George Town
Malaysia
Attractions & Events in George Town
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in George Town, Malaysia
Top Attractions
Armenian Street
A narrow street within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich cultural offerings and vibrant street art.
Tips: Best explored on foot; visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Penang’s most famous beach strip, perfect for relaxation and watersports, with a vibrant night market offering souvenirs and street food.
Tips: Visit in the evening to enjoy the night market; be cautious of strong currents if swimming.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Also known as The Blue Mansion, this heritage building offers insights into 19th-century Chinese architecture and has been featured in various films.
Tips: Guided tours are available daily; pre-booking is recommended due to limited slots.
Chew Jetty & Clan Jetties
Iconic water villages that are living cultural heritage, with charming walkways, temples, and homes on stilts.
Tips: Respect the residents' privacy; best visited during daylight hours for photography.
Fort Cornwallis
The largest standing fort in Malaysia, built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, now serving as a museum.
Tips: Open daily; entrance fee applies. Best visited in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Kapitan Keling Mosque
The largest mosque in George Town, built in 1801 by Penang’s first Indian Muslim settlers, featuring Mughal-style domes and a single minaret.
Tips: Open daily; visitors should dress modestly and may need permission from mosque officials to enter.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, comprising a series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Tips: Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; allocate a few hours to explore the entire complex.
Khoo Kongsi
The grandest clan temple in Malaysia, featuring elaborate and highly ornamented architecture reflecting the dominant presence of the Chinese in Penang.
Tips: Open daily; guided tours available. Wear comfortable shoes as there are stairs to climb.
Komtar Skywalk
The highest outdoor glass skywalk in Malaysia, offering panoramic views of George Town from 248.7 meters above ground.
Tips: Open daily from 11 am to 10 pm; tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
A museum dedicated to Penang's Peranakan heritage, housed in a distinctive green-hued mansion showcasing thousands of artifacts and antiques.
Tips: Open daily; guided tours available. Photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited.
Events & Festivals
Penang International Food Festival
A culinary event celebrating Penang's renowned food scene, featuring local delights, cooking demonstrations, and food-themed events.
When: April
Tips: Come hungry and be prepared to try a variety of dishes; bring cash as some vendors may not accept cards.
Hungry Ghost Festival
A Chinese festival where offerings are made to appease wandering spirits, featuring stage operas and musical performances.
When: August
Tips: Attend the street performances and operas; be respectful of the offerings and rituals taking place.
Chingay Parade
An annual street parade featuring acrobatic performances, giant colorful flags, lion and dragon dances, and vibrant cultural displays.
When: December
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking; be mindful of road closures and plan your route accordingly.
Penang Pesta Chingay Festival
A celebration of Malaysian Chinese acrobatics, featuring Chingay and Lion Dance troupe members balancing stilt poles and performing stunts.
When: December
Tips: Be prepared for loud performances and large crowds; arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
An annual festival featuring hot air balloons from various countries, offering visitors the chance to experience balloon rides and enjoy family-friendly activities.
When: February
Tips: Arrive early to secure parking and a good viewing spot; consider booking balloon rides in advance.
Thaipusam
A Hindu festival where devotees undertake a pilgrimage to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, engaging in acts of devotion such as carrying kavadis and piercing their skin.
When: January
Tips: Respect the religious practices and dress modestly; be prepared for large crowds and road closures.
Penang Hill Festival
A three-day festival showcasing Penang Hill's extraordinary nature, captivating history, and rich cultural heritage.
When: July
Tips: Utilize the funicular railway for easy access; participate in guided tours to learn more about the hill's biodiversity.
Penang Yosakoi Parade
A vibrant multicultural festival featuring Japanese street dances, stage performances, and locals dressed in colorful traditional Japanese costumes.
When: June
Tips: Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for large crowds; explore the various food stalls offering Japanese delicacies.
Wesak Day
A Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha, marked by temple visits and candlelit processions.
When: May
Tips: Join the candlelit processions in the evening; consider visiting temples to observe rituals and offer prayers.
George Town Literary Festival
Malaysia's largest international literary festival, celebrating world literature, translations, and the literary arts with various writers, artists, and thinkers from diverse locations and disciplines.
When: November
Tips: Admission is free and open to the public; check the official website for event schedules and venues.
Penang Bridge International Marathon
An annual marathon event held on the Penang Bridge, attracting runners from around the globe.
When: November
Tips: Register early to secure a spot; be prepared for early morning start times and varying weather conditions.
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival
A thrilling event where teams from around the world compete in dragon boat races, accompanied by drum beats and cheers from the crowd.
When: November
Tips: Bring sun protection and stay hydrated; arrive early to get a good viewing spot along the racecourse.
Deepavali
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali is celebrated with rows of lights, intricate floral designs, and cultural performances.
When: October
Tips: Visit Little India in George Town to experience the festive atmosphere; try traditional Indian sweets and snacks.
Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival
A festival celebrating the art of lantern-making, with eye-catching lantern displays and cultural performances.
When: September
Tips: Participate in lantern-making workshops; enjoy mooncakes and other traditional treats available during the festival.
Penang International Lion Dance On Stilts Championship
A competition featuring traditional lion dance performances on stilts, with teams from various countries showcasing their acrobatic skills.
When: September
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot; be prepared for loud drum performances.