Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi (or Khoo Kongsi for short) is the largest Hokkien clanhouse in Malaysia and one of the recommended stops on our George Town walking tour. A visit here takes in the ornate prayer pavilion, an administrative building, performance stage and a collection of small shophouses, all arranged around a central courtyard….
Straits Quay is an upmarket retail marina in the north of Penang Island. There is a fantastic array of dining options here (Mexican, Italian, Thai, seafood) and the traffic-free footpath that hugs the coastline is superb for a light stroll. This easy-going Straits Quay walk starts from Thai Pak Koong Temple, 1km northwest of the…
For an Instagram-worthy burst of colour in George Town, head to Jalan Kek Chuan, which has been awarded 17th place for the most beautiful street in the world according to housebeautiful.com (a home inspiration magazine from the United States). Forty streets were selected and only one other street in Southeast Asia (in Phuket) made the…
You might call it the paradise paradox. The more beautiful a place is, the more likely it is to become overrun with visitors. Penang Island has its share of golden sandy beaches but, especially in the case of Batu Ferringhi, the secret is well and truly out. Penang Island is always full of surprises though…
Penang is known for it’s eclectic culture and food scene, but being a tropical island, it should come as no surprise that there are some incredible beaches. However, we would not call Penang the perfect beach destination as the sea is not good for swimming (more on that later). But the beach offers so much…
Discover the best things to do in George Town, Penang, from heritage walks and street art to delicious food, local markets, and cultural landmarks. With its UNESCO-protected streets lined with heritage buildings, world-class dining options and some of the most diverse religious and cultural experiences on the planet, the city of George Town in Penang…
If you’re visiting George Town and want to make the most of your time, you need a plan. The UNESCO-listed streets are perfect for exploring on foot but, with the Penang heat a constant companion, it makes sense to plot your route first. The good news is that we’ve already studied the map and done…
Have you ever wondered what lies behind those shuttered doors on the beautiful buildings that line the streets of George Town? In some cases, like the Blue Mansion, it’s probably exactly what you’d expect, with ornate rooms decorated in the traditional style. But, if you wander down Lebuh Kimberley, you’ll pass a building with a…
Of all the historical events that shaped Penang’s history, one of the most significant occurred in 1786 when the British arrived and began building a fort on the north-eastern tip of Penang Island. Fort Cornwallis has evolved over the years and is now one of the top things to do in George Town, offering the…
Want to experience a hike in Penang National Park? Here we share everything you need to know about the hike from the park entrance to Turtle Beach (known locally as Pantai Kerachut), including park fees, boat fees, what to take, and step-by-step route instructions with photos. The hike to Turtle Beach in Penang National Park…