Top Things to do in George Town
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10 Historic Sites in George Town That You Shouldn't Miss
The beauty and rich history of George Town keeps tourists flocking all year round. George Town offers views of the famous Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Kapitan Keling Mosque and many of the capital's golden crowned Buddhist temples. With museums showcasing the country's rich-historical treasures, restaurants that offer classic Malaysian cuisine and dozens of shopping malls, there's guaranteed to be something for everyone to see.
Restaurants in George Town
1. Lim Jetty
2. Cheah Kongsi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
The Khoo Kongsi may be more opulent and more famous, but the Cheah Kongsi is very interesting and pleasant to see, especially since it is also less visited. There are two entrances: the old one from Armenian street and a newer one from Beach street (Lebuh Pantai). Unusual is the fact that seen from Beach street there is a big manicured, very British lawn in front of the building. It was added with the restoration 2013-2015, when historically inappropriate elements, that had been added later, were removed to make it look more like the original from 1873. The Cheah Kongsi is one of the 5 big Kongsi in George Town, but together with the Khoo Kongsi it is the only one that can be visited on a regular basis. The other three: Yeoh Kongsi, Lim Kongsi and Tan Kongsi are generally not open to the public. Entrance fee is 10 MYR and it is open every day except Sundays. A little leaflet is handed out with the ticket and one can visit the place on one's own. Photography is allowed. As at Khoo Kongsi one has to admire the roof with its upturning corners and all the dragons and other decorative elements made with 'Chien Nien' (cut and paste) ceramics in many colours. The main temple with three altars is on the upper floor, which can be reached by a wooden staircase from a small courtyard. Especially downstairs there are several small rooms, where clan members, often new arrivals from the home village of Sek Tong in Fujian province, were temporarily lodged and fed. An interpretation centre tells about the home village and the perilous trip on Chinese junks to other shores and a hopefully better life. The Kongsi were meant to help each member of the same clan, to offer business contacts, and to meet and worship the traditional deities and ancestors.
3. Armenian Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,563 reviews
Reviewed By pawool73 - Brisbane, Australia
This street is just fabulous, some great street wall art, amazing shops, fabulous coffee, restaurants, character filled and buzzing with tourists, just loved it!
4. Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,745 reviews
Important Note: starting June 5th, tours will resume at reduced capacity and under strict guidelines for the safety of our visitors, guests and staff. 11am and 2pm capped are 24 visitors per tour. Discover the story of The Blue Mansion Come in and immerse yourself in the architecture and history of iconic The Blue Mansion, one of George Town’s most lauded architectural gems. Our trained guides will provide comprehensive insight into how the mansion came to be, its heritage, and the man whose vision brought this grand home to fruition. Covering the reception hall, the famed courtyard and the museum exhibition on the second floor, the tour will take 45 minutes in total. Please note that in order to guard the privacy of our hotel guests, only some parts of the mansion are accessible during the tour, but we do encourage guests to experience different facets of The Blue Mansion through staying with us, having a classic cocktail at the bar, or enjoying a meal at our restaurant – Indigo
Reviewed By elliscollins108 - Penang Island, Malaysia
Really wonderful tour, informative yet friendly and funny, well led by our tour guide sally who was full of facts and got everyone involved Beautiful building rich with history and finishing with a drink at the bar as suggested by sally was perfect!
5. Han Jiang Ancestral Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By R6662UAjenniferh - England, United Kingdom
Very quiet compared to some of the other heritage sites in Penang, with interesting information panels on the temple and its restoration.
6. Chulia Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 490 reviews
Reviewed By Januarytyp - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
connected with the famous Love Lane. Along Chulia Street there are full of local food stalls: Wantan Mee, Hokkien Mee, Char Koey Teow, Lok Lok, Apom, Yong Tao Fu, Nasi Lemak, coconut milkshake, and Manchester United Burger Stall. It is happening during the weekend as there are a lot of foreign tourists hanging around having beer along the love lane. You w can feel yourself like a tourist while walking on chulia street
7. Beach Street
8. Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi
9. Fort Cornwallis
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1,689 reviews
Reviewed By annelise_abroad - Wellington, New Zealand
Take advantage of the excellent guided tour run by Molly when visiting this historical site - she will tell you about the history of Penang, and makes excellent recommendations for places to eat and things to do on the island! Super kind and friendly as well. Would recommend visiting Fort Cornwallis at the beginning of your trip to Georgetown to get a feel for the history.
10. Adjetty Sdn Bhd
@Jetty is a heritage focused venue for arts and cultural events, we create in-house event to promote Penang heritage culture & as incubator to nurture and showcase Malaysia artistic talents. We aim to be the platform for inspirations and creativity, where aspiring creative ones to showcase their talents, artwork and innovative ideas. Meanwhile, it is a place where people meet, celebrate and chill.
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