What to do and see in George Town, Penang: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

January 28, 2022 Marlin Saiz

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. Street of Harmony Walking Tour from Penang

Tour & Incentive Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Where else in the world can you find a street lined with so many places of worship of different faith, all within a perimeter of one kilometre. The walking tour begins from St. George’s Church, oldest in Malaysia, to Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple which survived the last two world wars. Across the street is Little India with its colourful Sri Mahamariamman Temple decorated with 40 statuettes of Hindu Gods. Further down is Khoo Kongsi, a Chinese ancestral clan house cum museum. Then view the nearby Kapitan Keling Mosque, the first Arab-Indian Muslim mosque built in Penang. ​

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, English speaking driver cum guide, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By NikoCherry

The famous street in Penang and most of the travelers will visit it in George Town. i enjoyed taking pictures there.

2. History Walk Around George Town

Penang City Hall, Jalan Padang Kota Lama, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia TEOH SHAN TATT TIGER
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

The Harmony Street, is a short street about 300meter, but you can find different religious structures such as Anglican Church, Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple and Mosque next to each other. I grown up in this wonderful city experience the harmony of different religion and culture come with tolerance and respect. Some of the culture have even blended and create an uniqueness to George Town. Is my passion to bring friends around during my free time.

Inclusions: LIGHT BREAKFAST, 500ML MINERAL WATER, Snacks

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Reviewed By steoh83

I should said, before the tour i have not much expectation. With the thought of it might be just the same eating tour. However i was wrong.. the food experience provide by tiger was excellent, i learned so much on the culture and the history of the penang street food. This is penang is known as the food paradise. The whole tour was exceptional with breaks in between and we got to visit a few sites as well. This make us to have breaks of eating in between so that we could treasure the food more. So if u all are coming to penang, make sure book this food experience with tiger..

3. Penang Half Day City Tour Including The Top Komtar

Penang Tours by Pesona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore George Town’s colonial heritage, colorful neighborhoods and craftsmanship on a half day tour to some famous attractions in Penang. Learn about local traditions and cultural, we make sure you see the best of Penang.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick up and drop off, Entrance Fee

Exclusions: Gratuities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By Li S

First, the good side. The tour carefully select the places we are going to visit. There are two more Buddhist temples, besides Kek Lok Si, to visit in the tour. One is a Thai styl tmeple. The other Burma style . But Kek Lok Si is the main one and rightly so.You do need a car to go up to the main temple. This is a plus.Then we visited The Chew pier before we visit the other main site, the Khoo Kongsi.This sis a lavish community hall of the Khoo clan and is very worth visiting. The guide , Ah Shing, explained reasonably well and is also quite attentive to our need, eg he would start the car earlier so that it is cool down a bit in this hot weather.Howeer, there are four things that the tour need to improve. First, it should arrange a brief lunch. It is unreasonable to expect one could last from 10am to 3 pm without eating something. Second, a bottle of water should bee provided . Simple thing, I know. But it is not done.Third. Given the importance of Buddhism in the local history, I feel the guide do not know enough in this area. Fourth,the wall painting sites are all passed by without opportunity to take photos.

4. Penang Round Island Tour With Tropical Spice Garden & Entopia Butterfly Farm

Penang Tours by Pesona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Penang, located at north west of Peninsular Malaysia, is a small island but it is compact with interesting and intriguing places. It is the first British Settlement in Malaysia and it flourished and thrived to became the busiest port in the region then. Penang is best known as a melting port for many ethnic groups with the most prominent trade was spices; which the early European paid dearly for these "green gold". Indulge yourself with a round island tour with many places to be seen and great memories!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Hotel pick up and drop off, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By Li S

First, the good side. The tour carefully select the places we are going to visit. There are two more Buddhist temples, besides Kek Lok Si, to visit in the tour. One is a Thai styl tmeple. The other Burma style . But Kek Lok Si is the main one and rightly so.You do need a car to go up to the main temple. This is a plus.Then we visited The Chew pier before we visit the other main site, the Khoo Kongsi.This sis a lavish community hall of the Khoo clan and is very worth visiting. The guide , Ah Shing, explained reasonably well and is also quite attentive to our need, eg he would start the car earlier so that it is cool down a bit in this hot weather.Howeer, there are four things that the tour need to improve. First, it should arrange a brief lunch. It is unreasonable to expect one could last from 10am to 3 pm without eating something. Second, a bottle of water should bee provided . Simple thing, I know. But it is not done.Third. Given the importance of Buddhism in the local history, I feel the guide do not know enough in this area. Fourth,the wall painting sites are all passed by without opportunity to take photos.

5. Penang: Flexible Half-Day Escapes

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4.8 based on 10 reviews

This is a guided tour and it let you have the flexibility to pick and choose attractions that you like. You will be spoilt for choices. For a 4 hours visit from port or hotel or airport, you may select to go to some 2-4 attractions from the list below. You choose the places and dictate the time to spend at each attraction. Either visit the attraction to your heart fills, or simply take picture from the outside without entering, you call the shot. If mobility is a concern, go for a round island tour and take the comfort of viewing from the car. If you do not have a clue where to go, let our learned tour guide choose it for you. The tour guide cum driver, will accompany you into all attractions and give commentary on the go. You pick some 2-4 attractions/activities from the list in tour details. Penang is a land of charm and you will be surprised what it got to offer and you wish you stop by here longer!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Professional Guide, Transport by Private Vehicle, Hotel/Port Pickup Dropoff, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities, Entrance Fees

Reviewed By 37hughm

Lee was a very informative guide, he has a lot of passion for Penangs history, fantastic day! We were shown around George Town (street art, chew jetty, temples, ...), Penang Hill.

6. Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion, Lot 22, 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
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4.5 based on 179 reviews

Take a walk and discover the story of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion. What is it like to go back in time, to live an illustrious life in the grandeur of 19th-century Penang? As you immerse yourself in the history of the Blue Mansion, our trained guides will provide detailed and comprehensive insight into the heritage and eclectic form of architecture of the mansion. You will also get a peek into the lavish lifestyle of Cheong Fatt Tze. A must see if you are visiting George Town.

Inclusions: Guided Tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Manuel V

This place is not a museum, is a house with inspiring history, it has nice decorations that represent mystical, cultural, and economic concepts and includes a hotel and restaurant that are worth visiting. Do not forget to tip the Tour guide!!!

7. Private George Town Heritage Tour from Penang

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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in George Town. Photo stop at Fort Cornwallis, Penang’s most prominent historical fortress. Visit the Peranakan Mansion which houses priceless antique collection and artifacts, showcasing an assimilation of cultures between the Malays and the early Chinese settlers. Next stop is the Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion, an award winner of Asia Pacific Heritage building.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, English speaking driver cum guide, Entrance fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By NikoCherry

The famous street in Penang and most of the travelers will visit it in George Town. i enjoyed taking pictures there.

8. Penang City Private Half Day Tour With Khoo Kongsi & Kek Lok Si

Penang Tours by Pesona
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour will give you a full tour of Penang main highlights. You will experience and get a chance to witness the different cultures and architecture of Penang. We will also get a chance to visit the Penang Street art, the heritage buildings, local temples as well as Penang history. This is a perfect city tour for couples or families visiting for the first time.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Hotel pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By EricY1292

Perfect and excellent... good. Tourist guide is professional one. He can introduce a lot of information of Penang... Awesome

9. Private Penang Full Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur with Lunch

Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Asni Tours & Travels
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3.7 based on 3 reviews

Experience a taste of all that Penang has to offer on a grand tour of the island from kuala lumpur  with a private guide(guide will be available once arrive in Penang). Travel in comfort by private vehicle to Penang’s top attractions, including Kek Lok Si Temple, the funicular railway on Penang Hill and the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. You'll learn about Malaysian arts including pewter-making and batik, stop at a traditional fishing village and fruit plantation, and see Buddhist temples and other architectural gems, all while enjoying informative commentary from your expert guide.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide (at Penang only), Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Local Set Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Entrance Tickets (Penang Hill & Kek Lok Si)

Reviewed By FionPoh

Very fun ride. We got the 2 rides pass and it was a thrilling experience. We'll love to come back to do more rides.........

10. Penang City Tour with Tropical Fruit Farm Admission Ticket

George Town, Penang, Malaysia Asni Tours & Travels
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2.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the Penang city which is  rich in history as it is in culture, tradition and diversity. Visit the many historical buildings and temples such as Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. After that, take a scenic drive through the streets of George Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site and witness the remnant left by the British and local dwellers of the past and also make a visit to Tropical Fruit Farm.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (city center 1km radius only), English speaking driver., Air-conditioned vehicle, Tropical Fruit Farm Admission Ticket

Exclusions: Food and Drinks Unless Specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By FionPoh

Very fun ride. We got the 2 rides pass and it was a thrilling experience. We'll love to come back to do more rides.........

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