Top Things to do in George Town
What to do and see in George Town, Penang: The Best Sights & Landmarks
The beauty and rich history of George Town keeps tourists flocking all year round. George Town offers views of the famous Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Kapitan Keling Mosque and many of the capital's golden crowned Buddhist temples. With museums showcasing the country's rich-historical treasures, restaurants that offer classic Malaysian cuisine and dozens of shopping malls, there's guaranteed to be something for everyone to see.
Restaurants in George Town
1. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 870 reviews
Reviewed By JayashreeR53 - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
I think this one has the world’s largest standing Buddha - it’s an enormous gold plated statue in a gorgeous golden Buddhist temple with intricate architecture. A must visit.
2. Cheah Kongsi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
The Khoo Kongsi may be more opulent and more famous, but the Cheah Kongsi is very interesting and pleasant to see, especially since it is also less visited. There are two entrances: the old one from Armenian street and a newer one from Beach street (Lebuh Pantai). Unusual is the fact that seen from Beach street there is a big manicured, very British lawn in front of the building. It was added with the restoration 2013-2015, when historically inappropriate elements, that had been added later, were removed to make it look more like the original from 1873. The Cheah Kongsi is one of the 5 big Kongsi in George Town, but together with the Khoo Kongsi it is the only one that can be visited on a regular basis. The other three: Yeoh Kongsi, Lim Kongsi and Tan Kongsi are generally not open to the public. Entrance fee is 10 MYR and it is open every day except Sundays. A little leaflet is handed out with the ticket and one can visit the place on one's own. Photography is allowed. As at Khoo Kongsi one has to admire the roof with its upturning corners and all the dragons and other decorative elements made with 'Chien Nien' (cut and paste) ceramics in many colours. The main temple with three altars is on the upper floor, which can be reached by a wooden staircase from a small courtyard. Especially downstairs there are several small rooms, where clan members, often new arrivals from the home village of Sek Tong in Fujian province, were temporarily lodged and fed. An interpretation centre tells about the home village and the perilous trip on Chinese junks to other shores and a hopefully better life. The Kongsi were meant to help each member of the same clan, to offer business contacts, and to meet and worship the traditional deities and ancestors.
3. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By kannan_pasam - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
During my recent illness I made a vow that I would visit all the old Hindu Shrines in West Malaysia and offer thanksgiving prayers. I wanted to recite the Gayathri Mantra and Om Triambagam prayers 108 times in each of these halls of prayer. I have for many years wanted to visit the Penang Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani ( Waterfall ) temple ; however work commitments made me postpone my plans several times. Finally last week I got to fulfill my vow. We had booked into the Tropics 8 service suites ; the foyer of the hotel provided majestic views of the temple up on the hill. Early the following morning Angie and I climbed the 513 steps up to the temple ; the steps were broad and the gradient was gentle, so the climb did not require alot of exertion though we stopped several times to rest. We were also blessed with good weather - cloudy skies but no rain, so it was not hot when we were climbing. The surrounding trees and shrubs provided shade and our eyes were treated to the beauty of nature. Along the way we had stunning views of the Georgetown skyline. There were several monkeys frolicking but they did not pay attention to us - we had however taken the advice of other Devotees and kept the flowers we had brought as offerings, safely tucked into over back packs - the monkeys are known to have attacked visitors in their attempts to grab the flowers to play. The climb took us 30 minutes and at the end , our efforts were rewarded when the beautiful temple came into view. I would recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. The temple was initially located near the waterfall in the Botanical gardens. Records indicate that the temple was already in existence in 1800 ; local lore states that the temple site was chosen by a holy man, who dedicated it to Lord Murugan - the temple is thus busiest on Lord Muruga's birthday Thaipusam when an estimated crowd of 100000 devotees arrive from around the region to pray and seek His blessings. In 1914, the temple was relocated to its present site and in 1985, the temple rebuilt and the Mahakumbhashegam prayers conducted. It is said to be the largest Murugan temple outside India. Worshipping hours are 7 am to 9 am and 430 pm to 915 pm. There were very few devotees when we arrived early in the morning after having first said our prayers at the Ganesa temple sited at the base of the hill. I could say my prayers in peace and at the end the priest tied the prayer string around my right wrist. We were also privileged to be able to say prayers for some of my friends who were ill - I thus wrote in my whatsapp message to friends that it was a very satisfying visit as I could beseech Lord Muruga's blessings for an ailing father, a friend who was suffering from stage 4 colon cancer and a favorite nephew who was due to undergo a biopsy procedure.
4. Armenian Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,563 reviews
Reviewed By pawool73 - Brisbane, Australia
This street is just fabulous, some great street wall art, amazing shops, fabulous coffee, restaurants, character filled and buzzing with tourists, just loved it!
5. Church of Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By kabeta - Jakarta, Indonesia
Nice and sacred Catholic church. It has English speaking daily masses. The church is clean and comfortable quiet atmosphere for prayer and worship
6. Queen Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By 618sartaja - Penang Island, Malaysia
Queen street come under little India area and Travellers could get economical accommodation since lots of budget hotels are there and famous Kapitan cling mosque near by and also Mahabu mariamman temple in the queen street.Good Indian restaurants are there close to 40 and visitors could enjoy famous Penang for food experience from vegetarian ,non vegetarian, ice karangal,chendool etc.
7. Cannon Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 415 reviews
Reviewed By Romaica - Alexandria, Egypt
The street has wonderful architecture and street art in George Town. The best way to explore it is on foot, so you don't miss anything.
8. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By NikosTheGreat - Singapore, Singapore
Very beautiful and majestic architecture, you can take a stroll at the gardens and take some really nice photos-located quite centrally, next to Little India.
9. Reclining Buddha Wat Chaiyamangalaram
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 761 reviews
Reviewed By JosieC426 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Definitely worth a visit to this and the temple on the other side of the road. This temple is highly decorative and has a wonderful calm atmosphere.
10. Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,745 reviews
Important Note: starting June 5th, tours will resume at reduced capacity and under strict guidelines for the safety of our visitors, guests and staff. 11am and 2pm capped are 24 visitors per tour. Discover the story of The Blue Mansion Come in and immerse yourself in the architecture and history of iconic The Blue Mansion, one of George Town’s most lauded architectural gems. Our trained guides will provide comprehensive insight into how the mansion came to be, its heritage, and the man whose vision brought this grand home to fruition. Covering the reception hall, the famed courtyard and the museum exhibition on the second floor, the tour will take 45 minutes in total. Please note that in order to guard the privacy of our hotel guests, only some parts of the mansion are accessible during the tour, but we do encourage guests to experience different facets of The Blue Mansion through staying with us, having a classic cocktail at the bar, or enjoying a meal at our restaurant – Indigo
Reviewed By elliscollins108 - Penang Island, Malaysia
Really wonderful tour, informative yet friendly and funny, well led by our tour guide sally who was full of facts and got everyone involved Beautiful building rich with history and finishing with a drink at the bar as suggested by sally was perfect!
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