Explore the charm of George Town, Penang

George Town is the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang. It is filled with the charm of a blend between a classic old town atmosphere and a lively modern city area. But what attracts tourists from around the world the most is the old town area along Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Acheh and Chulia Streets, where old commercial buildings and houses are located. More than 12,000 buildings have been preserved, including architecture in the ancient Chinese style, Colonial style, and Sino-Portuguese style (Classic European Style), making it a small yet colorful town filled with beautiful structural buildings all over.

Peranakan architecture throughout Penang

Peranakan Art is a style that arises from the blending of Malay and Chinese cultures, resulting in a new culture that is both beautiful and unique. In the George Town area, there is another place where there are many Peranakan architectures to admire with prominent highlights including:

• Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Pinang Peranakan Mansion, or the green Peranakan mansion, is an elegant two-storey building of over 134 years old that has been meticulously designed; and beautifully decorated with Peranakan furniture along with valuable treasures and belongings of affluent Chinese from overseas who settled in Penang. It is now the Pinang Peranakan Mansion Museum.

Highlight: Stop by to taste local Peranakan cuisine at the Michelin-starred Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, which is 200 meters away from the mansion.

• Cheong Fatt Tze or the Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze, or the Blue Mansion, is a blue mansion located on Leith street in the heart of George Town. The building dates back to the 19th century and is now a hotel of the same name with some areas open for tourists to visit. It was used as a set for the Hollywood movie Crazy Rich Asians.

• Penang Street Art

The charm of George Town includes not only beautiful houses but also street art on the walls of old buildings in various neighborhoods. Currently, there are more than 120 street art paintings across the city in more than 50 spots, from Lebuh Armenian street to Lebuh Acheh street. Many of the highlights are on Lebuh Armenian street such as the Kids on Bicycle, Procession (Tiger festival) and many more. The Old Motorcycle is on Lebuh Ah Quee road while the Bullock Cart Wheel is on Masjid Kapitan Keling road. There are many more works of street art on Lebuh Muntri street that are worth seeing. You can download the street art map here

Enjoy a 360-degree sky view of George Town from Penang Hill

If you have not visited Penang Hill then you have not been to Penang. Penang Hill is an important landmark allowing you to have a 360-degree sky view of George Town.
It is easy to reach the landmark via tram, which is the oldest of its kind in the ASEAN region, taking you up to an altitude of 823 meters.

Penang Hill not only offers a sky view of the city, you can take a walk through the forest on The Habitat skybridge, which is more than 1.6 kilometers long with a natural trail featuring birds, plants, animals and trees. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy extreme sports activities such as zip lining or you can chill out to music at chic bars and cafes or visit the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Hindu Temple and the Masjid Bukit Bendara, or just rent a golf cart with driver to save your energy and stop at every destination possible.

Highlight: Do not forget to stop by Kek Lok Si temple not far from Penang Hill. In addition to having large Buddha image to worship, tourists can go up to see the view of Penang city from the top of the temple.

Inspired to visit the charming town of Penang? Fly there with Thai Airways!