An Unmissable Wander Through George Town
An Unmissable Wander
Through George Town
Where Penang is named, so is George Town. A well-preserved example of cultural heritage
that is filled with art and heritage. Under UNESCO protection, we guide you along
with the sights, sounds and smells of one of Malaysia’s most prominent cities
WHY THIS TOUR?
Soak up the colonial charm and the arts and culture of the beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. We start at Pinang Peranakan Mansion that displays over a thousand pieces of Peranakan antiques and collectable items.
Next, we take a short walk to the colourful enclave of Little India that sells colourful sarees and has an abundant vibrant smell of Indian spices as we approach it. We pass Penang’s oldest Hindu temple, then continue to Teochew Temple with its ornate rooftops and intricately carved dragon pillars before learning the history of Dr Sun Yat-sen at the Sun Yat-Sen Museum. Next, we hunt for Penang’s famous street art, before continuing to one of Penang’s ancient traditional clan houses. Our tour concludes shopping for some local goodies at Cocoa Boutique.
TRAIL ITINERARY
09:30 - 14:30
You will be warmly welcomed by your guide-cum-driver for this morning tour through George Town. Adored by many and listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, the Penang capital envelops a captivating tour through our eyes. Once arriving within its city borders, we plan our first stop at the famous Pinang Peranakan Museum. Because of the importance of the Baba and Nyonya communities that have crafted Malaysia in the earlier days, a tour through the mansion cannot be skipped.
Next is Little India, one of the more vibrant areas of George Town. A colourful display of Hinduism and shophouses selling almost everything under the sun to capture the spirit of Indian culture passes the revue before we arrive at the Teochew Temple with its characteristic ornate rooftops and dragon sculptures along its pillars. The history of Dr. Sun Yat-sen is one that still echoes across the island; a museum bearing his name is included as we further move through George Town.
The work by Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic has taken a central role in the cultural and artistic development and seeing his work throughout the city centre adds to the experience. Via a well-chosen route along with the Clan Houses of Penang, we end at one of the leading landmarks of George Town. Khoo Kongsi certainly tops the list in terms of beauty: an elaborate and quite ordinate example of Chinese clan dominance on the Malaysian island, where mythical animals almost dance from the roof ridge to roof ridge.
Before making your way back to your accommodation, there will be a chance to find yourself shopping for souvenirs as a memento of this journey through UNESCO–protected grounds.
