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Step into the bustling heart of George Town at Penang Road Market, where morning air is thick with the scent of coffee, fried shallots, and sizzling street food. From steaming char kway teow to sweet egg tarts, every stall tells a story of tradition and taste. This lively, no-frills market isn’t just a foodie paradise—it’s a living postcard of authentic Penang life, perfect for soaking up local energy one bite at a time.
Everything you need to know about Penang Bazaar
Penang State Hotel stands out as a top boutique choice in the Pulau Tikus district, offering a perfect blend of colonial architecture and modern amenities. Located just minutes from George Town’s historic streets, it provides easy access to cultural landmarks like Chulia Street and Kek Lok Si Temple. Guests enjoy air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour front desk service. The hotel’s central location also makes it ideal for exploring nearby attractions such as Penang Hill and KOMTAS, while local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice and char kway teow are within walking distance. Perfect for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in George Town.
The most convenient option is taking Bus 101 or a trolley bus from Pulau Tikus, which reaches George Town’s heritage zone in just 10 minutes via Komtar Road and Dato Keramat Road. Alternatively, use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek—a 10-minute trip with flexible pick-up points and affordable fares. For a more immersive experience, walk along Kampung Baru Road (about 1.5 km), passing vibrant street art, indie cafés, and heritage shophouses. All routes offer seamless access to iconic spots like Street Art Alley and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, making it easy to explore the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Near Pulau Tikus, visitors can join local family-led tours that showcase authentic Malaysian Chinese traditions, including tea ceremony demonstrations and handmade noodles workshops. Weekends bring bustling night markets with over 100 stalls selling coconut rice, durian ice cream, and handmade crafts—perfect for sampling local flavors and souvenirs. Nearby temples like Kong Hock Sen Temple and Buddhist shrines offer peaceful spaces for reflection and cultural immersion. Art lovers should not miss the alley murals, vibrant street art pieces inspired by Penang’s urban history, ideal for photography and storytelling enthusiasts.
Yes, hotels in Pulau Tikus are highly accessible to both Komtar and Clan Jetties. A short 10-minute ride via Grab or taxi takes guests to Komtar, Penang’s central shopping hub. To reach Clan Jetties, take Bus 101 to New Street Station, then walk about 15 minutes through scenic alleyways lined with heritage shophouses and street art. Some hotels even offer complimentary shuttle services to major attractions, enhancing convenience. Whether shopping, dining, or capturing iconic photos, travelers enjoy seamless access to these key destinations, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience in George Town.
Yes, many mid-to-upper-tier hotels near Pulau Tikus provide complimentary breakfast, featuring local favorites such as coconut rice, curry puffs, and Chinese congee, paired with fresh juices and coffee. For example, Penang State Hotel serves an all-you-can-eat buffet from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM in its ground-floor dining hall, offering ample space and a welcoming atmosphere for families and business travelers. Some boutique accommodations also offer customizable breakfast options, including gluten-free bread and plant-based proteins. All meals use locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality, giving guests a delicious start to their day.
Beyond popular spots, Pulau Tikus hides charming alleys and vintage shops like Kim Long General Store, a 50-year-old institution selling traditional sweets and handwritten stationery, evoking nostalgic charm. Another secret is the Old Railway Heritage Park, once a coal transport line, now transformed into a lush green oasis perfect for quiet strolls and birdwatching. In the evening, wander to Kampung Baru Riverside, where golden sunsets reflect on the water, paired with a chilled iced tea for a serene moment. These off-the-beaten-path locations reveal George Town’s authentic soul and everyday beauty, offering a deeper, more intimate travel experience.
See what other travelers say about Penang Bazaar
It’s been years since our last visit to Penang, and this was our first time staying at Berjaya Penang Hotel—truly a delightful surprise. We were on the 24th floor, and the room was spacious with an incredible view of George Town that made every moment feel special. The space felt open and well-designed, and everything was spotlessly clean, from the shower to the bathroom. The morning breakfast was satisfying—not overly extravagant, but with a good variety of items that hit the mark for a solid start to the day. Overall, the experience exceeded our expectations. From the comfort to the location, it’s clear this hotel offers excellent value. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Penang.
Staying at Mercure Penang Beach was an absolute delight! Right outside the door is the beach—stunning views of the sea with waves gently rolling in. The room was spacious and comfortable, perfect for a family trip with kids. I especially loved the breakfast menu—freshly made buns and noodles were delicious and satisfying. Being just steps away from the ocean made it incredibly convenient for morning walks or sunset views. The location is also well-connected to the city center via public transport. Overall, this hotel offers excellent value and a truly relaxing experience—I’d definitely return.
Staying at Tropicana 218 Macalister was a fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from New Lane Street Food Stalls, where you can enjoy some of the best local street food in George Town. It’s also close to shopping centers and food courts, making it super convenient for exploring the city without needing to travel far. The room itself was spotless, quiet, and well-maintained—perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep. I appreciated the included laundry machine and microwave, which made cooking simple meals easy and saved me money on dining out. The overall vibe was clean, modern, and welcoming. Great value for the price, excellent service, and a great base for discovering all that George Town has to offer. Definitely planning to stay here again on my next trip.
Staying at Peranakan Suites Georgetown was an absolute delight! The room was spacious with high ceilings, making it feel airy and luxurious. Both beds were generously sized—perfect for a good night's sleep. The kettle was surprisingly large and worked efficiently, which was great for making tea or coffee. One little detail I appreciated: the water heater required a simple switch to turn on, located right next to the bathroom light—once activated, a small indicator light confirmed it was working. Best of all, free CAT buses stop just outside, making it super easy to explore George Town without needing a car. The quiet atmosphere at night made for a peaceful retreat, and the overall comfort and attention to detail really stood out. Highly recommend this gem if you're visiting Penang!
Staying at The Landmark by Little Cabin in George Town, Malaysia was a delightful surprise. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the city center and surrounded by local eateries, markets, and vibrant street life. Even though the rooms are compact, the design is smart and modern, with all the essentials you’d need. The bed was surprisingly comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep. What really stood out was the staff—they were friendly, helpful, and went the extra mile to offer local tips and recommendations. It’s not just a place to stay; it feels like a home away from home. With such a great vibe, excellent service, and solid value for money, I can easily give this property an 8.5 out of 10. Would definitely return if I’m back in Penang.
I highly recommend this hotel to my cousin—it's perfectly located in George Town’s historic district, literally right across from my aunt’s house! That made everything so convenient during our visit. The atmosphere is authentic and peaceful, with a charming blend of traditional Malay and Peranakan influences. Rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. My younger brother even said he’d want to stay here again on our next trip. If you're looking for a genuine local experience with great value, this place is a must-try.
I recently stayed at The Gallivant Hotel and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The room was spotless, the bedding was comfortable, and everything felt fresh and well-maintained. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, professional, and always ready to help. I appreciated how welcoming they were from check-in to check-out. The location is ideal: just a short walk from local attractions, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to explore George Town without needing a car. For the price, this hotel offers excellent value. It’s not just about comfort—it’s the little details that make the stay memorable. I’d absolutely book again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
We had an absolutely unforgettable stay at You Le Yuen! Jane and her team were incredibly welcoming and attentive without being overbearing, giving us just the right amount of space to explore the property at our own pace. The atmosphere is so authentic and peaceful—like stepping into a hidden gem in George Town. Even my 13-year-old was impressed by the charm and unique vibe. From the cozy rooms to the thoughtful touches throughout, every detail felt special. We’re already planning our next visit. Truly one of the most memorable stays we’ve ever had in Malaysia.
Staying at Macalister Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is incredibly convenient—just a 10-minute walk to Komtar, 1st Avenue, and Prangin Mall, making shopping and exploring super easy. There’s a great variety of food courts and restaurants nearby, so you never run out of dining options. I also loved that there are several convenience stores and a 7-11 just steps away for quick snacks or essentials. If you're a durian fan like me, you’ll be thrilled—there are plenty of shops selling fresh durian around the area. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and staff are friendly and helpful. It's clear they care about guest comfort. Overall, this place offers excellent value and a fantastic experience—I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Penang.
Staying at The Journey Hotel in Penang was an absolute delight from start to finish. The room was clean, comfortable, and beautifully designed—perfect for both relaxation and family time. I loved how quiet and peaceful the atmosphere was, even though it’s just a short walk from the city center. Public transportation is super convenient; getting around town by train or bus is hassle-free. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful—always smiling, ready to assist with anything, and went out of their way to make our stay special. Parking was easy to find and well-organized, which made arriving and leaving stress-free. We brought the kids along, and they had a great time exploring the hotel and nearby areas. Everything about this place felt thoughtfully done—from the amenities to the attention to detail. Honestly, I can’t think of one thing I’d change. This is definitely a top pick for anyone visiting George Town. I’ll be coming back, and I’d highly recommend it to friends and family.
Staying at Beacon Executive Suites by Stayla was a great experience overall. While it's not located right in the heart of George Town, the location is still very convenient—just a short walk to public transit and close to local eateries and convenience stores. The room was spacious, modern, and incredibly comfortable, with excellent bedding that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff were friendly and helpful from check-in onwards, making the whole process smooth and welcoming. I appreciated the attention to detail and the clean, well-maintained environment. For the price, this place offers fantastic value. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Penang.
Stayed at Loop on Leith George Town Penang Hotel and was pleasantly surprised by the unique industrial-chic architecture—very distinctive and stylish. The front desk staff were able to communicate in basic English, making check-in smooth and stress-free. The room is on the smaller side, and the layout feels a bit quirky with furniture arranged unevenly, but all essentials are present and in good condition. Breakfast options were limited—just a few choices like vegetarian sandwiches, noodles, coffee, and eggs—but it was sufficient for a quick start to the day. What really stood out was the location: just steps away from the famous Blue Mansion, which you can visit for a small fee (great photo ops!). In the evening, there’s a vibrant food plaza nearby offering a wide variety of local snacks, drinks, and street eats—perfect for a casual night out. Overall, great value, convenient access, and a charming neighborhood vibe. Highly recommend for travelers looking for an authentic George Town experience.
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