Best Things to Do in George Town, Penang (2025 Guide with 4-day Itinerary)

The multicultural mix of George Town dates back to British colonial times, when Chinese and Indian workers were brought in—and today, that layered history is still very much alive in the streets, temples, and local life of George Town. Experiencing the blend of its history, culture, and modern creativity is among the best things to do in George Town and Penang.

First Impressions

Arriving at the airport already gave me a good feeling. Unlike some other places, there weren’t crowds of aggressive taxi drivers or people trying to sell you things. Malaysia doesn’t feel overly dependent on tourism, and that makes the experience more relaxed and authentic.

Just 30 minutes in, and I already liked the place.

George Town shows off Malaysia’s multiculturalism better than anywhere else I visited in Malaysia. It’s smaller than Kuala Lumpur, so the neighborhoods and their distinct identities are easier to explore. You can literally walk from a street lined with Chinese shophouses to another blasting Bollywood music and filled with colorful saris.

.Little India, for example, really feels like stepping into a mini version of India—just less chaotic. There are Indian convenience stores, fabric shops, canteens, and restaurants, all radiating the spicy aroma of curries and incense.

Chew Jetty is another cultural gem, where Chinese families have lived in stilt houses for generations. It’s touristy, sure, with souvenir stands and fresh juices (try the nutmeg juice—it’s unique!), but it’s also a window into the community’s past and present.

The whole city feels like a blend of three countries in one, and on top of that, George Town has this artsy vibe with wall murals popping up on every corner. You will not run out of things to do in George Town. It’s laid-back, walkable, and rich with stories—making it one of the must-see cities when visiting Malaysia.

My advice is not to rush the sights. For example, if you’ve planned to visit Little India on a specific day, try not to even take a peek before that day—Experiencing it fully, all at once, will be so much more rewarding!

This post covers the best areas for food and top things to do in George Town and around Penang—divided into an easy 4-day itinerary.

Best Places to Eat in George Town, Penang

George Town is a street food paradise, and no visit is complete without sampling its hawker centers, night stalls, and hidden local restaurants. Here’s where to go:

New Lane Hawker Centre – A popular stretch with stalls selling char kway teow, lok lok, satay, and more. Bustling after sunset.

Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls – Famous for wan tan mee, dim sum, and Penang laksa. Great for a casual bite while walking around.

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre – A bit outside the core of George Town but offers a wide variety of local dishes by the sea.

Kimberley Street – Known for its duck kway chap, char kway teow, and desserts like tong sui.

Kim Beh Chia Restaurant – A local favorite run by a mother with over 30 years of cooking experience. It’s a simple spot with excellent homemade flavors. Open Google Maps Link

Day 1 – Historical and Cultural Things to Do in George Town

Start your George Town adventure by exploring the cultural landmarks and the street art around the city center.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Step into the world of the Peranakans, or Straits Chinese. This museum showcases their lavish lifestyle, traditional clothing, intricate furniture, and porcelain collections. It’s like walking into the home of a wealthy Chinese family from a century ago.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion)

Built by a self-made Chinese Playboy businessman who had nine wives (yes, nine!), this iconic indigo-blue house has been featured in Crazy Rich Asians and other films. The architecture is stunning, blending Chinese design with European influences. Guided tours are available and recommended.

Chew Jetty

A UNESCO-protected heritage site, Chew Jetty is one of several clan jetties where Chinese families built homes over water. Wander the boardwalks, chat with locals, and try the refreshing nutmeg juice. It’s touristy, but worth it for a look into living history.

Fort Cornwallis

Best appreciated with a guide (included in the entrance fee), Fort Cornwallis can seem like just a pile of old stones if you go in blind. Built by the British East India Company, it’s Penang’s largest standing fort and holds more history than it first lets on. The name? Classic colonial office politics—a British officer named it after his boss in hopes to keep being the boss of Penang. Spoiler: it worked.

Evening – Check out the Hawker center and Street Stalls

Day 2 – Nature and Temples: Things to Do in Penang

Time to leave the city behind and dive into some of the best things to do in Penang. Expect plenty of walking—and maybe even a surprise encounter with monkeys (it happened to me!).

Penang Hill

Penang Hill offers spectacular views of the island, blending nature, wildlife, and stunning panoramas. It’s a perfect spot for anyone looking to escape the heat of the city, enjoy scenic vistas, or experience nature up close.

Options for getting to the top

• Standard Ticket: ~30 MYR round-trip (adult, non-Malaysian)
• Express Lane: ~80 MYR (skip the queue, especially useful during weekends or holidays)
• Hiking Trails: Free if you choose to hike. Trails like the Moongate Trail offer a great nature experience with a bit of exercise.

While the funicular train ticket gets you to the top, not everything on the hill is included in that price. Some attractions are free to explore, while others come with additional fees.

You can enjoy the stunning viewing platforms, stroll through the colonial-era buildings, visit the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, and even take a walk through the Love Lock Pavilion for no extra cost (though you’ll need to purchase a lock if you wish to leave one behind).

However, for a more immersive experience, some attractions require a separate entry fee.

I went to The Habitat, and it was absolutely worth it. It’s a peaceful rainforest trail with canopy walks, treetop platforms, and fantastic views. If you’re lucky, you might spot squirrels, butterflies, monkeys, and even tortoises along the way. Entry is around 30 MYR. I only saw butterflies while inside The Habitat, but shortly after leaving, I was surrounded by a group of friendly monkeys!

There are also other paid attractions, such as the Owl Museum and the Monkey Cup Garden, though I didn’t visit them myself.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest and most impressive Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia. It’s a peaceful and spiritual place filled with ornate prayer halls, towering pagodas, and beautifully carved statues.

Around the temple grounds, you’ll find a pond with hundreds of turtles—considered symbols of longevity—which visitors often feed. The complex is a mix of quiet corners, colorful altars, and panoramic views, especially beautiful at sunset.

Evening – Check out the Hawker center and Street Stalls

Day 3 – Little India and Beachside Things to Do in George Town, Penang

After a couple of packed days, it’s time to slow things down a bit. Day 3 is all about relaxing, soaking up some sun, and then jumping right back into the colorful chaos of Little India.

Morning to Afternoon – Batu Ferringhi Beach

This is George Town’s beach escape, perfect for a lazy day. Grab a coconut, lie back on the sand, and enjoy the sound of waves and the heat on your skin. Go for a swim if the water looks safe (do check with the locals if there jellyfish near the shore or is it safe to swim). You’ll also find water sports here—jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats—if you feel like some action. But honestly, just doing nothing here feels amazing.

Late Afternoon to Evening – Little India Comes Alive – Definitely One of the Best Things to Do in George Town

Around 4 or 5 PM, head to Little India. This neighborhood completely transforms in the evening. It’s like stepping into a chill, less chaotic version of India. The streets fill with music, smells of curry and incense, and people in colorful clothing.

Try to save the experience of Little India for one occasion and go in with fresh eyes—it’s much more magical when you fully immerse yourself without any sneak peeks.

Browse through Indian convenience stores, spice shops, and colorful sari boutiques. Drop by a canteen-style restaurant—cheap, delicious, and bursting with flavor. At one place, someone even offered me a taste from their plate! (A very nice gesture, but he was eating with his hands so I politely declined). The whole atmosphere is very friendly and vibrant.

Day 4 – Unusual and Adventurous Things to Do in Penang

For your last day in Penang, it’s time to get a little wild—literally. Today is about hiking through the jungle, spotting wildlife, and ending your trip with one of the more unusual temples you’ll ever visit.

Penang National Park

You, the sound of cicadas, rustling branches from monkeys jumping overhead, and sunlight streaming through thick tropical leaves—Penang National Park offers a raw, immersive rainforest experience.

I hiked to Turtle Beach, which takes you around 1 hour one-way, home to a turtle conservation center where you can spot baby turtles swimming and learn about their egg protection efforts. While swimming isn’t allowed, the beach is peaceful and secluded—perfect for a quiet rest.

The trail to Turtle Beach winds through jungle paths, some steep, some gentle, originally carved out by seven men with buffaloes. It’s fully shaded, but don’t underestimate it—wear proper shoes and bring at least 2 liters of water and some snacks. There’s nowhere to buy supplies inside, and watch your snacks—the monkeys here are sneaky and bold.

Entry is budget-friendly: 50 MYR for adults and 20 MYR for students. If you prefer not to hike, you can hire a boat to Monkey Beach and back for around 100 MYR. But if you’ve already had your monkey encounters (like I had at Penang Hill), it might not be worth the extra ride.

Snake Temple (Poisonous snakes)

The Snake Temple is a small but fascinating spot where real, often venomous snakes lounge freely around shrines and in the trees. They usually sleep during the day, so they might look fake at first—but trust me, they’re very real. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, with a surreal edge that makes it stand out from other temples.

Entry is free, though there’s a small fee if you want to take a photo with a large, non-venomous snake. It’s a quick and unusual stop that adds something truly different to your Penang experience. If you’re flying in or out of the island, it’s just minutes from the airport and easy to fit into your itinerary.

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