A tour of Penang’s colonial heritage

George Town, the capital of Penang, breathes colonial heritage and history. It commands a special place in the history of British colonial expansion in Asia. At a time when the Dutch controlled Indonesia and the French expanded their presence in Indo-China, the British got a foot in the door here and later went on to establish the Straits Settlements, comprising of Penang, Malacca and Singapore, with Penang as its headquarters. George Town is today classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Download this city travel guide to assist you in visiting the most popular historical spots of Penang—all in a day’s time. The guide offers a background for you to understand each place and suggests an itinerary in the order listed. For the most efficient route, you can start walking north on Beach Street toward Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Fort Cornwallis and via the Esplanade Waterfront, finally visit Logan Memorial.

Tips: You may choose a leisurely walk or ride a bike (refer to Penang Town Hall and Penang City Hall later in this guide to learn about renting bikes) to cover this route. Sometimes, weather on the island can change rapidly. It is best to carry sunglasses, hats, disposable raincoats, a water bottle and a light snack in your day pack. For a relaxed tour, start in the morning.