Meet George Town
Welcome to George Town! This beautiful city is the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang, and is one of the most eclectic and culturally rich cities in Southeast Asia!
For 650 years, the area now known as George Town was the territory of the Kedah Sultanate, a Muslim dynasty native to Malaysia. The George Town that we know now was founded in 1786 by Francis Light, a captain in the British Royal Navy working for the British East India Company. For about 80 years, Malaysia was a British territory and became a major center of spice production, trade, and finance. During this time, George Town first became the diverse, multiethnic metropolis that it is today, with indigenous Malay and Peranakan residents, but also Chinese, Indian, Thai, and British immigrants and expats. During WWII, George Town was invaded and overtaken by the Imperial Japanese Army, but was returned to British control after the war. George Town (and the rest of Malaysia) has been independent from the British since 1957, and in contemporary times, the city has become an economic powerhouse, with huge presences in the tech, medical tourism, and cruise ship industries, as well as one of the most renowned food cities in the world!
Where to live in George Town
George Town is home to over 700,000 people, making it the third-most populous city in Malaysia. The city is located on an island, and the city’s center has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 because of its unique, historical architectural landscape. Over the past couple of years, several suburbs have popped up around George Town, including the affluent northwest suburbs, the industrialized southern suburbs, the agricultural western suburbs, and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, which is located to the south of George Town, and which is known as the “Silicon Valley of the East.”
Best Neighborhoods in George Town
Due to architectural restrictions on the kind of buildings that can be constructed in George Town’s historic city center, it can be difficult to find long-term lodging in the city proper. However, George Town is surrounded on three sides by suburbs, which are generally located very close to the city, and many of which are accessible via public transportation. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in and around George Town:
Amazing Apartments, Coliving Spaces and More
We've been rounded up the best housing options in George Town. All are available on flexible terms, so you can stay one month or as long as you want
Quick Facts About George Town
George Town is one of the most fascinating, diverse, and exciting cities in all of Southeast Asia. Before you visit this incredible city, here are some important things you need to know:It’s super hot and humid
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate, which means it’s quite hot and humid year-round. All year long, the average temperature is about 80°F, but it’s not uncommon for the temperature to reach into the mid-90s.Alcohol is quite expensive
The cost of most food (both groceries and meals out) is quite cheap in George Town, but the cost of alcohol is very high. This is because the official religion in Malaysia is Islam, and alcohol is forbidden in Islam. However, because Malaysia’s population is quite diverse, and its residents practice a wide array of different religions, non-Muslims in Malaysia may still drink alcohol. That being said, the cost of a glass of wine or bottle of beer can reach up to twice the cost of a bowl of noodles!Driving is really crazy
Drivers in George Town (and Penang in general) can be quite reckless, and it’s not uncommon to see cars or scooters going the wrong way down the road or speeding past a red light. Many expats living in George Town still buy a car or scooter for convenience’s sake, but if you’re uncomfortable driving in this kind of environment, public transportation in George Town is quite clean and efficient, and the city also has its own rideshare service.Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia
If you’re a member of the LGBT community, please be aware that homosexuality is illegal in all of Malaysia. Laws forbidding homosexuality are enforced by the government, but regular citizens often also harbor prejudices against LGBT people. If you are accustomed to being very open about your sexuality and/or gender identity in your home nation, know that doing so could endanger you in George Town.Many people speak English
Although Malay is the official language of Malaysia, many residents of George Town are also fluent in English. Other widely spoken languages in George Town include Malay, Chinese, Tamil, Punjabi, Telugu, and Penang Hokkien.George Town is very culturally diverse
George Town has an incredible array of cultural diversity. Just over 50% of the population is ethnically Chinese, including the Peranakan people, but there are also large populations of native Malay people, ethnic Indians, Eurasian people, Siamese people, and expats, who largely come from Singapore, Japan, and the UK.The food is amazing
George Town is consistently rated one of the greatest food cities in the entire world. Its many food markets serve Penang cuisine, which blends elements of Indian, Chinese, Peranakan, and Malay cuisine, all at extremely affordable prices. Unlike many other food cities, where you have to shell out a ton of money to enjoy gourmet meals at fine dining establishments, the best food in George Town can be found in the city’s food markets, the most notable of which include Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, Chulia Street, Kimberley Street, New World Park, Penang Road, and Air Itam.The quality of healthcare is really great
George Town is a major hub for the medical tourism industry, which means that the quality of healthcare in the city is incredible. The city’s private hospitals are some of the best in the world, and the doctors employed there were generally trained in Europe or Australia, and speak fluent English. Finally, the cost of healthcare in Malaysia is lower than in many other countries!Work in George Town
George Town is one of the financial centers of Malaysia, and is a major presence in the manufacturing, finance, tourism, medical tourism, and retail industries. Additionally, the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, which is located just over 9 miles to the south of the city, is one of the most significant tech manufacturing centers in the world.
How good is George Town for Digital Nomads or Remote Work
Remote work is changing how the global workspace operates. In a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down, remote work is rapidly on the increase all around the world—especially in a place like George Town. And about 25% of remote workers describe themselves as digital nomads—those who like to travel or stay in cities around the world while they work. So, how good is George Town for both of these growing movements?
Average Internet Speed
Remote work is changing how the global workspace operates. In a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down, remote work is rapidly on the increase all around the world—especially in a place like George Town. And about 25% of remote workers describe themselves as digital nomads—those who like to travel or stay in cities around the world while they work. So, how good is George Town for both of these growing movements?Work-friendly Coffee Shops
Some coffee shops can be super noisy and distracting, but George Town has plenty of great options where you can enjoy a delicious coffee or snack and still get some serious work done. Here are some of the best work-friendly coffee shops in the city: The Mugshot Cafe in George Town: Located in George Town’s historic center, the Mugshot Cafe is a quaint, cozy coffee shop that serves delicious coffee, freshly squeezed juices, homemade yogurt, and, according to many, the best bagels in Penang! Lavish in George Town: If you love all things cute, Lavish is the perfect coffee shop for you. Their pastel pink, tropical-themed decor provides a relaxing atmosphere to work in, and in addition to coffee, they serve a wide variety of meals and snacks, including many different flavors of souffle pancakes, smoothie bowls, Hainan chicken, cronuts, pasta, omelets, pastries, and more! Passion Heart Cafe in George Town: Passion Heart Cafe is one of the best bakeries in George Town, serving delicious coffee and incredible cakes and pastries, along with a menu of lunch items like noodle soups, salads, and sandwiches. Some of the most beloved baked goods at Passion Heart Cafe include their tiramisu, pandan cheesecake, coconut yam cake, matcha cheesecake, and lemon poppyseed cheesecake!Coworking Spaces
You’ll find several great coworking spaces in George Town! Here are some amazing spots that you may want to consider checking out: Settlements: Located in George Town’s Livingston Tower, Settlements is a coworking space uniquely designed for startups and tech entrepreneurs. They partner with several Malaysian corporations to provide resources for people in the tech industry, but even if you’re not an entrepreneur and you’re just looking for a place to work, you’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer place than Settlements! Each private office and coworking space has an incredible view of the city, and the building also has its cafe, hotel, and private fitness center! MSOGO: MSOGO is George Town’s largest coworking space, offering a comfortable, friendly place for workers of all kinds. Plus, they offer great amenities including a fully stocked kitchen, standing desks, free water and coffee, and a lounge complete with pool and ping pong tables, arcade games, a chess set, and even a PS4! M Summit Coworking Space: M Summit Coworking Space is a professional, luxurious coworking space that offers communal workspaces and private offices, 24 hours a day! Amenities include free water and coffee, a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge, and depending on what plan you subscribe to, you can also have access to free gym usage, free printing, free parking, and even more bonus perks!Suitable Level for Digital Nomads
For the most part, digital nomads love George Town! It’s one of the most vibrant, eclectic cities in Asia, and its incredible cultural diversity, food, shopping, and architecture mean that during your time off, you’ll never run out of new, exciting things to experience!Visa Requirements
If you want to work in Malaysia, you may have to apply for one of three types of work visas, depending on your employer, the type of work you’ll be doing, and how long you’re planning on staying in Malaysia. However, if you are from one of the following countries, you don’t need to apply for a Malaysian work visa: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea Republic, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe. If you’re just planning on visiting, Malaysia does not require the citizens of many countries to apply for a tourist visa before arriving in Malaysia. You can stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa if you are from one of the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Yemen. You can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa if you are from one of the following countries: Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republican, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaca, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Korea, North Yemen, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sint Maarten, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Sudan, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Finally, you can stay in Malaysia for up to 14 days without a visa if you are from one of the following countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Yemen, Syria.Food and Drink in George Town
George Town’s culinary scene is unparalleled. The local cuisine is known as Penang cuisine, which combines elements of many different cultures, from Chinese and Indian to Peranakan and Malay. The best Penang cuisine can be found in George Town’s many street markets, including Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, Kimberley Street, New Lane, New World Park, Penang Road, and Air Itam. Some of the most iconic Penang dishes include asam laksa, a soup made from fish and sour tamarind, char kway teow, a stir-fried rice noodle dish served with prawns and clams, curry mee, a spicy curry noodle dish, Hokkien mee, or rice vermicelli noodles served in spicy prawn broth, nasi kandar, a fragrant rice dish often served with fried chicken, beef offal, lamb, and/or squid, rojak, an Indonesian fruit, and vegetable salad, and cendol, a cold dessert made from green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. There is so much incredible food to try in George Town, you’ll never run out of new dishes to sample!
Restaurants
Bars
Top 6 Things To Do in George Town
George Town’s complex colonial history makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. One of the most popular activities in George Town is touring the city’s historic buildings, including Fort Cornwallis, the largest fort in Malaysia, St. George’s, the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia, Penang State Museum, which used to be a British colonial school, and George Town’s City Hall, which boasts a magnificent neo-Baroque architectural style. George Town’s incredible diversity means that there are also a ton of beautiful temples in the city, including Wat Chaiyamangkalaram, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Snake Temple, Kek Lok Si, Goddess of Mercy Temple, and Masjid Kapitan Keling. Of course, remember to be respectful at these temples, as all of them are still active places of worship to this day. On the last weekend of each month, be sure to swing by Penang Street for the Penang Road Market, where you can buy anything from delicious street foods to groceries to clothes to souvenirs. Finally, be sure to check out some of George Town’s many malls and shopping centers, which sell wares ranging from dirt-cheap bargain prices to luxury goods. Some of the most popular shopping centers include Penang Plaza, Straits Quay Marina Mall, and Gurney Plaza Shopping Mall. With so much to see, do, eat, and experience, you’ll never be bored in George Town!
Hin Bus Depot
31A, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town
1
St. George's Anglican Church
1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town
2
Penang House of Music
KOMTAR, L4-02, Level 4, Jalan Penang, George Town
3
Kek Lok Si Temple
Air Itam
4
Chew Jetty
Chew Jetty, Weld Quay, George Town
5
Fort Cornwallis
Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town