GEORGE TOWN , PENANG
GEORGE TOWN , PENANG
A pedestrian-friendly city with centuries of heritage , culture and food to share
George Town street art
Full of character and charm , Penang ’ s capital , George Town , is an atmospheric city filled with well-preserved colonial architecture , beautiful temples , timeworn shophouses and residential jetties . Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008 , the historic centre is easily walkable , although brightly-coloured trishaws offer an alternative way to tour . It ’ s not all about history though , as the burgeoning street-art scene brings an air of playfulness to the city and makes wandering a joy as you stumble across vibrant murals and fantastic artistic ironworks . Wherever your sightseeing takes you in George Town , you ’ ll be sure to stumble across fabulous
MUNTRI MEWS
UNIQUE George Town
2 night part-escorted tour from £ 169pp
Once used for parking horse carriages , this collection of Edwardian era buildings has been transformed into hip and stylish accommodation complete with many original features . Along with a convenient central location , there is a restaurant and charming guest rooms that feature a seating area and also offer free WiFi .
Getting there : Flights from KL to Penang take approximately 1 hour . George Town is around 30 minutes drive from Penang ’ s beach resorts .
Premier recommend : Stay a couple of nights before or after time at Penang beach hotel .
Best time to go : The island experiences a relatively mild monsoon period from April-May and again from October-November during which sunshine can be expected most days , with evening rainfall likely .
visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www . premierholidays . co . uk
Street art
coffee shops , many of which wouldn ’ t look out of place in hip areas of London and New York . You also can ’ t escape George Town ’ s delicious street food . Chinatown and Little India come alive after dark with carts and hawker stalls , while Gurney Drive is perhaps the most famous scene for street food in Southeast Asia .
2 night part-escorted tour from £ 229pp
EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL
5Hluxury George Town
This remarkable hotel stands as a testament to the elegance of the British colonial era ; its name is synonymous with Penang . Offering 232 lovely guest suites across the Heritage Wing and Victory Annexe , 4 restaurants , a bar , swimming pool , gym , spa and free WiFi , it ’ s also close to the bustling streets with their restaurants , shops and entertainment .
GEORGE TOWN
2 NIGHT PART-ESCORTED TOUR
Street food
Day 1 Penang Beach / George Town : Depart from your Penang beach hotel for a scenic journey to the island ’ s capital , George Town ( approximately 30 minutes drive ). On arrival at your hotel , can step out and begin your explorations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site . This evening , head out to Gurney Drive , a coastal esplanade just north of George Town , wellknown for its food courts and hawker stalls , offering the best of Penang on a plate .
Day 2 George Town : Step out this morning for a guided Historical George Town tour which starts at The Reclining Buddha statue ( Wat Chayamangkalaram ). Proceed to Dhammikarama Temple , an elaborate Buddhist temple dating to 1803 and then drive past the Street of Harmony which is home to St George ’ s Anglican church . You ’ ll also pass Kuan Yin ( Goddess of Mercy Temple ), Sri Mariamman Temple and Masjid Kapitan Keling before stopping to explore the highly ornate clan house of Khoo Kongsi and enjoy a visit to a local coffee shop . The tour concludes with a brief photo stop at Fort Cornwallis .
The afternoon is free for you to continue sightseeing independently . Perhaps seek out some of the city ’ s eyecatching street art ; stroll through the maze of chaotic streets and narrow lanes passing fragrant spice shops and decorative shrines ; or , maybe walk around one of the Clan Jetties , unique Chinese water villages , which ‘ float ’ above the water on stilts . When in need of a break you ’ ll find ample coffee shops , trendy bars and inviting street stalls .
Day 3 George Town / Penang Beach : Your tour ends with a return journey to your Penang beach hotel .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily from Penang beach hotels .
Accommodation : In your choice of the Muntri Mews or Eastern & Oriental Hotel .
Room upgrades : Available at both hotels .
Meals : Room only at Muntri Mews . Breakfast at Eastern & Oriental .
Tour price : The prices shown include transfers from Penang beach hotel to George Town , accommodation at your chosen hotel and sightseeing as outlined on day 2 .
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