George Town, Penang

" Penang's George Town is one of the most charming historical towns in Malaysia, filled with historical sites and a unique mix of different cultures living in perfect harmony."

Introduction
In the northeastern corner of Pulau Pinang (Penang Island), lay the city of George Town, the commercial and administrative centre for Penang Island. This city buzzes with a unique energy whilst successfully retaining a charming small-town feel to it. This is particularly true in the older areas of the town in and around Little India and Chinatown. Old shophouses, lovingly restored, grace the narrow roads reminiscent of the colonial era, with names like Lebuh Buckingham, Lebuh Carnarvon and Lebuh Bishop. The multi-racial mix that is the essence of George Town is also apparent in its street names – Lorong Madras, Lebuh Acheh, Lebuh Melayu, Lebuh Ah Quee, Lorong Ceti and Jalan Burma. If you know where to look, you'll see beautiful Chinese mansions, Indian temples, colonial buildings and Achenese mosques.

Penang is the only island state in Malaysia (Labuan Island, off the coast of Sabah in East Malaysia, is a Federal Territory rather than a state). And the highest point on Penang Island,Bukit Bendera (also known as Penang Hill), stands at 821m above sea level and is accessible from George Town through Jalan Air Itam. From the top of Bukit Bendera, one will have an excellent view of George Town, the Penang Bridge as well as the mainland Peninsula.

The best way to get a quick tour of George Town is with a trishaw ride around town – best done early in the morning when the sun isn't too hot! George Town is one of the few places in Malaysia where trishaw rides are still available for you to tryout.

Penang George Town

History
In many ways, Georgetown is the place where the history of modern Penang began. It was here that the British colonials established it's foothold in (then) Malaya, after they first landed on the shores of the present site of the Esplanade. George Town was named after King George III. Historical sites like Fort Cornwallis, was built circa 1786. In fact, George Town is one of three straits settlement in Malaya, the other two is Melaka and Singapura.

One of the best ways to get an insight on George Town's past is with the Penang Heritage Trailtour, which will reveal some of the most fascinating historical and cultural sites in George Town. Shipping and trading was the backbone of the economy in that era and the strategic location of Penang Island allowed Port Weld to thrive.

People 
The colourful mix of people with different ethnic backgrounds living in George Town owes partly to the colonial era when Penang was one of the premier trading posts in the region. The success of Port Weld attracted traders as well as fortune seekers from various parts of the region, including Indonesia, China, Persia, Burma and India who sought to make a new life here.

Today, George Town is practically a living museum where one can witness the various tradesmen at work - paper lantern makers, signboard engraver, bamboo blinds maker, traditional goldsmiths, songkok maker and many other trades. Alongside these traditional occupations, many of George Town's residents own private businesses, operating out of the many two-story shoplots scattered all around town. The food and beverage economy is quite big in Penang, as such, many of the locals in George Town run various stalls and cafes around town.

Food
If there's one thing that visitors to Penang will agree on, its the incredible variety of foods that can be found in George Town. And the best place to sample these different cuisines is at the hawker stalls found in Gurney Drive. This is where you'll find local favourites including the savoury pasembor, mouth-watering asam laksa Penang, chee cheong fun and char kuey teow. These dishes are simple and very affordable, ranging anywhere between RM3.00 to RM4.50 a plate. Another trademark dish that is popular in Penang is nasi kandar which can be found in one of the many Indian Muslim restaurants in George Town. 

Nearby Destinations & Attractions
 If you drive north along the coast, on Jalan Kelawei from George Town, you will find yourself passing through Tanjung Tokong, a beachfront stretch which comprises of a traditional Malay fishing village. This winding, though scenic drive along the coast will lead you to Jalan Tanjung Bungah, past the Toy Museum on the right, before joining Jalan Batu Ferringhi all the way up to the favourite destination for foreign visitors in Penang - Batu Ferringhi beach. If you drive south from George Town, along Jalan Jelutong, you will eventually reach the Penang Bridge.

Travel Advice 
George Town is a great place to do some shopping! But please remember, if you're buying goods from a street-side stall, do bargain for the best price! The street vendors are usually good-natured when it comes to bargaining and in George Town what matters most to them is that the customer goes home happy with their purchase.