George Town off the beaten track: an alternative (FREE) walking tour

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Discover a quieter side to George Town with this alternative walking tour, guiding you through characterful backstreets, hidden heritage corners, and local neighbourhoods that many visitors overlook.

Weaving its way from the floating Kuan Yin temple to the vibrant Chowrasta market, this alternative George Town walking tour (3km, linear) reaches parts of the city you might otherwise miss. Focusing on hidden and little-known corners of George Town, you’ll pass through local neighbourhoods, quiet jetties, picturesque heritage streets, tranquil temples and some of the best of Penang street art.

This walk intentionally misses out most of George Town’s most famous sites. If you’re in the mood for the greatest hits, check out our other George Town walking tour. This alternative tour is for those visitors looking to get off the beaten track, escape the crowds, and see another side of this incredible city.

And we’re firm believers that walking and wandering is the best way to explore the island and will always be our top recommended things to do in Penang. Do also check out our other Penang walk guide.

Map of our alternative George Town walking tour

Getting to the start of this walk

The starting point of the walk at Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple is at the southern edge of George Town, close to the Clan Jetties. From most parts of the city and further afield, the easiest option is to take a Grab directly to the start point.

If you’re arriving at the ferry terminal on the Butterworth to George Town ferry, or on a Penang bus to the Jetty bus terminal, both are only a fifteen minute walk to the temple.

Route instructions

Allow two hours for this linear walk, longer if you stop into cafes and/or museums along the way.

START: Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple
DISTANCE: 3km
Total ascent: 18 meters

1. After exploring Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple take a right out of the main entrance, back towards the main road. After 30 metres take the left between the wooden buildings (there’s a faded sign pointing to the exit).

2. Turn left at the junction and walk straight ahead until you reach the jetty. Keep going to the very end (it seems like you’re walking through someone’s house, but it’s absolutely fine, they will warmly welcome you). Then walk to the very end of the wooden jetty to take in the views across the water.

3. From the jetty, follow your footsteps back and continue to the main road.

4. At the main road, take a right for 50 metres and then cross the road to take the first road on the left (Gat Lebuh Melayu).

5. Cross the first junction. On the left is Smiling Buffalo cafe if you need a pick me up. Continue straight ahead.

6. Take a right down Beach Street and shortly on your left is Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi. Walk the loop around the temple to take in the traditional shop houses.

7. Walking out of the temple, take a left back onto Beach Street. Walk under the arches and then take the first left onto Lorong Toh Aha. Just behind the street art in the photo below is Ome by Spacebar Coffee, one of our recommended Penang cafes.

8. At the junction at the end, take a slight detour to the left to see the amazing The Old Blacksmith street art.

9. Then turn back around to the junction and turn left down the alleyway. Much of the street art down here borders on graffiti, but along here you will spot Indian Woman, one of our favourite pieces of Penang street art. Follow the lane around to the right, passing Sri Muthumariamman Temple on the left.

10. Turn left at the road, with the park on your right (a green space like this is quite a rarity in George Town). Then take a right at the junction and walk alongside the park to Sun Yat Sen Museum, the restored 1910 home of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the Chinese revolutionary leader, now displaying exhibits on his work and Penang’s role in his movement. Next door is the Teochew Puppet & Opera House, showcasing traditional Teochew opera, with handcrafted puppets, costumes, and performances.

11. After visiting the museums (or even just taking a look from outside) return to the junction and turn right. Cross the two stretches of main road, and you’ll reach a small traffic-free lane on the opposite side. It’s not the prettiest lane, but the quiet is a welcome break from George Town’s busy streets. Follow the lane to the end, make a quick dog-leg turn to join the next lane, and then continue into the one after that.

12. When you reach the next road, cross over and walk down the no entry road opposite. Turn right at the small shrine and then another right at Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuit (worth picking up some biscuits here). Continue to the junction and take a left, followed by another left just before the Lady Lollipop street art. You’re essentially winding your way through this small enclave to explore its backstreets.

13. At the end of the lane take a right and then walk left along Lebuh Campbell. So if you got a bit lost in the previous step, just make sure you find your way onto Lebuh Campbell.

14. After 70 metres, walk left at Jalan Kuala Kangsar, with the Komtar rising above directly in front of you. Another 70 metres along here turn right to walk through Chowrasta markets (closes at 12pm).

15. Just at the end of Jalan Chowrasta, look out for a small lane on your right with a painted blue and pink floor. Walk down here and to the right you will see the Sewing Man and The Tailor, more fantastic examples of Penang street art. Walk straight ahead into the undercover section of the market. Take a loop around the market and then you have completed this alternative George Town walking tour.