Malaysia Travel: 5 Fun Things To Do In George Town

You could spend weeks exploring all that Malaysia has to offer. With its gorgeous islands, the orangutans of Borneo, or the modern city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia travel is becoming a popular destination to book. My favorite place in Malaysia was the island of Penang, and more specifically George Town, the capital of Penang. I loved the history of the town, how walkable it was, and of course the amazing street food and restaurants.  Little India and Chinatown are just some of the cultural examples that make up this diverse area, and you will never run out of things to do in Georgetown.

Things To Do In George Town

1. Eat

All of the rumors about the food in George Town are true. You will have some of the best food of your life. Don’t miss the street food which is everywhere. And, don’t miss Tek Sen Restaurant and their double-cooked pork (order the spicy version). It’s Chinese barbecued pork belly which is then cooked in a sizzling wok. It really is like having bacon candy for dinner!

2. Discover The Street Art

My favorite thing was just walking aimlessly and discovering the street art that popped up along the way. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more street art than I’ve seen in George Town, and most all of it was fantastic. Look for the artwork done by Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic. It’s pretty fantastic! If you’re looking for things to do in George Town, don’t miss this. The street art here will keep you busy for hours.

3. Stroll Down Love Lane

There are many theories as to how Love Lane got its name, but regardless it’s a street that is full of character and is great for exploring. It’s a mix of colonial-era shophouses, seedy dives, hippy jewelry-sellers on the street, backpackers, reggae bars, and restaurants. A few other scenic streets are Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Muntri.

4. Go Antique Shopping

Penang is a dream for those shopping for Malay antiques. My favorite shop was Ancient Antiques. (Don’t say no when the owner offers you a cup of coffee. He is so interesting and loves to tell you about his life!) There are also many junk shops along Rope Walk. Also, don’t miss the “Thieves” flea market at Lorung Kulit. It has a reputation for stolen goods, and it’s a spot the locals love to attend. There’s also a daily flea market on Armenian Street where you will find lots of interesting items, and probably be one of the only tourists. For those interested in Malaysia travel for the purpose of getting antiques, George Town is the place to go.

5. Have A Perfect Cup Of Coffee

While coffee culture hasn’t quite caught on yet like it has in other parts of Asia, I did find a couple of coffee shops that made truly excellent coffee. My favorite cup was at Coffee Lane. They offered excellent siphoned coffee and a refreshing iced cold-brew. They have over 20 types of coffee beans, all roasted by the barista. My second pick was ChinaHouse coffee.  This combination art gallery, restaurant, coffee shop had a great atmosphere and an excellent dessert selection.