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Georgetown Penang

Malaysia

Georgetown, Penang's capital city, has been rated as the most livable city in Asia. It is charming and relaxed, with a distinct British India atmosphere.

ARRIVING IN PENANG

From KL we took an overnight train to Butterworth, and then the ferry to Penang.

TIP
You catch the ferry to Penang at the train station. Just follow the signs, or the crowd. The ferry ticket includes a free return. Ignore anyone trying to sell you a trip back.

The ferry arrives in Georgetown. The center of town is within walking distance of the ferry terminal. You can also take a taxi.

Travel by train:

Malaysia Peninsular Railway Map

You can also fly into Penang International Airport. It is less expensive to book your flight locally.

GETTING AROUND
Georgetown is a walking city. But there are plenty of tuk tuk’s and taxis available for farther distances.

There is a free city shuttle that runs 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday, and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays, no Sundays or holidays. There’s a shuttle every 12 minutes at any stop, and the whole trips takes about 45 minutes.

Georgetown, Penang Malaysia Map

WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of choices here. These are our favorite hotels:

Eastern and Oriental, a five star hotel on the waterfront, has a distinct British India atmosphere. Even if you don’t stay here, try their international breakfast buffet served daily. They have exellent western food, plus oriental and muslim choices if you're feeling adventurous.

Cathay Hotel on Leith Street. This place has so much ambiance and character, you feel like you have a part in a movie. Actually, this is where the movie ‘Beyond Rangoon’ was filmed. It’s Chinese run, immaculate, and very affordable at $20 US a night.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion which was converted into a boutique hotel. This is where the movie ‘Indochine’ with Catherine Denuve was filmed. You can also take a tour of the hotel.

WHERE TO EAT
For breakfast, try the Eastern and Oriental Hotel’s international buffet. They have lots of excellent western food, plus oriental and muslim foods if you’re feeling adventurous. The service is impeccable.

Little India. Try some authentic Indian cuisine while you shop here.

Night markets in Asia are an experience not to be missed. The recently opened Red Garden is one of the best with exotic seafood and tons of atmosphere. It is right across the street from the Cathay Hotel.

Red Garden Night Market in Georgetown, Penang:

Exotic Sea Foods:

Get a taste now: Asian Foods

WHAT TO DO
Take a city tour. You'll see:

Temples of every culture in Penang,

An old Chinese settlement on the water--literally built on stilts over the water.

Little India. Shopping and dining in the Indian quarter along Market Street.

Beach Street. The Banking District has some of the best examples of colonial architecture in Penang.

Get a

Historical Note: Penang is an island off the coast of peninsular Malaysia. A British Crown Colony on the Strait of Malacca, it is one of four trade centers: Penang, Singapore, Malacca, and Labuan; established by the British East India Company. Penang was founded in 1786 as a harbour for their trading ships and as a naval base with Fort Cornwallis. It was under British rule until Malaysia’s independence in 1957.

Read about the History of Penang

Georgetown, Penang - Map of Georgetown - Kuala Lumpur -
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Getting around in KL: KL City Maps - Public Transportation - KL Shuttle
Malaysia Peninsular Railway Map - Malaysian Ethnic Groups - Malaysia Basic Country Information