Top Things to do in George Town
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10 Things to Do 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. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Cheryl K - Regina, Canada
Upon the recommendation of the hotel we headed to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion - The Green Mansion which was very interesting.
It depicts the typical home of a rich Baba-Nyonya. The museum houses thousands of Peranakan artifacts which have been meticulously cared for over the years.
Our tour was very interesting and they did an excellent job on explaining the heritage of the Peranakan people. I would highly recommend it.
2. Colonial Penang Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Our Colonial Penang museum will bring visitors back to Penang's colonial past. Experience the unique lifestyle of both the British Administrators & the wealthy merchants, appreciate the intricate art form from the past and the influence of British to our Penangites. Visitors can find unique antiques such as :- - Parchment handwritten document by Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, - Francois Linke ,the Belle Epoque of French furniture, - The white Carrara marble statues by Atelier R.Bigazzi Florence, - Reverse painting by William Morris & Company (Westminster) Ltd., ( Ruskin House ), - Stained Glass window by Hubert McGoldrick / Alfred Ernest Child and Katherine O'Brien , - Roman pillars and tree house and many more. The museum can also be used as an educational instrument for students to promote the understanding and significant of our rich heritage in the past.
Reviewed By Bruce C - Sharon, Connecticut
When you consider that this is a personal collection, amassed over 50+ years by Jasmine Tan and her husband, it is amazing...especially, since this is only about 40% of what she has amassed, the remainder is in her personal bungalows.
The stained glass,and Carrera marble sculptures are extra special. We were lucky that in the beginning Ms. Tan explained a number of the items and history of her collecting. Our guide told us that her family had in the past rubber plantations, until synthetic rubber was invented.
The exhibit is very unusual, and a number of the items are rare. It also gives an idea of items that Chinese bought and had in their homes or were in buildings in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
Definitely worth the small entrance fee, and taking some time to read the posted information about some of the displays.
Also, her husband collects wood and the tree house and rose wood tree trunks are amazing also.
A very enjoyable stop and tour.
3. Asia Camera Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By pianocello - Shah Alam, Malaysia
The staff were quite friendly and this place makes a nice diversion and addition to the Armenian Street area.
Sadly, I can't give this too high a rating. The place makes me feel like a camera studio was wondering what to do with their old cameras and hit upon the idea of getting additional old unwanted cameras from other camera studios. This is then followed by making some copies of the Internet of some famous photos and there you are - a camera museum!
There's nothing wrong with that except the ticket price is too high and the place is not well - curated. We only spent 15 minutes there as there is only one main room (not including the dark room partition) and there is not enough information on why each camera is special historically. Had the ticket price been half of what it is, I would still be ok but as it is now, it feels like a lesser version of the other camera museum in Penang.
4. Penang House of Music
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
A celebration of Penang's glorious musical heritage and cultural diversity with carefully curated Exhibitions and interactive features. We showcase, among many things, Penang's popular music from the 1940s-1960s, a feature on communal music, a recreation of a radio booth and cinema, and many others! Also available is a resource center where visitors may discover an ever-growing vinyl collection, newspaper clippings, previously unreleased recordings, audio and video interviews and many, many more.
Reviewed By Choo Kheng S - Penang Island, Malaysia
This is one place where the passion and dedication of the owner /founder are written all over the corners. The attention to details and painstaking researches have managed to bring the glorious musical past of Penang back to life. So the saying goes, "Without music...MoreThank you for your support! we hope to see you again soon
5. Street Art in George Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 721 reviews
Reviewed By Joan0452013 - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Clustered around the Heritage area surrounding Armenian Street, admiring this street art can be incorporated into the Heritage Walk. Some are life-size and others are larger than life and depict everyday life in Penang. Most are paintings on once-bare walls and a few feature actual objects such as a bicycle in the one entitled Kids on Bicycle.
There are also several wrought-iron artworks scattered around the inner city.
I would recommend that you walk, armed with a copy of the George Town Exploratory map (available from most hotels) which shows exactly where each artwork is situated.
Start early to avoid the heat and crowds though there are cafes and coffee shops to escape to for a cool drink or ice cream.
An early start would also mean that you can photograph the artwork without including other people in the picture.
6. Wonderfood Museum Penang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Emily C
This was one of the highlights of my time in George Town. This museum is super informational and highlights the history and culture of Malaysian food. Not only is it educational it is super interactive and fun. Great for taking photos for Instagram! You can spend a good few hours here. Highly recommend for foodies.
7. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By nguynav - Brussels, Belgium
This temple is located on a hilltop in Penang Island. It requires stamina to climb plus 500 plus stairs to reach the temple. Be aware of monkeys along your path. The temple was clean and there was a unique spiritual experience in it. It is dedicated Muruga, a Tamil God who represents embodiment of Peace and serenity. A great place for those who seek Nature and Peace.
8. Armenian Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
9. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 751 reviews
Reviewed By Mark D - Penang Island, Malaysia
This very accessible temple was created in 1803, and has many interesting, complex and intricate teak carvings, paintings on panels, several large Buddha statues as well as beautiful grounds and two fish ponds. The temple has 4 or 5 substantially different components, which display different aspects of "Burmese Buddhism"!! Overall, it is a very calm and "cool" place to reflect on what one has seen as well as one of the many traveller's treasures that one can experience when visiting in Penang..
It is a "Must see"!!
10. Khoo Kongsi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By murthir - Banting, Malaysia
A beautifully restored clan house that details the history and heritage of the Khoos. The exhibits are truly impressive as are the recreations of some of the rooms and dwellings close to their original. The temple int he courtyard is also beautiful.Truly worth a visit when in Penang.
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