Pedalling in Penang, George Town

Starting the Day in George Town

I arrived at The Royale Chulan Hotel in George Town, Penang’s heritage heart, for a quick getaway. Waiting to meet me was an old friend, Andrew Chan, a proud Penangite who had promised to take me on a cycling tour around the city’s most iconic spots.

“Let’s grab breakfast first,” he said, leading the way toward one of George Town’s culinary legends.

Nasi Lemak Breakfast at Weld Quay

Just down the road at Weld Quay Food Court, we queued up for Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang. The fragrant coconut milk rice wrapped in banana leaves, topped with spicy sambal, anchovies, egg, and prawns, was worth every bite—and a local staple to energize our ride.

LinkBike: Penang’s Bike-Sharing System

We picked up our bright blue bicycles from the OCBC LinkBike Station on Beach Street. With over 25 stations city-wide, the LinkBike app makes cycling around George Town easy and accessible. Penang now has 39km of dedicated bike lanes, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in Malaysia.

Top Heritage Attractions Along the Route

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Our first stop was the Pinang Peranakan Mansion—a richly preserved home showcasing the unique Baba-Nyonya culture. The museum houses over 1,000 antiques, ornate costumes, and elegant furnishings, reflecting the grandeur of 19th-century Peranakan life.

Queen Victoria Clock Tower & Fort Cornwallis

Next, we cycled to the iconic Queen Victoria Clock Tower, built in 1897 to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Just steps away lies Fort Cornwallis, Malaysia’s largest standing fort and a historic symbol of colonial-era defense. Climbing up the Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse gave us sweeping views of the city and coastline.

Esplanade & Cenotaph War Memorial

Cycling along The Esplanade, we soaked in views of the sea on one side and colonial buildings on the other. We visited the Cenotaph War Memorial, then passed by City Hall, Town Hall, and Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang’s center for live cultural performances.

Churches, Museums & Colonial Charm

We stopped at the St. George’s Anglican Church, the oldest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Then on to the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, followed by a quick peek at St. Xavier’s Institution, Andrew’s alma mater.

The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)

After a quick lunch at Kheng Pin Kopitiam (don’t miss the lobak and prawn fritters!), we headed to Leith Street. The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, known for its indigo blue walls, boasts 38 rooms, five courtyards, and 220 timber louvre windows—a stunning mix of Eastern and Western architecture.

Chowrasta Market Food Tour

In the afternoon, we visited Chowrasta Market, a buzzing hub for:

• Tambun biscuits (Ghee Hiang & Him Heang)
• Nutmeg products (juice, preserved slices, fresh fruit)
• Street snacks like Chee Cheong Fun, Ais Tingkap, and peanut candy wrapped in popiah skin

The market is a sensory feast that defines the Penang street food experience.

Sites We Missed (But You Shouldn’t)

Though we ran out of time, here’s what we left for the next trip:

• Clan Jetties – Wooden homes on stilts over the water, each jetty tied to a Chinese clan
• Armenian Street – Home to Penang’s most iconic murals and artisan shops
• Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park – Malaysia’s first urban archaeological site, with canals and restored heritage buildings
• Container Art at Prangin Mall – A modern art installation using shipping containers

How to Get to George Town, Penang

• By Air: Fly into Penang International Airport (PEN), 30 minutes from George Town
• By Car: Cross the Penang Bridge from the mainland
• By Bus: Regular coaches from Kuala Lumpur and other major cities to Penang Sentral, then ferry or Grab to town
• In Town: Use the LinkBike app for easy bike rental access across the city

Travel Tips for Cycling in George Town

• Start early to beat the heat
• Wear breathable clothing and bring sunscreen
• Don’t miss out on street food breaks—you’ll burn enough calories cycling!
• Secure your bike when stopping at attractions

Final Thoughts

Pedalling through George Town isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s a cultural deep dive, a culinary journey, and a heritage trail all rolled into one. Whether it’s the smell of sambal, the clang of bells from a nearby temple, or the colonial echoes in a museum hall, Penang leaves an imprint on every traveler’s heart.