Once an eminent trading hub on the Straits of Malacca, the UNESCO-listed city is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, temples, mosques and pristine beaches. Beyond the old town, Georgetown is a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping malls.
When coming to Georgetown, don’t miss the chance to visit the famous sites of this ancient city, such as:
Penang Hill
A natural amalgamation of pleasant weather, luxurious vegetation, breathtaking views, colonial vibe and the foresty landscape is what you call as Penang Hill. Located in Air Itam suburb, Penang Hill is a lovely little hill station in Penang Island, Malaysia.
Also known as Bukit Bendera, it is just 9 kilometres to the west of central Georgetown. Set at an elevation of 833 metres, Penang Hill station comprises of a number of hills like Government Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Western Hill and Tiger Hill. This popular tourist destination was originally used as a retreat by British officials in the colonial period and this colonial vibe is very much reflected by its lavish bungalows.
Penang Hill’s unique funicular railway system accessing the top of the hill is a convenient and exciting ride attracting millions of tourists. Another perk of visiting Penang Hill is its cooler climate. Its classy restaurants, adventurous hiking trails and high vantage points make it a much-loved destination to unwind and relax.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a majestic UNESCO Heritage Site located in Georgetown, Penang (Malaysia). Once the private residence of Cheong Ho, it now serves as a boutique hotel and museum. It is often known as the Blue Mansion because of its distinctive blue-coloured outer walls and external decorations.
Each room in the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion offers a story of its own and has antiques and heirlooms arranged around the space. Built in the Chinese architectural style of the imperial period, the courtyard style house has 38 bedrooms, 7 staircases, 5 granite-paved courtyard and 220 timbre windows.
The Blue Mansion is located very close to many culturally blooming areas of the city, such as Chinatown, the Clan Jetties Floating Village and Little India. The mansion also offers guided tours, full of interesting bits of information for the eternally curious traveller.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Situated on the hilltop at Air Itam near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Comprising of monasteries, temples, prayer halls, and gardens, the temple complex is a chief pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Philippines and Singapore.
Kek Lok Si translates as the Temple of serene Bliss from Hokkien. The highlight of the temple is the seven-storey white and gold Pagoda of Rama VI. Other places of interest at Kek Lok Si Temple are millions of magnificent images of Buddha, different sculptures carvings in both interior and exterior and the elevated position of the temple which provides an extraordinary view overlooking George Town and Penang.
One of the best time to visit Kek Lok Si Temple is during the Chinese New Year festivities.
Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is Penang’s popular beach destination, home to several five-star hotels and a 4-km stretch of white sandy beaches. The major highlight here is the night market and the varied water sports.
Batu Ferringhi has a long, clean stretch of sand and lots of beach resorts dotted along it. Jalan Batu Ferringhi is an adjoining road that holds the resorts, shops and restaurants that you can visit. Plenty of water sport activities are arranged at this beach, including parasailing, jet-skiing and even windsurfing. If you have the time, you must also visit the Tropical Spice Garden in Batu Ferringhi and spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by the scent of spices.
According to holidify.com
