A Quick Guide to George Town, Penang

A few months ago, I planned a trip to Malaysia. Since this was my second time in the country, I wanted to explore new destinations beyond the usual stops. During my research, I came across Penang, a Malaysian state on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Known as one of Malaysia’s most captivating destinations, Penang is a vibrant blend of art, food, and culture. Its capital, George Town, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architectural and cultural landscape. The most popular and touristy city in Penang, George Town offers visitors a glimpse into old-world Asia.

Eating my way through Penang

Recently named by Time Out as the number one street food city in Asia, Penang is known for its vibrant hawker stalls serving everything from samosas to char kway teow. Penang’s unique and complex culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural makeup and historical influences, making it the ultimate culinary destination in Southeast Asia.

When I arrived in George Town, the first thing on my to-do list was to try the famous “Michelin Star Samosa”. The stall in Little India serves a delicious range of samosas, with fillings like meat, egg, and vegetables. The vegetable samosa, with its crispy, flaky exterior, and a soft, spiced potato filling, was the best samosa I’ve ever had! Another one of my favourite dishes was my final meal in George Town, which was Wantan Mee, a noodle dish made with thin egg noodles tossed in dark soy sauce, topped with slices of barbecued pork, and served with a bowl of soup with pork dumplings. Located at the junction of Chulia Street and Carnarvon Street, this wantan mee stall is an absolute must-try on any Penang itinerary!

The art of expression

One of the main attractions in George Town is its colourful and vibrant street art, which captures the daily lives of the locals. I simply walked around the town one morning, trying to spot as many murals as I could. The most popular, and my personal favourite was Little Children on a Bicycle, a mural by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic.

Another highlight of my visit to Penang was an art exhibit at Hin Bus Depot, a community hub run by a small creative collective. The exhibit, called unspoken, was a participatory art installation project aimed at confronting the stigma around mental health. Participants were invited to enter a quiet space, write down an unspoken truth on a piece of ceramic, and then smash it as a form of release. This was a truly unique experience that allowed me to confront and release my own “unspoken truth”, a moment that felt both emotional and liberating. 

An escape to Penang Hill

If you need a break from Penang’s food, art, and culture and want to reconnect with nature, Penang Hill offers the best panoramic views stretching across the city and beyond. Accessible via a funicular railway, it lets you explore the unspoiled beauty of one of the region’s oldest rainforests. Beyond the fantastic views, Penang Hill captivates visitors with its lush greenery and abundant flora and fauna.

Early morning showers hampered my plan to catch the sunrise, so I had to visit later in the morning. I was a bit disappointed by the overwhelming crowd waiting for the funicular; however, once I reached the top, there were far fewer people on the jungle walkway. I was hoping to spot some wildlife but, unfortunately, didn’t see any. Maybe it just wasn’t my day, or perhaps I hadn’t researched the best time for wildlife spotting. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the peace and quiet of the jungle.

Whether you’re an art lover, or a food and culture enthusiast, Penang offers something for everyone. From the bustling hawker stalls to the colourful murals, this Malaysian gem has something for everyone. If Penang isn’t already on your bucket list, it definitely should be.