The capital of the Malaysian island of Penang, Georgetown, has a colonial aesthetic blended with ancient Asian culture. The city is known for its eclectic food, unique culture, and street art that blends into real life. The landscape of Georgetown is diverse and colorful. Travelers will find locals bike riding down urban streets, exotic wildlife in the jungle, and even beaches all around the city. Georgetown in Penang is full of hidden gems to be discovered by travelers. Here are a few to explore when visiting the Malaysian city.
Visit Kek Lok Si Temple
Be sure to set aside ample time to visit the Kek Lok Si Temple. It is the biggest temple in Malaysia and Buddhists from everywhere travel to the sacred religious structure each year. The temple itself is an architectural beauty. Each pagoda is decorated in red, gold, and orange colors. Chinese, Thai, and Burmese cultures are all incorporated into the temple’s design. The temple comes alive for Chinese New Year when it’s illuminated by thousands of lanterns to celebrate the holiday.
Enjoy Cake At ChinaHouse
Many travelers love the food culture in Penang. One of the best places to experience Malaysian food culture in Georgetown is at the ChinaHouse. This hidden gem includes three heritage houses connected by a courtyard. Inside, travelers will find an assortment of shops, bakeries, restaurants, galleries and more just waiting to be discovered. For those with a sweet tooth, check out the cake shop in the ChinaHouse for an authentic Malaysian dessert.
Wander The Streets Looking For Art
Georgetown has a unique street art culture that draws inspiration from a little bit of everywhere. Years ago, a local council commissioned artist Ernest Zacharevic to create murals throughout the city’s streets. This art would tell the story of the people who lived there while bringing a fresh face to old buildings and storefronts. There’s street art on nearly every corner in Georgetown and travelers could spend hours exploring the streets looking at murals and paintings.
Explore Colonial Architecture At The Blue Mansion
Known as the “Blue Mansion”, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion was built by a Chinese professional and industrialist of the same name in the 1880s. Cheong Fatt Tze lived in the mansion until he died in 1916. The home is painted a striking, intense indigo blue that travelers love to visit for photo opts. Certain parts of the mansion have been converted into a hotel and travelers can tour the property when in Georgetown. Some even say the mansion is haunted.
Learn About Chinese Clan Houses At Khoo Kongsi
Years ago, Chinese clan houses in Georgetown would serve as a meeting place for Chinese families. Only five clan houses remain in the city today. However, the Khoo Kongsi clan house tells many stories through its ancient architecture and design. A portion of the house has been converted into a museum where travelers can learn about ancient Chinese heritage in Malaysia and the Kongsi family who once lived there.
