6PM

9. See

   Entopia Butterfly Farm

   Home to some 13,000 species of butterflies, the Entopia Butterfly Farm also contains numerous other invertebrates and insects.

   9AM-5PM·RM60 for adults (RM45 for Malaysian citizens), and RM40 for children below 12 and senior citizens (RM25 for Malaysian citizens)

10. See

    Fort Cornwallis

    The fort, named for Charles Cornwallis, is built on the site where Francis Light, founder of Penang, landed on 11 August 1786. It was first built in 1793. But this site was an unlikely spot to defend the city from invasion. In 1810 it was rebuilt in an attempt to make up for initial strategic planning errors. In the shape of a star, the only actual buildings still standing are the outer walls, a gunpowder magazine, and a small Christian chapel. Several old cannons (including one that is believed by some locals to have magical 'fertility' powers) can still be found at the fort. There are also small displays of artefacts recovered from archaeological digs inside the fort. The magazine houses an exhibit of old photos and historical accounts of the old fort.

    Daily 9AM-8PM·RM20 for adults (RM10 for Malaysian citizens) and RM10 for children (RM5 for Malaysian citizens)

11. See

    Goddess of Mercy Temple

    Kuan Yin Teng

    Built in 1801, the Goddess of Mercy Temple is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. This Taoist temple is flocked to by pilgrims year round, particularly on the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month. The building is decorated with intricately crafted dragons and a pair of stone sculptured lions which guard the temple. Puppet shows and Chinese operas are staged in the temple's square on the Goddess of Mercy's feast days and there is an octagonal well in one corner, which was once a public well for the Chinese community.

    7AM – 7PM

12. See

    Gurney Drive

    This seafront street and promenade now forms part of George Town's Central Business District (CBD). Home to upscale shopping malls, an eponymous hawker centre and towering skyscrapers, it is also a good place to unwind and stroll along.

13. See

    High Court of Penang

    Inaugurated in 1903, this Palladian-style building now houses the High Court of Penang, which had been established in 1809 as the first judiciary in modern Malaysia. The building is closed to the public; tourists can only view it from the outside.

14. See

    Jewish Cemetery

    The cemetery that once served Penang's Jewish community, and one of the few reminders of a once-thriving community during the colonial period. The Jewish community no longer exists, the last member having died in 2011.

15. See

    Kapitan Keling Mosque

    Built in 1803 and named after Caudeer Mohudeen, an Indian Muslim merchant who was also the Kapitan Keling, or leader of the Indian Muslim community. This historic mosque features a dome-shaped minaret that reflects Moorish Islamic influence and has been a prominent place of worship for local Indian Muslims for over 200 years. Free tours operate during non-prayer times. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the mosque and women are provided with heavy robes to wear. Men who are not appropriately dressed will also be supplied robes.

    11:30 – 21:00

16. See

    Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

    Built in 1850 by the forefathers of Khoo family who emigrated from China as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family. In 1836, construction of a new temple began and was completed eight years later. Fire razed the wooden structure to the ground in 1894, it was allegedly struck by lightning. Chinese believed that it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor's palace, which provoked the gods. A scaled-down version was later built in 1902 and completed in 1906. The richly ornamented carvings of the roofs, walls and pillars reflect the art and architecture of ancient China and made of the finest wood. Expect to finish a visit to Khoo Kongsi with a sore neck.

    9AM-5PM·RM10 for adults, RM1 for children between the ages of 5 and 12, and free for children below 5

17. See

    Little India

    Covering an area around Queen Street, Chulia Street and Market Street, Little India is an ethnic Indian enclave. Walking on the streets, you cannot avoid smelling Indian spices and hearing Bollywood music. The area is very lively; one might say it is the noisiest part of George Town with the sights, sounds, aroma and foods of India.

18. See

    Made in Penang Interactive Museum

    Housed within the Behn-Meyer Building which was built in the late 19th century, this interactive museum features various three-dimensional interactive art pieces that depict Penang's culture, history and lifestyle.

    Daily 10AM-6:30PM·RM37.10 for adults (RM26.50 for Malaysian citizens), and RM26.50 for children and the elderly (RM15.90 for Malaysian citizens)

19. See

    Padang Kota Lama

    It was planted by the British as the main cricket ground for the Penang Cricket Club, which moved to new premises in 1939 and was re-named the Penang Sports Club in 1947. The clubhouse, cricket pitch and cricket pavilion were destroyed during World War II and never rebuilt.

20. See

    Penang Botanic Gardens

    The gardens were established by Charles Curtis way back in 1884; it's generally known as the Waterfall Gardens by the locals because of a waterfall within it. The botanical gardens hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, including orchids, cannonball trees and monkeys. Many locals will come to the gardens to perform their daily exercises like walking, jogging, jungle trekking, aerobic dance, and to practice Tai Chi or Qi Gong.

    5AM-8PM

21. See

    Penang Hill

    At above sea level, the peak of Penang Hill offers a panoramic bird's eye view of the city and fresher air. For more details, refer to Air Itam.

22. See

    Penang National Park

    Taman Negara Pulau Pinang

    This small national park contains easy walking trails in the jungle. Along the way you will see white sandy beaches, monkeys and a light house, all while spending up to half the day in the jungles far from the noise of the city. Entrance is free, you just have to write your name on the register as you get in and out. The trails are well marked and boat services are available to various points inside the parks. Visitors keen on trying out the Canopy Walkway are required to pay a fee of RM5. As of late October 2018, the path to Monkey Beach is closed due to landslides. It's possible to get to the beach by boat, which can be arranged to go directly to Monkey Beach from the entrance, or pick you up from Turtle Beach if you want to experience a hike in the park. The Canopy Walkway is also closed for renovations.

    8AM-5PM

23. See

    Penang State Assembly Building

    Built in the mid-19th century as part of the Central Police Station, this Anglo-Indian Classical building became the State Assembly building in 1963. The building is closed to the public; tourists can only view it from the outside.

24. See

    Penang State Museum

    Formerly the Penang Free School which was built in two separate stages in 1896 and 1906. The museum is an interesting starting point to discover the multi-ethnic background of George Town. Two floors display the history of the immigrant community that participated in the creation of the present city. The museum also exhibits the paintings of Captain Robert Smith and the lovely engravings of William Daniell. Other exhibits include a former Penang Hill railway carriage, a handwritten Qur`an and old Malay weapons donated by the family of the late Dato' Haji Fathil Basheer. The museum has moved from its original site in Farquhar Street, to 57 Jalan Macalister; only parts of the exhibition are on display.

    Sat-Thu 9AM-5PM·RM1 for all visitors

25. See

    Penang Time Tunnel Museum

    An interactive museum that features three-dimensional artwork about Penang's history.

    Mon-Fri 9:15AM-6PM; Sat Sun and public holidays: 9:15AM-6:30PM·RM29 for adults (RM16 for Malaysian citizens), RM16 for children between 5 and 12 (RM8 for Malaysian citizens), and RM16 for students (RM11 for Malaysian citizens with student ID)

26. See

    Pinang Peranakan Mansion

    Built as the home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, a prominent Chinese tycoon, this green-coloured Straits Eclectic house is now home to thousands of Peranakan antiques once used by the Peranakans. It was also featured in several movies and television series, such as Singapore's The Little Nyonya and The Amazing Race (Season 16). Free guided tours in English and Mandarin.

    09:30 – 17:30·RM25 for adults, RM 12 (6-12 years), free for children below 6

27. See

    Protestant Cemetery

    The burial site of early European administrators and merchants, including Captain Francis Light, Thomas Leonowens and Michael Arratoon Anthony. Filled with crumbling, vegetation-covered tombs, it bears witness to a century of colonisation. There are around 500 burial sites here, a quarter of which no longer bear readable inscriptions. Accessible through a gate in the rear wall is the Roman Catholic Cemetery, most of whose graves are so old the inscriptions are no longer readable.

28. See

    Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

    At the Intersection of Light Street, Beach Street, Fort Road and King Edward Place

    The high clock tower was presented by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

29. See

    Sri Mariamman Temple

    Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple

    Built in 1833 and expanded in 1933, the Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. It is dedicated to the deity Sri Muthu Mariamman and features a gopuram (sculptured tower) of 38 Hindu deities. Enter the temple during prayer hours in the mornings and evenings; remove your shoes prior to stepping into the temple.

    6:30AM-noon and 4:30-9PM

30. See

    St. George's Church

    The oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia was completed in 1818. The church was designed by Robert Smith, a military engineer who is known for his oil paintings of early Penang, which are now housed within the Penang State Museum. A memorial dedicated to Captain Francis Light, in the form of a Greek temple with a marble slab, stands within the church's compound. Services are still held at the church on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    Mon-Thu 10AM-4PM

31. See

    Sun Yat-sen Museum

    The Sun Yat Sen Museum is a beautifully preserved house museum and one of the smallest museums in Asia. It houses a permanent exhibition on Sun Yat Sen’s early revolutionary period in Penang when he planned the uprising now known as the Chinese Revolution of 1911. If you are not into Chinese history, it is still worth dropping by just to see a modest, scaled down version of the traditional Chinese courtyards seen in historic mansions in town. The house was built in 1880 and is full of period furniture and details.

    Tue-Sat 9AM-5PM; Sun 1-5PM·RM5

32. See

    The Roman Catholic Museum Diocese of Penang

    The ground floor presents the origin of Catholicism in the Far East in general and in Penang in particular. It also informs about the activities of the diocese of Penang and the ethnic makeup of its members. The first floor exhibits artefacts and memorabilia of the Diocese. The Fr. Joseph Reuten's gallery, housed in the same building shows paintings of biblical and Catholic themes in an Asian manner.

    Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM; Sat 9AM-1PM·admission is free; donations are welcome

33. See

    Tropical Spice Garden

    An eight-acre collection of secondary jungle filled with various types of spices that are in common use in the kitchens of Penang.

    9AM-5:15PM

34. See

    Wat Chayamangalaram

    Founded in 1845, this Thai-style Buddhist temple is famous for its reclining Buddha, one of the world's longest. The temple was built on a piece of land given by Queen Victoria to Siamese trustees as a gesture of goodwill to boost trading relations with Thailand. The guardian dragon and statue at the entrance are both ostentatious and spectacular. A small Siamese community still resides within the vicinity of the temple, which is the focal point of the annual Songkran festivities.

    8AM-4PM

35. See

    Wisma Kastam

    Malayan Railway Building

    This colonial building houses the Penang branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs. It was completed in 1907 as a Malayan Railway station. As it is not beside a rail track, it was known as the only rail station in the world without a railway.

36. See

    Wisma Yeap Chor Ee

    An elegant colonial building built in the 1920s, it once belonged to Yeap Chor Ee, a China-born tycoon. The building now houses @CAT, a coworking space popular amongst startups and freelancers.

37. See Not mapped

    Benggali Mosque

    It was built in 1803, and rebuilt in 1958 on the same address. It serves Indian-Muslims from Bengal.

38. See Not mapped

    Campbell Street Market

    One of the oldest markets in George Town, dates back to 1900.

39. See Not mapped

    Penang Sports Club

    It was founded as the Penang Cricket Club in 1900. It moved to its current location in 1939, and assumed its current name in 1947. Its membership was restricted to white people only during colonial times, and even though that restriction was lifted following Malayan independence in 1957, it remains one of Penang's most exclusive private clubs to this day. The club's field today serves as Penang's main cricket ground, and regularly hosts tournaments with both Malaysian and foreign clubs.

40. See

    Asia Camera Museum

    A lot of antique cameras and photographic accessories.

    10AM–6PM·RM25

Browse all 115 places in George Town

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to George Town (CC BY-SA 4.0).