Exploring George Town Penang

George town takes fascinating to a whole new level.  Originally founded by the British in 1786, it has seen immeasurable changes in culture as it has tiptoe its way through history picking up a little bit of everything as it goes.  This immense melting pot is worth spending at one full day walking around exploring, but you may wish to spend more.  Explore George Town with ALL of you senses. See, taste, smell, listen and feel your way around this captivating Unesco world heritage site. Exploring George Town Penang

Get Lost!

Getting lost is half the fun in George Town, providing you at least start in the right place. You can explore by rickshaw, cycling or simply walking. Walking is my personal favourite way to get around and of course, it is a great budget option! I think you simply see more when you walk too. So start by booking a place to stay in the heart of George Town. Explore George Town Penang

You can get to George Town in Penang by a short ferry crossing from Butterworth or a 5 hour bus ride from the country’s capital Kuala Lumpur.  One you hit Penang, the very tasty Kapitans Tandoori is a good place to start!  From here you can grab some tasty food and an essential Lassi from any of the near buy Indian places.  There is sooooo much amazing food in this areas it makes me drool just writing about it!  If you’re a foodie, you definitely need to read GETTING FAT IN PENANG! >>>

Once you have fuelled up, you can head in almost any direction and find something interesting.  Everything from the Indian and Chinese architecture to the delightfully creative street art will keep you trigger happy. Explore George Town Penang

Tips on Taking Photos

I know I still have LOADS to learn, but I thought it would be nice to share a few things that have helped me with Photgraphy so fat.

George Town is a captivating place to be and capturing it through the lens can be tricky. I found it worked well to mix close up details with the wider picture of what I was exploring.  Note that some of the artwork is even inside the buildings, so take time to truly explore.  Explore George Town Penang

Just take photos of what YOU like. See what captures your attention.  Old or new, bright or dark, busy or simple, this eclectic clash of all things fascinating gives you the chance to have a set of photos unique to you. Explore George Town Penang

Early morning and early evening are always good for light and avoiding the exhausting heat of the day.  Take time to simple stop and take in the local life going on around you, I met some lovely people this way, but it also helps you to link your photos to your memories later.    Exploring George Town Penang

Become part of the Art. George Town has lots of opportunities for fun photos.  I explored by myself, so I had to ask people to take photos for me now and then, typically I asked Chinese family men as they are very friendly and typically know their way around a camera.  Exploring George Town Penang

The photos I’m sharing are all within comfortable walking distance of Kapitans…  Exploring George Town Penang

A Heritage of Food

Food is a central and essential part Penang’s culture.  It is given the status of a food capital for a very good reason.  However, as you find with a lot of internationalisation, things are been watered down. There is an incredible Penang Heritage Cook Book that preserves and shares the foods and cooking style that are so unique to Penang.  It’s a bit pricey, but then it is so unique and equips you to cooking distinctively epic and unique food at home. When I’m back in England, Malaysian is my favourite go-to-impress food for friends!

Beyond George Town…

Penang is full of interesting and adventurous things to do; you could easily spend a week or more here.  Here are a few of my favourite places …

Turtle Beach

The Spice Gardens

Mini Botanical Garden – Bellevue Hotel

Splashing out at the Eastern Oriental  

Comment and Ask Questions

I love to get to know who reads our random little blog, but also help out if you have more specific questions.  If you have questions about Photography or more tips about Penang, Malaysia or other random questions, please just drop it into the comments box…

 Exploring George Town Penang