George Town
George Town on Penang island is a UNESCO-listed port city of shophouses, clan jetties, Chinese temples and mosques within a few walkable blocks. It is widely considered Malaysia's best eating city, with hawker centres running from morning to late night. Street art has become a second draw since 2012.
How long to stay
December to March for the driest weather.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for George Town yet
Is George Town right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what George Town is known for.
Great for
- History & culture
- Food
Less of a focus
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Family
- Couples
- Solo
Build your George Town trip
Top things to do
Clan Jetties
Free entry · VerifiedGeorge Town
Stilt villages built over the water by Chinese clan communities, each jetty historically belonging to one family group.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Entrance $0.54 · VerifiedGeorge Town
The largest Buddhist temple complex in Malaysia, rising in terraces above Air Itam with a seven-storey pagoda and a bronze Guanyin statue.
Penang Hill
Free entry · VerifiedGeorge Town
A 833-metre ridge above George Town reached by funicular, noticeably cooler than the coast, with rainforest trails and a canopy walk.
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Popular activities
Hawker food crawl
Evening route through hawker centres for char kway teow, assam laksa and rojak.