When visiting Penang, there are places that you can’t miss. Georgetown attractions offers you an unforgettable experience for your holiday in Penang. The street in Georgetown is full of colors. It is a place where you discover the unique charm of Penang.
As you walk down the street, you will understand more about the culture. There is plenty of street art for you to admire. You can’t miss the street food as you can taste the uniqueness you can’t find in other parts of Malaysia. All these elements provide the town with a unique atmosphere.
Most of Georgetown’s attractions are within walking distance. There’s even a trishaw for you to hire. As you venture down the street, you won’t know what you will find. In this article, we will bring you to discover the best Georgetown attractions you can’t miss. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting this place will never disappoint you.
Best Georgetown Attractions #1 – Clan Jetties
Want to understand the history of Penang? Then, Clan Jetties is a place you can’t miss. The clan jetties are made up of 6 jetties. It is part of the Penang Heritage Trail. It has been there for more than a century and is one of the oldest Chinese settlements in Penang. You can see the contrast between the local life and the development in the city.
Each jetty is named and dominated by a different clan. The oldest jetties are the Lim, Yeoh, Chew, and Tan. The others were built later on. The clans used to have many fights and disputes over the consignments of works.
You will still find descendants of the clans staying around there as you walk down the jetties. You get to see the life of the locals staying there. Besides, there are also gift shops for you to buy some souvenirs back. Remember not to disturb the residents as you are discovering the place.
Address: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Best Georgetown Attractions #2 – Komtar Tower
If you want to enjoy the view of Georgetown, Komtar Tower is a place you will want to visit. The height of Komtar Tower is about 300 metres, consisting 68 floors, making it the third largest tower in Malaysia.
The main attraction of Komtar Tower will be the observation deck on the 58th floor. You will get to see Georgetown’s view. Go for the Rainbow Skywalk. Take a look at Georgetown Street at the bottom of your feet as you walk along on the curved glass ledge. If you want to catch the sunset, come before that and capture the moment. It will be a great view that you can’t miss.
There are also other attractions at Komtar Tower, such as Jurassic Research Center, 7D Discovery Motion Theater, Durian Museum, and many more. Don’t miss The Gravityz, the world’s highest rope course. But you will need to overcome your fear of heights. Get a full-day pass if you want to visit all the attractions.
Address: 1, Jalan Penang, 10000 Georgetown, Penang
Best Georgetown Attractions #3 – Khoo Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is one of the finest Chinese Clan Associations in Penang. It can be an interesting place to visit, especially if you want to know a bit of the history of Penang and escape from those popular Penang attractions.
This building was built about 650 years ago. It is a place where families with the same surname gather. Their ancestors are placed inside, and they gather to worship. The architecture can be quite impressive. You will see some stone carvings as you enter the main hall. There are also complex carved columns and other Chinese symbols that curve on the building.
Inside the building, you will find pavilions, guardian statues, and murals portraying birthdays. The building was partially destroyed during World War II. It was restored after that by the descendants. If you want to learn more about the history of this Kongsi, visit the small museum on-site. Understand the past of it.
Address: 18, Cannon Square, 10450 George Town, Penang
Best Georgetown Attractions #4 – Gurney Plaza
For those who are looking for a place to shop, Gurney Plaza is a place you will want to visit. As one of the major shopping malls in Penang, there is a wide range of choices for you to choose from. Grab the things you need, from branded electronic items to local restaurants.
With more than 300 stores in it, it is a great place to spend time with your family for window shopping. They have a cinema where you can enjoy some movie time during your holidays. Time to eat? There are over 60 cafes and restaurants where you can grab your food or a cup of drink.
Covering over 80,000 square meters, the options they offer cater to not only locals but also travelers. It is a place where you are looking for entertainment and luxury.
Address: 170, Gurney Dr, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang
Best Georgetown Attractions #5 – Pinang Peranakan Mansion
When talking about Peranakan, the first thing that comes to your mind is that they are from Melaka. But if you are in Penang, you also get to know more about Peranakan at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
The mansion was a residence of Chung Keng Kwee, a Penang tycoon. He wasn’t a Peranakan, but the mansion features the elements of Peranakan houses. It was abandoned after World War II and restored in 2004. You get to see how it shows the beauty of a Peranakan house. It is full of furnishing from east and west.
The museums have more than 1,000 rare antiques and collectibles of Peranakan. It is collected from all around the world. It is one of the best Peranakan museums in Asia. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the Peranakan history if you are around in Georgetown. There are group tours available at certain hours. It is best to go for one to know about the Peranakan history. It is conducted in English and Mandarin.
Address: 29, Church St. George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang
