Georgetown

Georgetown

The city of Georgetown is located on the northeastern tip of the Penang Island and is the administrative and commercial hub of the state. A fantastic blend of the old and new, this bustling metropolitan city is truly a feast for the eyes. Georgetown boasts of a colorful history that bears traces of different foreign influences over the time. In fact, the city is a melting pot of so many cultures and races that a first time visitor is dazzled by the multi hued colors and customs that accost him as he sets foot on Georgetown.

Once an important British settlement in Penang, the vibrant city of Georgetown can truly be called one of the most important attractions of the Penang Island. So it is not surprising to see hundreds of tourists flocking the many beaches, water sports facilities and shopping malls in the city. Interestingly. Georgetown has a distinct Chinese flavor to it and if you visit the older neighborhoods in the city you will almost be made to believe that you have been transported back in time.

However, Georgetown's nightlife is one of the most talked about things. It seems as if the city is magically transformed into a blaze of light and festivity at night. As you revel in the ambience .you can try out some delicious local dishes at one of the many open-air stalls. After a sumptuous dinner, you can also indulge in a trishaw ride through the heart of the old Georgetown. Thus, it can be safely said that Georgetown would be a memory you will always associate with everything that is bright, happy and exotic.
Georgetown: Pinang Peranakan Museum
Peranakan Mansion in Penang provides a fascinating history of Nonya Baba heritage (Mixture of Immigrant Chinese assimilated into Malay culture). The house belonged to a wealthy Nonya family and passed through generations. You are able to catch a glimpse of their lifestyles and the architecture of a Chinese house with European and Malay influence. It is actually very beautiful and well preserved up to even the cosmetics used during those days. It is located in 29 Church Street in Georgetown Penang and was one of the pit stops for the Amazing Race 2009 or 2010. Google Peranakan Mansion Penang. Admission is RM$10 per person but is well worth it.
Historical buildings.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Leith Street: Built in the 1890s, and restored in the 1990's (earning it an UNESCO award in 2000), this indigo-blue Chinese Courtyard House in George Town was the main residence of Cheong Fatt Tze, known as the 'Rockefeller of the East' and J.P. Morgan of China'. Cheong was a prominent, successful Hakka Chinese merchant who demonstrated his business ability after marrying into a wealthy family, founding the Chang Yu Winery and ending the segregation of Chinese from Europeans on passenger ships. The mansion was built according to feng shui principles by master craftsmen brought in from southern China, who used their skills to fashion a sprawling mansion with 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases, and 220 windows. The mansion features in various films including the 1993 Oscar-winning Indochine. Tours: 11AM, 1.30PM and 3PM sharp (RM12, 60-90 mins, no indoor photography, consider booking in advance). Lodging also available, see the sleep section.
•Municipal Council of Pulau Pinang Hall (formerly City Hall), The Esplanade (Jalan Syed Sheikh Barakbah), is a well-preserved colonial building from the heyday of the British Empire since 1903, at a cost of 100,000 Straits Dollars.
Fort Cornwallis, Light St. The fort, named for Charles Cornwallis is built on the site where Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, first landed on August 11, 1786. It was first built in 1793. But this site was an unlikely spot to defend the city from invasion. In 1810 it was rebuilt in an attempt to make up for initial strategic planning errors. In the shape of a star, the only actual buildings still standing are the outer walls, a gunpowder magazine, and a small Christian chapel. The magazine houses an exhibit of old photos and historical accounts of the old fort. Entrance RM2 for adults.
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, 18 Cannon St, Built in 1850 by the forefathers of Khoo family who emigrated from South China, as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family. In 1836, construction of a new temple began and was completed 8 years later. Fire razed the wooden structure to the ground in 1894, it was allegedly struck by lightning. Chinese believed that it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor's palace, which provoked the gods. A scaled-down version was later built in 1902 and completed in 1906. The richly ornamented carvings of the roofs, walls and pillars reflect the art and architecture of ancient China and made of the finest wood. Expect to finish a visit to Khoo Kongsi with a sore neck.