Georgetown which is located on Penang Island in Malaysia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful colonial buildings, unique historical street art, delicious street food, and diverse culture. The city is a melting pot of different ethnic groups, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European, and this diversity is reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals.
There is a joint inscription of Georgetown and Melaka, the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both are remarkable examples of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that demonstrate a succession of historical and cultural influences arising from their former function as trading ports linking East and West.
If you’re looking for a historical destination to explore and eat your way through, keep reading this guide to visiting Malaysia’s second-largest city: Georgetown.
Things to Know Before You Go
Climate: It’s a tropical climate which means it is very hot and humid year-round. Temperatures range from 70°F – 91°F (21°C – 33°C).
Best time to go: November to February are the best months to visit because the temperatures are a bit cooler and it’s the dry season. While it rains nearly all year-round in Malaysia, the main wet season is from August-November in Georgetown, Penang.
Language: Malay is the official country language but almost everyone speaks English in Georgetown!
Money: Malaysian Ringgit (RM or MYR). It’s important to note that tipping is not customary but 10-15% is appreciated for good service. ATMs are located all over the city in Malay and English. Many hotels, restaurants, and stores take VISA and AMEX cards.
A quick conversion for you to remember:
$1 USD = $4.60 MYR
$5 USD = $23.05 MYR
$10 USD = $46.11 MYR
$20 USD = $92.22 MYR
(round up or down for easy conversion while on the go)
APPs: GoogleTranslate, GetYourGuide, and Grab
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is truly an insurance company for Nomads, by Nomads. It’s designed to meet the medical and travel needs faced by Digital Nomads and other remote workers while they are outside of their home country. Coverage is mainly intended for long-term travelers which makes it ideal for Digital Nomads!
In terms of payment, SafetyWing uses a subscription-based payment system on a monthly basis instead of all up front and the rates can be as low as $42/month. Therefore, it’s truly a budget-friendly option!
Get a quick quote for your travel dates 👇
One of my favorite features is that SafetyWing may even offer you some medical coverage in your home country which is extremely rare in travel insurance and makes SafetyWing stand out from the rest.
Pros of SafetyWing Travel Insurance
- The monthly subscription model
- Can cover medical expenses when overseas
- Up to 2 children under 10 per family (1 per adult) can be included on your insurance free of charge
- Limited medical coverage in your home country
Cons of SafetyWing Travel Insurance
- Not as many travel insurance perks as other companies
- No coverage for personal electronics
Read this post The Best Travel Insurance for Every Type of Traveler for an in-depth review of the top 3 travel insurances.
How to Get to Penang
✈️ Airport: The Penang International Airport is the only airport to fly directly into and offers short cheap domestic flights in Malaysia.
🚌 Bus or Train: There are domestic buses and trains within Malaysia (most people come from Kuala Lumpur) to Penang Sentral as well as from Thailand. When you arrive at the Butterworth Train Station, you can access the Penang Ferry Terminal by making your way downstairs to the front entrance. From here you’ll see signs to go to the ferry terminal on the left.
⛴️ Ferry: Take the ferry 15 minutes to Penang Island. The fare is super cheap and you only pay for one-way. For adult foot passengers: $.25 USD (1.20 MYR).
Read more about taking buses in SE Asia in my blog post here!
Getting Around
Georgetown is very walkable and it’s safe to walk around day and night. If you are visiting something outside of Georgetown or want to explore the island, there are a few other options:
🚙 Grab: Grab is similar to Uber, Dart, and Lyft. It’s an easy and cheap way to get around.
🛵 Rent Scooter: The best way to see the island on your own time is to rent a scooter.
Where to Stay
The Hotel Kimberley is located in Chinatown. There are tons of restaurants and shops within walking distance and a daily night market 1 block away every single night. The front desk staff and bellman are friendly and will help with recommendations if you ask [they don’t really go out of their way to give you maps, tips, etc.].
The WiFi is great for streaming, downloading, surfing the web, etc., and works from the downstairs lobby up to each floor and room. Each room is quite spacious with a workspace, a large closet to unpack, a mini fridge, and all the bathroom necessities. Plus the bed was super comfy and the room was very dark, making it easy to sleep in.
Book your stay at the Hotel Kimberley here!
Side note: I did read reviews that some rooms came without a window and a few people were [rightfully so] unhappy. I asked the front desk for a room with a window upon check-in and they were able to accommodate me.
There is a restaurant attached to the hotel that provides a complimentary breakfast. It was okay for a quick buffet but there are more delicious cheap options within walking distance so I wouldn’t recommend paying extra for the breakfast. If it comes with your room, it’s a great add-on to grab something quick and head out!
At just $25 USD per night, this 3.5-star hotel felt like a steal for a budget-friendly traveler like myself.
Best Restaurants + What to Order
OO White Coffee Cafe: crispy oyster pancake and steamed kaya toast with a boiled egg
Thai Shop: Khao Pad Krapow, Yum Woon Sen, and Famous Tea
Penang Road Famous Laksa: Laksa 😉
Karaikudi Restaurant: Chettinad Potato Masala, Veggie Samosa, Garlic Naan, and Mint Tea
Hutton Lane Roti Bakar: R.B. Telur Goyang Garlic
Norm Micro Roastery: Quinoa & Kale Salad, Housebrewed Kombucha, Sea Salt Brownie, and Smoky Grapefruit
TekSen: Chicken Basil Clay Pot, Veggie Egg Seafood Fried Rice, Soya Milk with Grass Jelly
New Lane Hawker Center: Oh Chien Oyster Omelette
Penang Hill Heritage Trail
There are several ways to reach the top of Penang Hill. You can take the Penang Hill Railway, which is a funicular railway that was built in 1923. It cost $3.20 USD ($15 MYR) for a one-way ticket. Or you can take the scenic challenging route and hike up.
I suggest hiking up because you’ll get stunning views of Georgetown and the surrounding area. Plus it’s a great way to burn off all the delicious food. Once you reach the top of Penang Hill, you can explore the different historical sites and there are restaurants and cafes to relax and refuel. Then grab a one-way ticket down on the funicular to get back to save time and explore more of Georgetown.
Heritage Trail is a 2.5-mile trail and is A LOT of stairs. It’s also always hot and humid in Penang, so pack a lot of water and electrolytes like LiquidIV. The best time to hike the trail is early in the morning when the weather is cooler and the views are less obstructed by fog.
Street Art
Georgetown is not only known for its delicious street food but also its street art scene. Murals by local and international artists can be seen throughout the UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the colorful colonial buildings. It’s a fascinating and unique way to explore the city’s culture and history.
Street art in Georgetown began in 2012 when the Penang Municipal Council commissioned Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic to create a series of murals in the city. Zacharevic’s work, which often features interactive elements, quickly became popular with tourists and locals alike. Since then, other artists have been invited to create street art in Georgetown, and the city now has a vibrant and diverse collection of murals.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, is a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion in George Town. It was once the home of Cheong Fatt Tze, a wealthy Chinese businessman and philanthropist. The mansion is now a museum and boutique hotel, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Georgetown. It’s also famously featured in movies like Crazy Rich Asians and Indochine.
The mansion is a fascinating blend of Chinese, Malay, and European architectural styles. It features intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and a grand staircase. The mansion also has a number of courtyards and gardens, which provide a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
The mansion is open to the public for guided tours. There are 2 tours a day at 11 am and 2 pm and it’s recommended to book online in advance as there’s limited space. On the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the building and visit various rooms in the mansion. If you want a more luxurious experience, you can also book an overnight stay at the hotel.
Book your stay at the Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion Hotel
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply a beautiful place to stay, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a must-visit for any traveler to George Town.
Explore Cute Shops
Georgetown is home to a wide variety of shops, from traditional markets to high-end boutiques. The main neighborhoods are Little India, Chinatown, Komtar, and the Lanes. Here’s a breakdown of what each area is best known for if you’re looking for something specific:
Little India: Indian spices, sweets, and clothing
Chinatown: traditional Chinese goods, such as silk, tea, and souvenirs
Komtar: large shopping mall with international brands and local retailers
The Lanes: trendy boutiques and cafes
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in downtown Georgetown. So start exploring and find your perfect souvenir!
I don’t typically buy souvenirs or things for myself unless it’s fitting a specific need as I’m full-time traveling but I randomly stumbled upon the Heritage Cat Shop in Chinatown and knew I needed something. I went back 3 times before landing on this light pink cat bucket hat; functional and cute!
Clan Jetties
The Clan Jetties are a group of seven stilt villages built on stilts over the water. They were built in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants who came to the region to work in the tin and pepper trades. The jetties were named after the Chinese clans that settled there, and each jetty is home to a community of people from that clan.
The Clan Jetties are a popular tourist attraction as visitors can walk along the jetties and explore the different houses and shops. It’s truly like a living museum as the people who live on the jetties still practice many traditional Chinese customs and traditions. They also speak their own dialect of Chinese, which is a mix of Hokkien and Cantonese.
The Clan Jetties are a reminder of the rich history and culture of Penang. They are a unique and fascinating place to visit, and they offer a glimpse into a way of life that is slowly disappearing.
Hin Market
Hin Market is a platform for entrepreneurs, small business owners, craftsmen, artisans, musicians, performers, and makers of all kinds to showcase their products, crafts, and talents. Everything from fresh produce at the farmers market to local homemade treats like baklava and kombucha. There’s art, jewelry, clothing, and even plam readings with live music in the background. Oftentimes the fun continues into the night with indie films running from 5 pm-10 pm.
This popup market is every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm and it’s free to walk around.
Is Georgetown on your travel list now? Check out more of my posts below about traveling around Malaysia!
