Penang is the only island state in Malaysia (Labuan Island, off the coast of Sabah in East Malaysia, is a Federal Territory rather than a state). And the highest point on Penang Island, Bukit Bendera (also known as Penang Hill), stands at 821m above sea level and is accessible from George Town through Jalan Air Itam. From the top of Bukit Bendera, one will have an excellent view of George Town, the Penang Bridge as well as the mainland Peninsula.

The best way to get a quick tour of George Town is with a trishaw ride around town – best done early in the morning when the sun isn't too hot! George Town is one of the few places in Malaysia where trishaw rides are still available for you to tryout.

History
In many ways, Georgetown is the place where the history of modern Penang began. It was here that the British colonials established it's foothold in (then) Malaya, after they first landed on the shores of the present site of the Esplanade. George Town was named after King George III. Historical sites like Fort Cornwallis, was built circa 1786. In fact, George Town is one of three straits settlement in Malaya, the other two is Melaka and Singapura.

One of the best ways to get an insight on George Town's past is with the Penang Heritage Trail tour, which will reveal some of the most fascinating historical and cultural sites in George Town. Shipping and trading was the backbone of the economy in that era and the strategic location of Penang Island allowed Port Weld to thrive.

People
The colourful mix of people with different ethnic backgrounds living in George Town owes partly to the colonial era when Penang was one of the premier trading posts in the region. The success of Port Weld attracted traders as well as fortune seekers from various parts of the region, including Indonesia, China, Persia, Burma and India who sought to make a new life here.

Today, George Town is practically a living museum where one can witness the various tradesmen at work - paper lantern makers, signboard engraver, bamboo blinds maker, traditional goldsmiths, songkok maker and many other trades. Alongside these traditional occupations, many of George Town's residents own private businesses, operating out of the many two-story shoplots scattered all around town. The food and beverage economy is quite big in Penang, as such, many of the locals in George Town run various stalls and cafes around town.

Food
If there's one thing that visitors to Penang will agree on, its the incredible variety of foods that can be found in George Town. And the best place to sample these different cuisines is at the hawker stalls found in Gurney Drive. This is where you'll find local favourites including the savoury pasembor, mouth-watering asam laksa Penang, chee cheong fun and char kuey teow. These dishes are simple and very affordable, ranging anywhere between RM3.00 to RM4.50 a plate. Another trademark dish that is popular in Penang is nasi kandar which can be found in one of the many Indian Muslim restaurants in George Town.

Related Events & Festivals
Being the hub of activities in Penang, George Town plays host to a variety of annual events and festivals. Arguably the most festive is the Chinese New Year celebration. During Chinese New Year, George Town is a riot of colours, buzzing with a festive mood. The Lantern Festival is another much celebrated occasion in George Town. Other events you might want to drop in on is the Silat Nusantara Festival and the birthday celebration for Kuan Ying, the Goddess of Mercy.

Nearby Destinations & Attractions
 If you drive north along the coast, on Jalan Kelawei from George Town, you will find yourself passing through Tanjung Tokong, a beachfront stretch which comprises of a traditional Malay fishing village. This winding, though scenic drive along the coast will lead you to Jalan Tanjung Bungah, past the Toy Museum on the right, before joining Jalan Batu Ferringhi all the way up to the favourite destination for foreign visitors in Penang - Batu Ferringhi beach. If you drive south from George Town, along Jalan Jelutong, you will eventually reach the Penang Bridge.

Travel Advice
George Town is a great place to do some shopping! But please remember, if you're buying goods from a street-side stall, do bargain for the best price! The street vendors are usually good-natured when it comes to bargaining and in George Town what matters most to them is that the customer goes home happy with their purchase.

For more information, please contact:
Penang Tourist Centre
Penang Port Commission Building
(Ground Floor Arcade)
Pesara King Edward
10300 Pulau Pinang
Tel: +604-2616663

Opening Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, from 8.30am to 4.30pm (Lunch break from 1pm to 2pm). Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm (Lunch from 12.30pm to 2.30pm)

OR

Penang Tourism Action Council
56th Floor, KOMTAR
10000 Penang
Tel : +604-262 0202
Fax : +604-263 1020
Email : enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my