Best Areas to Stay in George Town, Malaysia

The UNESCO World Heritage Site in George Town covers the northeastern tip of the city, where British Captain Francis Light, the founder of George Town, landed on 1786.

George Town’s Old Town has been the administrative, cultural and financial heart of Penang since the founding of the city and is home to the important administrative buildings on Penang Island such as the City Hall and the State Assembly Building, as well as many historical mansions, shops and markets showcasing the multicultural nature of the cosmopolitan capital of Penang.

The area comprised around Queen Street, Chulia Street and Market Street is known as “Little India” and has been the city’s largest ethnic Indian enclave for over two centuries. One of the main attractions in this area is Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple on the island and one of the oldest in Malaysia.

The whole Little India enclave is a very commercial part of town. Here you’ll find street markets, food courts and shops offering all kinds of products.

Moving towards the sea, you’ll find the Clan Jetties, seaside stilt villages built by Chinese seafarer immigrants and named after their surnames. Among the surviving jetties, the Chew Jetty is the most famous and traditional one. Nearby Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is a historic Chinese temple and museum displaying traditional architecture, murals and rich stone carvings.

A little to the north lies Fort Cornwallis, a well-preserved 18th-century English fortress, a symbol of the island’s colonial past.

We know it sounds like a chliché, but, in many ways, walking around George Town’s Historic City Centre is like travelling both to different times and through several places at once.

Another reason or us to choose George Town’s Old Quarter as the best area to stay is that many old mansions and historic buildings have been refurbished and transformed into boutique hotels filled with charm. And, although you have more than a few luxury options, this area also has an abundance of quaint family-owned inns and even backpacker small hotels and hostels.

This area, located directly south of the UNESCO World Heritage district of George Town showcases the modern side of this Malaysian city.

Here, tall office skyscrapers and huge shopping centres are wall-to-wall with historical buildings, temples and mosques.

Arguably the most important tourist attraction in this area is Bangunan KOMTAR, a 232 m, 68-story building featuring an indoor observatory deck offering impressive views of the city, as well as a rooftop skywalk with a bar & bistro.

Not too far lies Penang Times Square, a modern development project equipped with office towers, a shopping centre and high-rise residential buildings.

This area has a more world-class city feel to it, and although it is not as charming as the Old Town area, it offers quite a few entertainment, nightlife, shopping and dining options.

This is also the place where some big-name international hotels in George Town are located.

Gurney Drive is located west of George Town’s city centre.

This upmarket modern area is famous for its seaside promenade, top-notch hotels and condominiums.

Along the lively waterfront, you can find some of George Town’s best restaurants and fanciest shops.

The Gurney Paragon Mall offers a Western shopping experience with a wide array of stores ranging from H&M to Lacoste, as well as restaurants and cafés.

Not too far you’ll find George Town’s North Beach, one of the only beaches within the city. It’s not as lovely as other Penang beaches but it’s a great place to watch the sunset.

All and all, the Gurney Dr. area is a great district to stay in George Town, particularly if you’re looking for a luxury holiday, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

The term Penang Hill refers to a group of hills located 9 km southwest of George Town city centre.

The highest peak in the mountainous area is Western Hill, which is 833 m tall.

Western Hill was used as a retreat area during British rule and is now a popular tourist destination in Penang.

The Penang Hill Funicular Railway connects the summits to Air Itam, located on the outskirts of George Town. Inaugurated in 1924 and completely renewed in 2010, it is one of the oldest funicular systems in Asia and it has the steepest tunnel track in the world.

Not too far lies Kek Lok Si Temple, a 19th-century Buddhist temple complex and one of Penang’s top-rated tourist attractions.

The area around Penang Hill is one of the best locations to stay in George Town for nature lovers, as it offers uncountable hiking opportunities within its hills, lakes and rivers.

This area is also home to many cheap hotels, inns and homestays, so it’s highly recommended for backpackers and travellers on a budget.