In the 18th and 19th centuries, George Town was a busy trading port connecting the East and West. Traders, merchants, and immigrants from China, India, and Europe settled in George Town. Its wealth, culture, and streets made it stand out, earning the nickname “Pearl of the Orient.”
The city’s heritage buildings blend colonial and local styles. Historic buildings still stand today. They reflect George Town’s past as a cosmopolitan hub. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and green hills, Penang’s natural beauty stands out (WHAT TO DO IN CRAB ISLAND, SELANGOR).
George Town became a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 2008. Its history, culture, and scenic views draw travellers from
around the world. Today, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Penang and
a must-see for travel to Penang, with plenty of Penang attractions and things
to do in George Town.
Armenian Street in George Town, Penang was named after a small Armenian community that lived in this part of the city in the early 1800s. Although the community eventually left, the street retained its name. Today, it is one of George Town’s notable heritage streets, with several stops along the way.
The street features old Chinese
shophouses, clan houses, colourful street art, and souvenir shops. The Sun Yat
Sen Museum, where the Chinese revolutionary once stayed, is located on Armenian
Street and contributes to its historical significance. The combination of
heritage buildings, street art, and cultural landmarks gives the street its distinctiveness
in George Town.
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Armenian Street connects to other heritage
streets, including Cannon Street, Acheh Street, and Kapitan Keling Road. These
streets include both historic and modern buildings, reflecting the
architectural and cultural diversity of George Town.
Armenian Street is popular with both local and foreign travellers. Walking the street can be tiring, especially under the sun, but there are many eateries along the way providing food and drinks. The street continues to serve as a centre for heritage, culture, and community in Penang.
Khoo
Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is one of Penang’s most historic clan houses and a key heritage
landmark in George Town. The building features intricate wood carvings, stone
sculptures, and gold decorations, reflecting the skills of the craftsmen who
built it. Its architectural details represent the cultural heritage and
traditions of the Khoo clan, a Chinese family group from Fujian, China.
The clan house served as a centre for
family gatherings, religious worship, and social events. A small museum inside
documents Chinese migration, the history of the Khoo family, and the workings
of the clan system, providing insight into Penang’s Chinese heritage.
The layout includes a main hall, side
halls, corridors, and courtyards, designed to accommodate ceremonial and
everyday activities. Each part of the building illustrates aspects of the
clan’s traditions and the lifestyle of early Chinese settlers in Penang.
Khoo Kongsi remains a prominent heritage site in George Town, showcasing historic architecture, cultural practices, and the social structure of early Chinese communities. It is a significant landmark for travellers interested in Penang’s history, Chinese clan houses, and cultural heritage.
The legendary jetties are a key part of George Town’s history, reflecting its strategic location by the water. One of the most notable is Chew Jetty. From the road, a narrow wooden platform stretches out, lined with simple houses on stilts that have stood for generations. Small Chinese god altars appear along the way, marking the cultural practices of the original settlers. This jetty was first settled by the Chew clan, Chinese immigrants who worked as fishermen and boatmen.
Tan
Jetty
Two or three minutes’ walk from Chew Jetty is Tan Jetty, like a neighbor to
George Town’s waterfront. Located in Weld Quay, it is one of the quieter clan
jetties in Penang, showcasing Penang heritage. It is the landmark of the Tan
clan, whose ancestors were Chinese immigrants who worked as fishermen and dock
workers.
The jetty still maintains its traditional
wooden houses on stilts and ends with a small red shrine dedicated to the sea
goddess Mazu, reflecting the community’s connection to the sea. Later in the
day, especially towards evening, Tan Jetty transforms into a spot for Penang
food in unassuming eateries in the natural surroundings.
Despite there being not much to do at Tan
Jetty, coming over is basically for the views, the breeze, and loving the
waterways of George Town, one of the city’s key attractions.
From the outside, Wonderfood Museum might not seem like a must-visit Penang attraction, but stepping inside reveals food, glorious food. The museum showcases not only what to eat in Penang but also dishes from across Malaysia. The displays feature hand-crafted plastic and silicone replicas that look surprisingly real, alongside large poster-like wall art and panels across the two-storey museum.
The information section uses colourful
murals and clear labels to introduce Malaysian cuisine from Malay, Chinese,
Indian, and Peranakan traditions. Miniature scenes show street food in Penang
and daily eating habits.
The educational section includes
thought-provoking visuals, decorated rooms, shark fin soup displays with
disturbing imagery, and a striking final exhibit of a child searching for
scraps of food. A strong reminder of those who go hungry while others fuss over
meals.
Wonderfood Museum can make anyone hungry, and once the tour ends, many feel eager to taste the real dishes of Penang and Malaysia.
The 3D Trick Art Museum in Penang is all about fun moments and taking creative photos. Painted 3D scenes on walls and floors look real in pictures. Pretend to fly on a magic carpet, get chased by a shark, walk down a Penang street, or ride a bicycle with ET soaring through the sky.
The museum is part of the Penang
attractions scene and is especially popular with families with kids, couples,
or first-timers. It is one of the things to do in Penang for playful and
creative photo experiences.
This museum is also a great spot for sharing fun Penang street art photos on social media, making it a memorable stop in George Town.
