George Town heritage zone

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: The core is compact; the free CAT bus loops around it.
• From the airport: About 30–40 minutes by Grab.
• Trishaw: Pedal trishaws are a fun way to see the sights.

The story of George Town

George Town was founded in 1786 by Francis Light of the British East India Company as a free port. Traders from China, India, the Malay world and Europe settled here, building shophouses, mosques, temples and churches side by side.

In 2008 George Town and Melaka were listed together by UNESCO as Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. Its street art murals, painted from 2012, and its hawker food, from char kway teow to asam laksa, have made it famous.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Explore on foot or by bike.
• Hunt for the famous street art murals with a free map.
• Eat at hawker centres and street stalls; Penang is Malaysia's food capital.

What's around George Town

• Cheong Fatt Tze MansionThe famous Blue Mansion.
• Khoo KongsiOrnate Chinese clan house.
• Clan JettiesVillages on stilts.
• Fort CornwallisStar fort on the waterfront.

Questions travellers ask