George Town Penang Photos: There’s something irresistible about a compact, walkable town — and Malaysia’s George Town, on Penang Island, offers just that. The more you walk, the more you notice. I found myself stopping constantly.
This post is a collection of those moments of pausing. In my other posts, I’ve focused on George Town’s major attractions, both architectural and religious. Here I want to take a deeper look into the city, to provide a visual overview from street art and temple imagery to coffee shops, Peranakan culture, and life on the water.
Stories on the Walls: Street Art in Penang
Penang is the undisputed street art capital of Malaysia. Tourists crowd around the most popular murals, like the kids on a bicycle, but you’ll find all sorts of surprises as you wander through town. You won’t find a huge concentration of street art — this isn’t Melbourne, or even Yogyakarta — but there’s plenty to delight, especially in small alleyways.
Moments of Joy
I love that Penang has spaces of joy and delight, from a pinwheel-lined lane to Umbrella Alley. At the Central Fire Station, you can even hop up into the fire engine.
Doorways and Entry Spaces
I’ve always been interested in the ways in which buildings introduce themselves, and Penang has wonderful doors and entryways. There’s rarely anything fancy, but you’ll find quiet beauty in the glimpses into everyday life and ties to days gone by. This kind of architectural preservation is part of why the historical core of George Town has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Windows Into George Town Worship
Slow down when you pass by temples, churches, and mosques. If they’re open — and you’re dressed appropriately — peek inside. Much of what I love about religious spaces is that you’ll see details that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Local Market Moments
You’ll find local life in full swing at shopping areas like the popular Chowrasta Market. As you stroll through, you might ask for a taste of local pickle, sit down for dim sum, or take home some island-grown nutmeg. And don’t miss the stalls selling giant dragon joss sticks by the Goddess of Mercy temple.
Shops, Cafes, and Creative Spaces
Penang shops aren’t afraid to have a little fun, blending art and items for sale into a seamless experience (featured here are Jingsi Books and Cafe, Ten Yee Tea Trading Shop, Art Lane, and China House). As for coffee shops and cafes, you’ll find them on every block, from artsy and eclectic to sleek and modern.
Stepping Inside: George Town Heritage Interiors
One of my very favorite places for elaborate details is Khoo Kongsi, a clan temple in the heart of George Town. You’ll encounter a remarkable array of carvings, paintings, and stonework inside the complex.
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion, with its vast collection of heritage items, offers a very different look at a wealthy local interior. Here you’ll find a wide range of heritage works, including embroidery, beadwork, ceramics, and jewelry made from the bright blue barbs of kingfisher feathers.
Boats at the Jetty
As you walk through the warren of shophouses, it can be easy to forget that you’re on an island — and that George Town once sat at the heart of a thriving trade center. The boats at the clan jetties, no matter how modern, offer a small reminder of what this town used to be.
For a deeper dive into George Town, you can walk the city through its architecture, explore its religious spaces, or leave the streets behind for a hidden gem on Penang Hill.
