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Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Georgetown, Penang’s enchanting historical enclave. As a melting pot of traditions and styles, Georgetown is celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and culinary delights.

Exploring all its treasures in just 3 Days in Georgetown Penang might sound ambitious, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

From the best bites to architectural gems, I’ve put together a seamless itinerary to ensure you capture the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site in every step.

Get ready for a memorable journey through the heart of Penang!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase using a link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Overview/History

The island of Penang has a rich history dating back before the 1st century. It is located in the Strait of Malacca and became an important trade route between the East and West. The first inhabitants of the island were Kedah and of Indian descent. Trade of spices and herbs started between India and the Middle East.

Soon after, the island was discovered by the Chinese in the 15th century. This brought in more goods from China to the island. Around the same time Europeans started coming to the island. It wasn’t until Englishman Francis Light came to the island, that a deal was made with the King of Kedah, in exchange for protection from threats to the island. This established the English port and the construction of Georgetown.

Getting Around the Island

Getting around the island is actually quite simple with Penang’s extensive bus routes. A free bus called the CAT that goes around Georgetown and stops and all the major attractions. Bus fares are no more than 4 or 5 MYR to anywhere on the island. You can download the Moovit app and it will actually tell you which bus to take to get to your destination. I found it very useful during my visit to Penang.

To get from the airport to Georgetown there are cheap buses (that can take a very long time) or you can hire a taxi.

Georgetown

Once ruled by the British, Georgetown has a unique colonial and Asian feel to it. It is most known for its street art and street food. Most of the popular street art can be found on Google Maps, however, those are the most visited. So, expect long lines to get your picture.

Blue Manison

The Blue Mansion was the first old building to be saved in Penang. It has undergone extensive restoration work earning it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a number of architecture awards. The original owner, Cheong Fatt Tze, is a classic rags to riches story. He wanted to build an elegant house for all his family to call home. A Feng Shui master was hired to make sure the house was balanced. Materials used for construction were shipped in from China and as far as Scotland. The style of the house is east meets west.

Since Cheong Fatt Tze was from China, China’s lucky number is 8. This number plays an important part in the mansion. There was 38 rooms in the house, there are 28 steps to the second floor, Mr. Tze had 8 wives and 8 sons, and there are 8 columns in the courtyard.

Tours are available every day and can be purchased at the gate or online. Each tour lasts 45 minutes and is definitely a must–see within 3 days in Georgetown Penang. There is a restaurant and a bar on-site that offers a fine dining experience and you can even stay in one of the 18 guest rooms.

Fort Cornwallis and Clan Jetties

Fort Cornwallis is located in the northwestern part of Georgetown. It is a start shaped fort built-in 1786 for protection against pirates and to begin trade with the Dutch. Walking around the Fort will only take 15-20 minutes. There is a special cannon called Sri Rambai that points to the northwest. It has quite the story of being part of WWII for the Japanese and being branded by the Dutch East India Company in 1613. Locals believe that it brings fertility and woman will bring flowers to lay in the barrel.

A short walk from Fort Cornwallis are the Clan Jetties. These are traditional stilt houses that locals still live in today. These houses were built in the mid 19th century and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has turned into a market due to tourism where you can find all sorts of local Malay food and souvenirs. There is a restaurant called Big Bowl Noodles that serves giant bowls of noodles for a whole family to share. The bowls are literally the size of making a circle with your arms!

Little India and Chinatown

One thing you’ll quickly notice about walking around Georgetown is the high Indian population. It really feels like you’re in India instead of Malaysia. There a a number of mosques within Little India and plenty of options to try Indian food.

Just a few blocks away is Chinatown where you will find temples and the walking street of Georgetown. This area is also where most of the street art is located. There are many boutique shops and family restaurants that serve unique desserts like a Dragon Ice Ball, which is essentially a snow cone with ice cream inside.

The best times to visit these neigborhoods, during your 3 days in Georgetown Penang, are in the evening after the sun goes down. Many shops are not open during the day.

Other Things to Do In Georgetown

• Visit the Dark Mansion for an epic glow in the dark experience
• Go to The Top of the Komtar Tower for great views of the city at night. It is also an indoor theme park where you can easily spend the afternoon.
• Eat street food along Love Lane and Chulia St
• Check out the shopping at Penang Time Square Mall
• Stop by the Wonder Food Museum for oversized versions of street food for your Instagram.

Spice Garden and Penang National Park

To take a day trip out of Georgetown, just hop onto bus number 101. This bus takes you all the way to the other side of the island for less than 4 MYR. You can stop at the Spice Garden on the way to Penang National Park, which is the last stop on the route.

Spice Garden

The Spice Garden is home to hundreds of different spices and plants. It gives you a look into how Penang worked its way into the spice trade. For 31 MYR you will get an audio guide and can explore the gardens at your own pace. Guided tours are also available 3 times during the day. The garden is divided into different sections including spices, bamboo, native plants, poisonous plants, and a reflexology walk.

Penang National Park

The National Park takes up the northeastern part of the island. There are lots of hiking trails and beaches to explore. The trails cover a lot of ground and can be exhausting due to the heat and humidity. There are also a lot of stairs and elevation changes. The canopy walk in the forest is the reason why I wanted to go to the park, but unfortunately when I visited it was closed for maintenance.

So we ended up taking a very long way to Kerachut Beach not knowing that there was a shorter trail. The trail to Monkey Beach was closed making the beach only accessible by boat.

Penang Hill and Kek Loi Si Temple

The best views of the island are seen from Penang Hill. There are plenty of attractions on the hill and each have their own price tag. One thing I wish I knew before going to Penang Hill is that it can be quite the expense.

Did you even go to Penang if you didn’t go to Penang Hill?

Transportation

We took the Hop On Hop Off Shuttle from Chowrasta Market in the morning at 10 am. This shuttle cost 25 MYR and goes back and forth 4 times throughout the day between Georgetown, Penang Hill, and Kek Loi Si Temple. It’s the most hassle-free way to get there. If you want to save some money you can take the 204 public bus for less than 5 MYR one way. However, it will take longer to get there. Grab or a taxi is also an option but is the most expensive.

Ticket Prices

Since we used the Hop On Hop Off shuttle, we were able to pre-purchase our Penang Hill tickets in advance on the bus. There was a fast lane option available to skip the line for 75 MYR per person. This is a 5 MYR discount for buying on the bus. This ticket is only for the return ticket for the funicular. The fast lane option allowed us to cut the line which saved us a lot of time. Regular price tickets are 30 MYR return.

Attractions

Penang Hill is actually pretty big and takes a long time to walk everywhere. Which is why there are numerous golf carts around for hire if you don’t feel like walking. The Habitat is one of the most popular attractions. It is designed to be like a 360-degree canopy walk. In my option is felt very similar to the Golden Hands Bridge in Vietnam.

Other attractions include the Penang Hill Mosque, Owl Museum, Toy Museum, Monkey Cup Garden, and the Little Village. In addition, there are numerous viewpoints overlooking Georgetown as well as a few cafes and restaurants and a food court.

Kek Loi Si Temple

After finishing up at Penang Hill, you can hop back on the bus and tell the driver you want to go to Kek Loi Si Temple. The temple was built in the 19th century by Beow Lean. It is the biggest Buddhist temple in all of Malaysia and consists of 3 sections. These include prayer halls, monasteries, gardens, turtle pond, and the tallest bronze statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. The statue stands at 36 and a half meters tall.

While the temple is Buddhist, there is no enforced dress code. However, I think it is still best to be respectful and dress appropriately. There are two sets of funicular trains to take you up to the very top to see the statue. You can buy return tickets for 16 MYR.

3 Days in Georgetown Penang

As your 3 days in Georgetown Penang come to a close, you’ll find yourself captivated by the city’s unique charm and rich history.

From strolling through bustling markets to marveling at the intricate street art, Georgetown offers a vibrant blend of culture and creativity that’s hard to forget. With memories of delicious street food and picturesque scenes etched in your mind, Georgetown is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Until your next visit, let the spirit of this enchanting city inspire your future travels. Georgetown will always be here, ready to reveal new secrets and experiences.