Georgetown

Things to see and do

Fort Cornwallis

Originally built of palm trunks in 1786, Fort Cornwallis was upgraded into the brick structure you see today in 1804. Once home to a barracks, gun powder magazine, chapel, harbour light, flagstaff, armoury, cell rooms, stores and many other administration buildings, in its day the Fort was a ... read more
Komtar Viewing Deck

Enter the Komtar tower and a lift will whisk you up 60 floors in just under 30 seconds to the viewing deck. From there enjoy dazzling views of Penang. At 30 ringgit, this isn't a cheap diversion -- you may want to consider dinner at the Bayview Hotel's revolving restaurant instead as it costs 48 ... read more
Penang Peranaken Mansion

This museum of sorts is a completely recreated mansion of a rich Baba family from over a century ago. Built in the 19th century it was home to Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee, who was the leader of the Hakka Clan and a prominent businessman too. The family's opulent lifestyle has been recreated in ... read more
Syed Alatas Mansion

Originally belonging to Syed Mohamad Alatas, a spice trader and the leader of the Acheen Street Mosque community during the Penang riots of 1867, it's believed this house was used as a base for the Acehnese leaders during their war against the Dutch. It's speculated that Syed Mohamad Alatas ... read more
Dhammakarama Burmese Temple and Wat Chaiya Mangalaram Temple

These two temples on Lorong Burma lie across the street from each other. The lane and Burmese temple date back to the early 19th century when there was a Burmese village in the area. Wat Chaiya Mangalaram is a Thai temple, constructed much later, with a 33-metre reclining Buddha inside, one of ... read more
Hainanese Temple

Lebuh Muntri hosts a small Hainanese temple that makes for an easy stop to escape the midday sun. The temple was built in 1895 by superstitious seafarers arriving from Hainan in China -- the temple was supposed to help them have a safe trip home by honouring the Heavenly Queen, whose image is still ... read more
Cathedral of the Assumption

This place of worship is not quite as grand as its name might suggest and unless you pass by during a service time the building is locked up. It is double spired and although white still manages to look quite bleak. Originally built in 1786 the current structure is from 1861.
St George's Church

Sitting almost next to the Cathedral of Assumption this church with its pointy spire and columned entrance is set in a wide grassed area. It's the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia, built in 1818 using convict labour. The church is currently closed until further notice for restoration.
Goddess of Mercy Temple

The oldest Chinese temple on Penang, the Goddess of Mercy was founded in 1801 after Chinese settlers received the plot of land it stands on from the British. The street directly opposite is named Lebuh China -- an effort by the British to make clear as to who stayed where. Worshippers here ... read more
Han Jiang Teochew Ancestral Temple

Originally known as Teochew Kongsi, the Han Jiang Teochew Ancestral Temple dates back to 1870 and has seen several restoration projects, one in 1936 then again in the 1980s. The most recent one, costing 1.5m ringgit, won a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Conservation award. The immaculately restored ... read more
Penang State Museum

This quiet museum is housed in a white building opposite another set of white buildings belonging to the Penang Magistrate's Court. It's a great escape from the heat and hustle and bustle of Penang and will give you an excellent overview of the sights, culture and rich history of the island. ... read more
The Clan Jetties

Originally from Fujian province in south China, the settlers of the Clan Jetties found it much cheaper to build their houses on stilts above the water instead of on land where they were forced to pay tax. Today it is less a tax avoidance technique and more of a tourism drawcard. When coming up ... read more
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

This famous mansion was originally built by a Chinese merchant who arrived at the turn of the 19th century. In a classic rags-to-riches story, he ended up with this stunning courtyard mansion, which was used for the filming of Indochine in 1993. It has been restored to its original beauty and is ... read more
Eastern & Oriental Hotel

If you are close by, it's worth taking a few minutes to marvel at this restored bit of history. The hotel was owned and operated by the Sarkies brothers, who were also responsible for Raffles in Singapore. Originally built in 1884, the hotel attracted the rich and famous and you can see their ... read more
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

This Hindu temple is beautifully ornate and intricately decorated. The temple remains in use today, but is quiet. It is worth taking your shoes off to go and wander around the colourful walls and sculptures. There is no visitor information at all but the temple is South Indian style and was built ... read more
Khoo Kongsi

This clan house is the pride of Penang. In 2000, 4.2 million ringgit was spent on a restoration project and today it sits resplendent with its gold leaf and tile shard work. The original building was truly opulent and took some eight years to build. It was made from wood and just three weeks after ... read more
Hock Tiek Cheng Sin Kongsi

This beautiful clan temple was built in 1892 in honour of the god of prosperity and the devotees are nearly all seeking good or better business. This kongsi operates under the supervision of the Penang Chinese trader association and, while tiny compared to the Khoo clan temple, the atmosphere ... read more
Ciji Temple

Located beside the Yap Kongsi and across the road from the Hock Tiek Cheng Sin Kongsi means you'll struggle for an excuse not to pop in here. Built in 1924, it's a Taoist temple and in good condition.
Cheah Si Hock Haw Kong Kongsi

It's a mouthful of a name, but the Cheah Si Hock Haw Kong Kongsi (most refer to it as Cheah Kongsi) on Lebuh Armenian enjoys a very active clan association, which was originally formed in 1820. This makes it the oldest of the Straits Chinese clan associations. Once you pass its red painted ... read more