Georgetown is a picturesque district on an island called Penang off the coast of Malaysia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognised not only for its gastronomical experiences. But also for its eclectic mix of architectural styles, rich Peranakan heritage, and vivid street art.
Wrought ironworks and large murals depict and tells the story of the people and the community.
Walking around George Town
Best way to explore George Town is to get lost. Most of the street art is in walking distance, with loads of cafes and food vendors around. For a slight quicker way, you can also rent a bicycle to get around. Make sure to take a hat, water, and remember to apply sunscreen, the sun is a scorcher around midday. Comfy shoes of course if you you plan to walk, I love my Eden & co. sandals for exploring and your camera, how else. Most hotels will have maps of the area, making planning you route easier. Or you can use the Google map list below of the ones we saw.
Street art
Since my first visit to Penang in 2013 to the last in 2018 I feel a lot has changed. Social media definitely has had an impact on tourism. Certain areas have high volume of people lining up to take photos with a wall installation. In my opinion, the art is beautiful, but it has attracted so many tourists who seemingly just come for a quick click to add to their Insta feed, slightly overcrowding those areas. I still enjoy walking around trying to spot the different work, but can’t say I enjoy the people literally lining up to take “the shot”.
Penang has so much more to offer from nature with beautiful rainforest to hikes along the coast, and you can’t visit Penang and not indulged in the amazing food. And then the culture, specifically Peranakan culture that shaped this area. So if you visit make sure to check out these recommendation as well. As much as I dislike the lines of people, I have to admit it was still fun searching and posing with some of the work, I know, contradicting myself, but as the saying goes, If you can’t beat them, join them? But back to the art work, why is Georgetown filled with art?
Also see : 21 Things to do in Penang
Paintings
In 2012 Penang’s municipal council started commissioning artists to create mural installations, the first was Ernest Zacharevic who created various pieces, some larger than life, for the George Town Festival Celebration series “Mirrors of George Town”. The aim – to attract more visitors to Penang. Some of the other artists work who has been added over time is Julia Volchkova, Louis Gan, & a few that are unknown to me.
101 Lost Kittens
101 Lost Kittens is an awareness campaign in George Town that uses street art to rise attention on the issue of helping stray animals find forever homes. The artists work under the name ASA, (Artists for Stray Animals).
Some of the work you can see is Love Me Like Your Fortune Cat, Skippy the cat, I Can Help Catch Rats, Cats & Humans Happily Living Together, No Animal Discrimination Please, Cats Walking for Animal Awareness, and Perfect cat.
Wrought-iron caricatures
There are 52 wrought-iron caricatures across George Town, depicting the culture of Penang as well as day to day living, and some just scenes related to the area they are set in. The works are done by Sculpture At Work who won a competition back in 2009 “Marking Georgetown – An idea competition for a UNESCO World Heritage Site”.
Tiles
Tiles might not be something you would consider to watch out for, but the tile work in Penang is just amazing, so don’t forget to also look down every now and then.
Where to stay and eat
Where to stay
Penang has many options, from budget to more lavish hotels, even quirky hotels with awesome character. For a quirky style stay Muntri Mews is perfect, looking for a bit more luxury why not Eastern & Oriental Hotel or a Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion. Every wanted to stay in a museum surrounded by history, how about the Museum Hotel.
Also see :Best things to do in Penang
Where to eat
You can’t go to Georgetown, Penang and not enjoy the food. From hawkers to quaint coffee shops as well as rotating restaurant, here are some of our favourites.
Red Garden Food Paradise
📍 20 Lebuh Leith
Penang is famous for its street food, and here you will find an amazing array of delicacies. They open in the later afternoon. I have to say sitting here after a day of exploring with a beer was great (although I am not a beer drinker, it helped with the thirst).
Indigo Restaurant @ The Blue Mansion
📍14 Lebuh Leith
A beautiful fine dinning experience in the Blue Mansion, so if you are not able to stay here, you can always make a reservation and experience the fine cuisine.
Rabbit Softserve @ Padang Kota
📍Pusat Bayaran Setempat, Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Perfect stop after visiting Fort Cornwallis.
Cafe 55
📍55 Lorong Stewart
Quaint little cafe, tucked away from the busy streets, with great coffee and brunch.
Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
📍25-A Lebuh Farquhar
Throughout your dinner at Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Rooftop Bar you will never have the same view, as the restaurant does a full 360° rotation. The restaurant is situated at the top of the Bayview hotel, the food features both Peranakan and Malaysian delights, from Laksa Lemak, Mee Goreng Mamak to Sago Gula Melaka. Arrive earlier and enjoy a cocktail at the outdoor bar with a spectacular view of Penang and the sunset.
Other recommended:
- Wheeler’s – 67 Lorong Love
- China House – 153 Beach St
- Narrow Marrow – 312 Lebuh Pantai
- Urban Daybreak – 338 Lebuh Pantai
- Bean Sprout Café – 35, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
There is so much to do and see in Georgetown, Penang, from gastronomical experiences, too exploring the rich heritage and nature. But spending a day searching for street art is another fun bonus to add to your trip to Penang.
xxx
*Opinions expressed are my own.
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