10 Amazing Things to do in Georgetown, Penang

Discover 10 amazing things to do in Georgetown.

Georgetown is the capital city of Penang in Malaysia. It is also the second biggest city in Malaysia (the first being Kuala Lumpur) as well as a UNESCO heritage site.

This list of 10 amazing things to do in Georgetown gives a short review of each of the things to do in Georgetown as well as links to more detailed reviews (where applicable). It also has other useful information about Georgetown such as accommodation in Georgetown and how to get to Georgetown.

Featured Picture: Some of the street art in Georgetown.

The reason I went to Georgetown was to take a short course in Jin Shin Jyustu (an ancient Japanese healing art). Since this was the purpose I only stayed for a couple of days, and one of theose days was taken up by the course. Basically what I’m trying to say is that there are lots more amazing things to do in Georgetown than what is on this list.

10 Amazing Things to do in PLACE1. Little India

The food, smells, sights, and sounds are just like you are in India – but with far less people. My accommodation was located in Little India, and actually called the Little India Heritage Villa.

A rainy day in Little India.

2. Masjid Kapitan Keling

One of the many Mosques in Georgetown.

3. Shopping

Penang is a small mecca for shopping with everything from small markets to street stalls to world class boutique shopping centers.

Penang Market. Mostly clothes.

4. Walk Along the Waterfront

Walking along the waterfront at night reminded me of a small version of Miami with its chic restaurants and clubs.

At the end of it you can access the beach, and during the day you get some nice view of the city skyline.

Waterfront of Georgetown.

5. Eat, Eat, Eat

Penang is known for being the food capital of Malaysia, which is quite a feat because Malaysia in general is a melting pot of amazing foods.

A dish from Little India.

6. Street Art

This was by far the best thing I did in Penang (besides the Jin Shin Jyutsu course). Most of it is located in Little India, and some of it was right next to where I was staying.

Just walk around with your eyes open to see some gems of street art.

One of my favourite prices of Georgeotwn street art.

7. Historic Area

Georgetown is a UNESCO heritage site with some areas that have pre-war buildings still in tact.

Some pre-war buildings.

8. Temples

Being such a multicultural place, there are more religious sites in Georgetown than just mosques. Various temples such as Hindu, Chinese, Buddhist, etc. are dotted around the place.

Chinese Temple.

9. Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis was one of the few things on this list that I actually entered. It’s a British Colonial Fort.

A decent view overlooking the water from Fort Cornwallis.

10. Museums

Whilst walking around looking at street art I came across numerous museums such as chocolate and coffee, batik paintings, food, and more.

One of the many museums in Georgetown.

Getting to Georgetown

I flew into Penang from Kota Kinabalu. If coming from West Malaysia (such as Kuala Lumpur) you can catch a bus.

From the airport you can catch a public bus into town. The bus stop is out the front of the airport and the fare is 2.70MYR. No change will be given. The journey takes about 45 minutes to Komtar bus station, which is the bus station. From here you can catch a bus to just about anywhere in the area and there is even a free CAT bus which goes around the city.

To get back to the airport from Komtar catch a bus from lane five. Nus number 102, 401, 401E and AT go between the airport and Komtar.

Accommodation in Georgetown

Whilst doing all these amazing things to do in Georgetown I stayed at the Little India Heritage Villa.

Cost: 52MYR/Night for double air-conditioned bedroom with shared bathroom.

Address: No. 32, Ah Quee Street, 10200 George Town, Malaysia

For the rate I paid I got a decent sized room with an air-conditioner. It was a shared bathroom but I never had to wait to use the toilet or the shower and it was clean.

The English level of the staff was moderate but he was a good guy.

The location was smack bang in the middle of Little India and withing walking distance to both the waterfront and Komtar.

Lots of good food close buy. Walk a few streets away if you don’t feel like Indian food.

I would stay here again.

Book your stay at the Little India Heritage Villa.

How to Get to the Little India Heritage Villa

From komtar you can walk there in about 10 minutes.

You could also catch the free CAT bus or the 101.

Got anything to add to this list of amazing things to do in Georgetown? Let us know them (or anything else you want to say) in the comments