George Town and around

The old Georgetown is on the UNESCO list for its colonial era architecture. It also offers a great multicultural feeling and pot where many great tastes are mixed to offer rich variety of street food. Known for its streetart too.

It is located on the northeast tip of the Penang island. Or better, ex-island as it is connected with the mainland with two (very long) bridges (Meaning also it is no more tax free...)

We have arrived to the Penang from the Langkawi by an early morning flight. Takeof-landing hop lasting less than 30 minutes. We had chosen to take the flight as it cost less than 60 EUR. (The other options were 2-3h by a not much cheaper boat or some 7h by a ferry-bus-ferry ride.)

Grab to our accomodation (to 30 min, 20 RM) at the Hutton Lodge.

Successfull checkin. While we parrents were trying to have some more sleep kids were exploring our (four bed, spacious, aircon with common bathroom) family room (30 EUR). The place make a bit used impression but its a good deal not far from the very cenre (15-30 min based on kids walkining speed and mood). With a parking space and free but very simple breakfast (2 toasts, butter, jam, coffe and tea. We would rate it 7/10.

Walking around the town is quite simple though it is necessary to be alert of the traffic passing by. Especially with the kids. And, it can be really hot in the streets around the midday (sunscreen and water to drink essential).

We did not have a chance to taste all the food but can reccomand at least two places to go. "Projek Nasi Lemak Box" with a playground and parc (close to the Town Hall). And "Line Clear Nasi Kandar" (9th place at World streetfood congress 2017). But the choice and variety is trully a rich mix of Malay, India, China and Thai cusines.

The streetart. We find it rather overrated to consider the Georgetown to be some extra outdoor gallery. Seems to us that its more likely a well created city immage to attract turists. But, contrary, we must also say that there are several really nice and photogenic pieces (created by the same artist) worth to see. Better before 10am as than the crownds (especially Chinese turists) and the heat comes.

Our recomendations within the Georgetown centre would also include to visit two beautiful Chinese temples: "Han Jiang Ancestral Temple" and "Khoo Kongsi". They are not so large and kids liked it there.

We can also higly reccomand to go to the Taman Belia-Youth Park. Here you can find great and large playground and a superb spots to have a relaxing or playful dip in several pools. (Take your swim dresses.) All necesary ammenities around. Be aware of cheeky and potentially agressive monkeys. (20 min and 10 RM from the downtown by the Grab)

Later in the afternoon of our second day in Penang we have picked up pre-booked car from the airport rental (Keddy by Europcar) which we intend to drive around the peninsula for the rest of our Malaysia stay.

We have already used it to visit "Kek Lok Si Temple". Relatively modern buddhist temple complex which we have rather mixed feelings of. Its an impressive large scale (the huge statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy). Looks attractive and nice on the first sight but when looking closer it does not have that old spiritual atmosphere. So maybe the future generations will appreciate more an ammount of used concrete and other materials (including plastics), parking lot under the temple and number of shops with both spiritual and ceremonial goods as well as many others.

And also to go to the "Wat Chaiyamangalaram" with a huge reclining Buddha statue. Relatively new but impressive and worth visiting.

Lukas experience of the town also include the visit to the Penang Adventist Hospital. Where, appart from quite long registration process, he has been sattisfied by the care of the specialised dentist Mrs. Khoo who took care of his broken teeth.

And not to forget mentioning is also highly positive and relieving experience with the "Asiatika Venture Reflexology Centre", where blind masseurs do an excellent work. 60 min full body + 30 min feet reflexology / 55 RM.