There’s no better way to explore a town than on foot and the same is true of Penang’s Georgetown. Embarking on your own walking tour will allow you to enjoy some delicious street food while witnessing colourful street art and some of the city’s historic buildings, all at your own pace. If you plan for a morning tour of the city on foot here is a rough guide to take you through some of the iconic streets and places in Georgetown.
Chowrastra Market
The Chowrastra Market located a short distance from The George Penang by The Crest Collection is a good starting point, especially if you’re stepping out from a nearby luxury boutique hotel in Penang. Like most other markets in Penang, Chowrastra Market sells various local favourites like koay teow th’ng and assam laksa. If you haven’t had your breakfast for the day, a visit to this market should replenish you for the journey ahead.
Penang Street Art
Next, head towards Cannon Street where you’ll begin to see astounding street art and murals. “Boy on a Chair” (on Cannon Street), “Kids on a Bicycle” (on the corner of Armenian and Beach Streets), “Boy on Motorbike” (Ah Quee Street), and “Children Playing Basketball” (off Chulia Street), are four colourful murals that attract visitors throughout the day.
Clan Jetties
Right next to the Street Art are the Clan Jetties, a group of floating villages that are home to a community of Chinese families. These communities were formed here in the 19th century when Chinese immigrants arrived and made their homes on the jetties, with each jetty now being associated with a clan or family. The Chew jetty is the longest and most accessible with several souvenir shops and restaurants that are worth a quick visit.
Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
From the jetties, a walk towards the north will bring you to the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, a 60-foot-tall monument. It was built to honour the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, with each foot for each year of her reign. The tower was completed in 1902 after her death but continues to attract plenty of visitors today.
Fort Cornwallis
Moving towards your right from the Tower at the roundabout will lead you towards Fort Cornwallis, the historic fort built by the British to protect Georgetown from outside forces and pirates. It is the largest fort in Malaysia and has undergone several renovations. The Fort still features a large canon facing out to sea although it was never used at the time.
City Hall and Town Hall
As you continue along the same route, you’ll reach the magnificent City Hall and Town Hall building. The Penang City Hall was constructed in 1903 and features Edwardian Baroque and Palladian styles of architecture. If you choose to explore inside, you’ll find informative brochures and a small gallery showcasing the heritage of Georgetown.
Right next to City Hall is the Penang Town Hall, the oldest municipal building in Penang. Designed by military engineers, the foundation stone was first laid on the 1st of January in 1879. Over the years, the building underwent numerous changes and now features a front portico, a ballroom with adjoining supper rooms, an assembly hall, office rooms and a library.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
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This unique mansion makes for an excellent final stop on your tour. Also known as ‘the Green Mansion’, it was built by the Chinese business mogul Chung Keng at the end of the 19th century as a place of residence and office. Today it stands as a museum showcasing Perankan’s cultural heritage. There’s plenty to explore inside including several rooms, galleries, an impressive jewellery collection and a kitchen with rustic utensils. The building’s interior also features Peranakan designs and decor that are amazing to look at.