Georgetown, the capital city of Penang, Malaysia, is a multicultural gem that attracts travellers with its lively streets, stunning architecture and diverse culture.

Table of contents

While planning my trip to the tropical paradise island of Malaysia- Langkawi, I noticed that Penang Island is near Langkawi. George Town,  in particular, caught my attention. So, I decided to spend a few days there before heading to Langkawi. After visiting Georgetown, I can say that this city is a melting pot of different cultures with a vibrant Street art culture and delicious food options. The best way to explore Georgetown is on foot.

Reaching Penang

I had already completed my immigration process at Kuala Lumpur Airport and hence I headed straight to collect my bags after landing at Penang International Airport.
To get to George Town from Penang Airport, booking a Grab taxi is the best option. However, since I hadn’t purchased a local SIM card at that time, I decided to take a taxi from the exit instead. I was pleasantly surprised as to how easy it was to communicate in Malaysia, as English is widely spoken. Despite the busy traffic, the driver was friendly, making the 35-40-minute ride to my hotel a breeze. He shared lots of interesting details about the city that were useful during my stay. Meeting such kind people at the beginning of a trip is always great.

Accommodation in George Town

Staying in the centre of George Town would make it easier to explore the city on foot. If you want to explore the rest of the island, you can always book a taxi using the Grab App. There are many options for accommodation ranging from guesthouses and apartments to luxury hotels. If you fancy staying in a classic heritage house, there are a few budget options like Vintage House located in the heart of the city.

I had a great experience staying at the centrally located Savv Hotel. For solo travellers, they offer a single cabin which is just perfect for one person. The hotel was very clean with great facilities. The bathroom had drinkable filtered water which was a good amenity. During check-in, the hotel provided me with a city map and a list of local attractions. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby.

View from my room

The view from my room was perfect for watching sunsets. After a long day of travelling and waiting for connecting flights, I finally checked into my hotel room. It was already evening and dark by that time. I was tired and went to sleep soon. All in all, I had a lovely time staying there.

Immerse yourself in the captivating streets and vibrant Street art of George Town

The city is easy to explore as many of the attractions are located near the hotel. The famous clan jetties are just across the road. I suggest starting the exploration in the morning before the sun’s rays become too intense and you start to sweat excessively.

George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displays its rich cultural heritage through its architecture and charming streets. The city’s diverse history is evident through Malay, Indian, Chinese, and European influences.

I had a great time exploring the city and discovering beautiful street art. Every turn revealed a new masterpiece, each telling its own unique story. It felt like going on a treasure hunt and finding Street art around every corner.

As you walk around Gat Lebuh Armenian, you will see two interesting murals next to Gudang cafe. One is the ‘’Love Me Like Your Fortune Cat’’ with a huge black and White Cat in the middle surrounded by fortune cats. The message of this artwork is clear: love real cats as much as you would love fortune cats.
Next to it is a captivating mural of a monkey.

One of the most photographed pieces of artwork in George Town is by Ernest Zacharevic, featuring two children riding a bicycle on Armenian Street.

This mural includes a real bicycle fixed to the wall, making the whole piece interactive. This place was mostly crowded with tourists posing for photographs.
Sadly, some of the murals are getting worn out. However, on a positive note, there are several new murals. If you take the time to wander through the streets, you may stumble upon numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
It’s best to visit these popular streets and other famous photo spots in the mornings when you won’t have to wait in a long queue to take selfies.

The next one is ”Boy on a chair” trying to reach as high as he can. By the way, the chair here is a real one.


Children Behind Window Bar is one of my favourite murals. It depicts two children trying to reach the baskets filled with Bao buns. This art was an advertisement for the pastry shop adjacent to it.


Vibrant Streets

Although there were some tourists around, not too many to call it crowded. Armenian Street is particularly stunning, with cafes, boutiques and souvenir shops.

It was amazing to see how different cultures blend seamlessly here. You could be walking down a street with ancient Chinese architecture, and the next turn could lead you to a Hindu temple or a Church. Then, you could turn to the adjacent street and find yourself in front of a beautiful mosque where you can hear the Quran being recited during prayer times, adding to the charm.

There is a street dedicated to India called Little India, where the fragrance of incense, flowers, and garlands fills the air, making it a truly captivating sight and experience. Additionally, Sri Maha Mariamman temple and its ambience were truly remarkable.

Enjoy diverse cuisines

I was impressed by the variety of vegetarian and vegan food available in Georgetown. Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine are the most popular ones. You can find fusion or anything to satisfy your taste buds. The city can easily be called a vegetarian paradise. I particularly enjoyed the food at the Woodlands restaurant in Little India. You can relish authentic Indian food with a great ambience. In the mornings, while enjoying breakfast, you can hear the Suprabhatam (which means auspicious morning in Sanskrit) and other shlokas playing in the background, which makes you feel like you are in India.”

The climate in Penang is very humid, which means you can expect to sweat a lot. It is easy to keep yourself  hydrated by drinking coconut water or fresh juices from the many juice shops or street vendors. The coconuts on the island are known to be sweeter, and finding a refreshing drink on the way is the best way to beat the heat.

Riding a Trishaw

You will come across beautifully adorned colourful Trishaws. They looked so attractive that I decided to rent one for a ride around the city. Trishaw drivers often have a wealth of knowledge about local attractions and hidden gems. My driver was eager to share stories about the landmarks and even took me to a cat-themed souvenir shop, a lovely place, especially for cat lovers with some great paintings like this one!

Exploring the city on a trishaw was truly an enjoyable experience.

Visiting the Clan jetties

I woke up to my alarm long before dawn, excited to see the sunrise at the Clan Jetties. I eagerly looked out of my window every minute waiting for the crack of dawn. Finally, with sleepy eyes and a sense of excitement, I made my way to the jetties, a cluster of traditional wooden houses built on stilts over the water. It was hardly a 5-minute walk from my hotel to the Clan Jetties. The streets were quiet in the early morning, with only a handful of locals starting their day.
Each jetty is named after a Chinese clan, and I chose to visit the Chew Jetty, the most popular one in the area.

Watching the sunrise

Finding a good spot, I eagerly waited for the sun to make its appearance. Slowly, the sky began to brighten, bringing a warm glow over the waters of the Malacca Strait.
The jetties were originally built by Chinese immigrants who settled here more than 100 years ago. Just a word of caution: some areas may have a strong odour due to it being a fishing area, and you need to be careful walking especially towards the edge of the jetties since they could be slippery.

Walking along the streets of Chew Jetty

After watching the beautiful sunrise, I took some time to wander through the narrow lanes of the Chew Jetty. There was a stunning Chinese temple at the entrance. The streets were lined with wooden houses, decorated with colourful lanterns. Along the way, you will find cafes selling local drinks and souvenirs.
For anyone planning a visit to Georgetown, I highly recommend setting your alarm early to experience the beautiful sunrise at the Clan Jetties.

I had a wonderful time in George Town. It’s best to explore the city at a relaxed pace, which should only take 2-3 days. If you want to see more of the island, consider adding a few extra days. Next time you visit Malaysia, make sure to include this beautiful place in your itinerary. This impressive city would leave a lasting impression with its charming lanes, Street art and excellent cuisine.