What to do
Unesco World Heritage Site
George Town was formally inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. When we drove into George Town the first thing I noticed are the buildings. It seems like we were transported back in time. Most houses are built in the same style with Chinese influence. Some were nicely renovated, others were worn down. But all has its own charms.
Once home of one of a very influential person in George Town. The Cheong Fatt Sze Mansion, better known as Blue Mansion, is now partly a hotel. Daily guided tours are also available. The mansion is located on Leith Street. www.cheongfatttzemansion.com
Art walk
The best way to explore George town is to do the art walk. Murals are iron artworks are spread around the city. Looking for them feels like a scavenger hunt, and you get to see the different parts of the city. A lot of the artwork are hidden behind nooks and crannies. But don’t worry, when people see you looking they will point you to the right direction. Or at other times, just follow the crowd/fellow tourists. Whilst looking for the artwork, you’ll see a lot of historical buildings and temples. Take your time and pay these a visit.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Construction of the ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss” started in 1890. Up until today constructions are still going on. The statue of Kuan Yin was only built in 2002.
To enter the Buddhist temple you have to walk past a number of little shops, which somehow reminded me of Marrakesh. Take your time to stroll around this humongous temple. The architecture is just sublime, just as the well kept gardens.
After visiting the temple you can eat at one of the hawker stalls down the road.
The temple is located in Air Itam, you can get here by taking busses 201, 203 or 204 for RM2.00
Gurney Drive
Two very beautiful temples are located at this popular tourist temple. The Dharmikarama Burmese Temple and across from it Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple, where the reclining buddha is. I was definitely awed by the Burmese Temple. The place is located in between skyscrapers, yet it’s so serene. You can hear a gong ringing, water cobbling. There are places where you can sit in the shade.
If you have seen the reclining buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok. I have to be honest with you, it’s less impressive. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth to pay this thai temple a visit.
After visiting the temples you can walk to Gurney Plaza along the seafront promenade. Where you can take a break from the heat.
Hop on bus 10 to get here for RM1.40.
Other places worth a visit
Some other places which are worth visiting are the Lim Clan Jetty and Fort Cornewallis. Both places can be reached with the CAT free shuttle bus.
The Botanical Gardens are on the outskirts of George Town. Monkeys run around freely. Don’t get too close, as we saw a lady getting attacked when she tried to pet one. There isn’t a lot to see and personally I prefer the garden at Kek Lok Si, which was kept better.
Penang Chingay, Lion & Dragon Dance Parade
In December there is a yearly parade of 30-something Lion- and Dragon dance teams. So if you’re a fan of Lion- and Dragon dances, don’t miss out.
What to eat
The best food isn’t served in a fancy restaurant, but at the infamous hawker stalls. How it works: you find a table, order the food at the hawkers, let them know at which table you’re sitting, pay when they bring you the food.
Hawker centres come in all kind of sizes, big centres where they have cleaners, ones that are hidden away in alleys, or the one where you’re sitting in between raging cars and a sewer.
Make sure to try some pandan chicken, char kway teow, satays, Hokkien mee, laksa lemak, wonton mee, roti canai, ice kacang… You get the gist, be adventurous and try everything. One of the bigger hawker centres we liked is Red Garden, located on Leith street next to the Blue Mansion.
Most stall are closed between 2pm and 6pm.
When to go
The dry season starts from December and ends in March. If you want to avoid heavy rainfalls, try to plan your travels during these few months.
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