The capital of the island and Penang state, Georgetown is an easy 35-minute drive from Batu Ferringhi. Founded by the British East India Company in 1786, it’s one of the oldest British settlements in Southeast Asia. As a result, colonial architecture abounds, including the imposing battlements of Fort Cornwallis.
In between these 18th-century relics you’ll find Hindu and Chinese Taoist temples, batik galleries and shops with walls adorned by Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic. This eclecticism is echoed by Georgetown’s world-famous culinary scene, where you can treat yourself to delicious cuisine from Malaysia, China, India and various parts of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
