Penang is full of many unique points of interest, including structures developed in a wide range of architectural styles. With a portion of the city’s downtown considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can explore a myriad of cultural and historical landmarks throughout the island. The George Town area is made up of historical British structures, such as Fort Cornwallis. Built by the British East India Company in 1786, it is the largest fort left in Malaysia. While it never saw battle, the fort arose for protection’s sake, to keep the city from sea-based attacks.
Another notable George Town landmark is Cheong Fatt Tze—also referred to as the Blue Mansion. An active hotel founded in the 19th century, it includes architectural styles that combine Hakka and Teochew. The mansion splits into 38 rooms and 220 louvre windows. Once a private residence, it now serves as a boutique hotel in the center of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The venue’s unique structure has featured in films and television series, making it an Instagram destination for tourists.
Contemporary in its build, the Penang Bridge was developed by the architect Chin Fung Lee. It is a 13.5-kilometer dual carriageway that connects Malaysia’s mainland with the south side of the island. The second longest bridge in Malaysia and the fifth longest in Southeast Asia, it includes an overwater span of 8.4 kilometers. Launched in 1985, it remained the only bridge access road to Penang until 2014. It is strung 102 meters above the Penang Strait, with its tallest spire reaching 225 meters.
Landmarks of Interest
Fort Cornwallis
Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200, Penang
Phone: +604 – 263 9855
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Admission Cost:
Locals
– Children: RM5
– Adults: RM10
Foreigners
– Children: RM10
– Adults: RM20
Website
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion)
Address: No. 14, Leith Street, George Town, 10200, Penang
Phone: +604 – 262 0006
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 11:00 am, 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm (Open for guided tours only)
Admission Cost:
– Children: RM12.50
– Adults: RM25
Website
Penang Bridge
Address: Penang
Phone: +604 – 263 1166
Operating Hours:
– 24 hours daily
Admission Cost: N/A
Website
