Heritage / Culture
With an impressive collection of historic buildings, Georgetown Penang was awarded UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City in 2008. As a melting pot of cultures, discovering the rich culture and history is easy in a place like this. Come and visit all these iconic historical buildings, and your life will be enriched by all these experiences.
Fort Cornwallis
As one of the most important architectures in Penang, this is one stop on your Penang itinerary which you'll not regret. It was built when Captain Francis Light – the founder of Penang, first set foot in Penang in the year 1786 and upgraded with a brick structure complete with a moat in the year 1804. The statue of Captain Francis Light and the Sri Rambai cannon will be the most photographed artefacts in the fort. Make sure your camera is always ready to capture these two historical artefacts. If you walk further into the fort, remember to catch the view of the first-ever Christian chapel in Penang, barracks and even a small jail cell, which has served as an exhibition gallery nowadays. If you happened to be in Penang, you couldn’t afford to miss this historical landmark.
City Hall and Town Hall
If you're the one who loves to explore historical architecture, City Hall and Town Hall are true testament architectures that are not to be missed during your Penang trip. City Hall represents a great example of British Colonial architecture, which was built in 1903. It's the first building in Georgetown Penang to be fitted with electric lights and fans. As you walk around, you'll notice that the First World War monument for those fallen soldiers is also located here. On the south side of the City Hall, Town Hall can be seen which serves as a social venue in Penang at the earlier day. Pay a visit to these two colonial buildings; you'll be surprised that you can discover the characteristics of their past and present when you walk along.
Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
Another historic British colonial architecture must be included in your Penang Trip itinerary. This 60-foot clock tower was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee by Penang millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in the year 1897. It shows that each foot represents each year of Queen Victoria’s reign. You'll realise that there are only 6 steps of the staircase when heading up to the main door of this tower, which clearly indicates the number of decades of Queen Victoria’s reign. Take a closer look at this significant landmark, and you'll be surprised that the tower is slightly tilted – due to the impact of the bomb during World War 2. Any of the structures of this architecture were part of what made it such a pleasure to visit.
Esplanade
Experiencing the nature and heritage of Penang is an essential part of any Penang visit. Esplanade is the seaside promenade located in the heart of Georgetown, Penang. It was here - the first area to be cleared by Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang, in the year 1786. It was used as a military parade ground on the earlier day. To this day, it serves as a major venue for celebrations and cultural activities in Penang. Esplanade has been upgraded to reinforce its seawall and reopened to the public in May 2022. It came with a 460m walkway from Medan Renong food court to the Royal Malaysian Navy base. You can now stroll along and enjoy the scenery there. Esplanade allows you to feel the sea breeze and step into the history of Penang at the same time. Let's add this amazing place to your travel list today!
Clan Jetties
If you want to experience the traditional Chinese lifestyle in Penang, Clan Jetties will be your best choice ever. Built-in the 19th century, it's a whole settlement of wooden houses built above the seashores where the Chinese clans live. Among all the Clan Jetties, Chew Jetty is the most developed jetty if compared to others. It offers several souvenir shops where you can bring back a little reminder of your experience here with their range of products. You'll be surprised that you can even find restaurants and homestays in a place like this. The best time to visit these Clan Jetties will be the evening time. It serves as the perfect time where you'll be able to catch such an unforgettable and remarkable sunset view along the shores.
Khoo Kongsi
As one of the important elements of Georgetown Penang's cultural heritage, Khoo Kongsi is a must-visit attraction, especially for those who wish to know more about one of the most unique Chinese clan associations in Malaysia. With a history of more than 100 years, this temple belongs to the Khoo Kongsi clan. You'll be amazed by its fine Chinese architecture as well as craftsmanship once you step into the temple. If you decide to stay longer at Khoo Kongsi, don’t miss the chance to have an overview of such an incredible Khoo Kongsi during night time. It'll be a perfect spot to take an Instagram-worthy photo, especially if it turns on all its lights at the compound during night time. Come and experience this architectural masterpiece by visiting Khoo Kongsi today!
Kek Lok Si Temple
What must-visit temple comes to mind when you think about Penang? YES! Kek Lok Si temple is one of the largest Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia that you should not skip in your Penang trip. This temple features the iconic seven-storey handcrafted “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” and the 30.2-meter bronze Kuan Yin statue; they'll definitely “wow” you beyond belief. If you happen to be in Penang during Chinese New Year festival, don’t miss the chance to visit Kek Lok Si temple, as it will be lit up with thousands of decorative lights and lanterns for the festival celebration. Make a move to this centre for Chinese culture temple and immerse yourself in this historical building of untold beauty.
Kapitan Keling Mosque
As the First Arab-Indian mosque and the largest historic mosque in Georgetown, Kapitan Keling Mosque is one of the important landmarks for you to discover and explore. With the design of Moghul architecture and features of beautiful minarets and domes, it's absolutely worth your visit when you're in Penang. If you wish to enter the mosque, make sure you're properly attired, or else you'll be rejected from going into the mosque. Apart from proper attire, ensure to schedule your visit time in between the 5 Muslim daily prayers. Kapitan Keling Mosque offers a great photo opportunity for travellers from all corners of the world. It's one of the city’s most photographed mosques.
Penang Snake Temple
Situated at Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, Penang Snake Temple allows you to get up close to poisonous snakes when you visit this temple. This temple was built in 1850 to honour Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist monk who lived during the Song dynasty for his good deeds. The highlight of this temple is the snake breeding area. It's a place to test how good your eyesight is. If you are brave enough, you can grab the opportunity to take a photo with giant pythons (under the supervision of the handler) during your visit to this snake temple.
Little India
Made up of several lanes and is usually crowded all the time, especially at lunch and dinner time. What makes the place interesting is the wonder of aromatic scents, as well as the coloured lights and loud Bollywood music along the street. You'll never go hungry in Little India. Walking and eating your way through Little India will be the best way to experience the street and its history. Pay a visit to Sri Mahamariamman Temple - the oldest Hindu temple in Penang after a good meal. Shopping/buying souvenirs is always a must-do item on your travel list, right? If yes, Little India will not disappoint you! Little India is always the one winning the combination that will both surprise and delight your taste buds. Make every step at Little India a discovery for you.
Penang Street Wall Murals
No journey to Penang would be complete without exploring Penang Street Wall Murals. Put on your best walking shoes and start the journey of “Mural Hunting” along the street in Georgetown, Penang. Explore every corner of the streets and discover 52 unique murals located on different streets. With the presence of murals along the streets, there is never a moment of dullness at all these historic streets. The mural “Kids on bicycle” by Ernest Zacharevic at Armenian Street is one of the most famous murals that you should not miss. If you're so reluctant to walk under the hot sun, take advantage of Trishaw to ride you around the streets to discover all of them. This is definitely a destination where you should always be camera-ready!
P. Ramlee House
Do you ever hear about P. Ramlee - one of the most famous Malaysian artists? P. Ramlee's name was initially Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh, who was born on 22nd March 1929. He changed his name when he began his acting career. He was a comedian, actor, singer, composer, and film director. He is also the winner of many national and international awards in the movie and music industry. He died of a heart attack at the age of 44 on 29th May 1973. P. Ramlee House was built from recycled wood by his father and uncle in the year 1926. It provides insight into P. Ramlee's younger days (from his school days to his success as an artist). While you walk around this house, you'll discover his collections, such as his old violin, old bicycle, old bed, and many more. Take your time to explore, and you'll get everything you want to know about P. Ramlee in this P. Ramlee House.
Penang Ferry Service
Back in the earlier days, there is only one transport that carries passengers and vehicles between Penang Island and Mainland. Do you ever think about what kind of transport it is? Penang Ferry Service – the oldest ferry service in Malaysia, has done a great job on this. It allows people to connect themselves between these two locations. It'll be one of your must-do items in Penang if you're the one who is looking to have some experience on the ferry while exploring Penang. You also can take the opportunity to pay a visit to Weld Quay – the point of arrival and departure for Penang Ferry after experiencing this iconic ferry service during your trip to Penang. Make your trip an unforgettable one! (Service by this iconic ferry has been ended by 31 Dec 2020 and replaced by the fast ferry)