George Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Trail
Explore George Town's UNESCO World Heritage zone on foot. This self-guided walking tour takes you through historic streets, clan houses, multicultural temples, and the famous Clan Jetties.
Tour Overview#
Interactive Walking Map#
Coming soon: GPS-enabled walking route with turn-by-turn directions.
The Walking Route#
Follow this route for the most efficient way to see George Town's highlights. Allow extra time for photo stops and food breaks.
Fort Cornwallis
45 minStart at Malaysia's largest standing fort. See colonial cannons and learn about Penang's founding.
Tip: Arrive by 9am to beat the heat. Good starting point near the waterfront.
Street of Harmony
1 hourWalk down Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling to see Kapitan Keling Mosque, Kuan Yin Temple, and Sri Mahamariamman Temple side by side.
Tip: Dress modestly. Remove shoes at religious sites. Robes available at mosque.
Khoo Kongsi
45 minVisit the most ornate Chinese clan house in Southeast Asia. Marvel at the intricate carvings and gilded decorations.
Tip: Don't miss the small museum upstairs. Entry fee RM 15 (foreigners) / RM 10 (Malaysians).
Armenian Street
30 minThe heart of the street art zone. See Kids on Bicycle and other famous murals.
Tip: Best photos before 10am when crowds arrive.
Clan Jetties
30 minEnd at the waterfront stilt villages. Walk through Chew Jetty for a glimpse of traditional clan life.
Tip: Great for sunset photos. Families still live here - be respectful.
UNESCO Heritage Attractions#
George Town's UNESCO World Heritage zone includes these exceptional sites.
Khoo Kongsi
龙山堂邱公司
One of the most ornate Chinese clan temples in Southeast Asia. This stunning Hokkien clan house features intricate wood carvings, gilded decorations, and theatrical stage.
Highlights
- •Ornate roof decorations with dragons and phoenixes
- •Carved stone columns depicting Chinese legends
Clan Jetties
姓氏桥
Historic waterfront settlements built on stilts by Chinese immigrants. The largest is Chew Jetty, featuring wooden walkways lined with traditional homes, temples, and small shops.
Highlights
- •Chew Jetty - the largest and most touristic
- •Traditional stilt houses still inhabited by families
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion)
张弼士故居
A stunning indigo-blue Peranakan mansion built in the 1880s. This award-winning heritage hotel showcases traditional Chinese architecture with feng shui principles.
Highlights
- •Distinctive indigo blue facade
- •Traditional Chinese courtyard architecture
Kapitan Keling Mosque
Masjid Kapitan Keling
The largest and oldest mosque in Penang, built in the early 19th century by Indian Muslim traders. Features stunning Mughal-style architecture with a golden dome.
Highlights
- •Mughal-style golden dome
- •Beautiful courtyard and minaret
Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Temple)
观音亭
One of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang, built in 1728. Dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, and features elaborate dragon decorations.
Highlights
- •Elaborate dragon decorations
- •Active worship site with incense rituals
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The oldest Hindu temple in Penang, built in 1833. Features a stunning gopuram (tower) adorned with colorful Hindu deities and mythological figures.
Highlights
- •Colorful gopuram (entrance tower)
- •Intricate stone carvings
Walking Tour Tips#
Best Time to Start
Start by 8-9am to complete the walk before the midday heat. Alternatively, start at 3pm for golden hour photos.
What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes essential. Bring modest clothing for religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).
Stay Hydrated
Bring water or buy along the way. Stop for cendol or teh ais at hawker stalls to cool down.
Food Stops
Plan a breakfast stop at the start (Chowrasta Market) and lunch break mid-route (Kimberley Street).