Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia: Living like a local

Malaysia is a multicultural country. Colonized by the British, it also welcomed many immigrants mainly from China and India, but also several other countries. Georgetown, the main port city in the state of Penang, became a hub for these waves of immigration, shaping its amazing architectural heritage. Walking through its streets offers endless stimuli: picturesque buildings, vibrant street art, and an incredible variety of food. Although not the strongest either in nightlife or nature experiences, Georgetown has enough to keep you busy and often tempts visitors to extend their stay. I personally spent two months there and would happily return!

So here is a guide for anyone looking to feel like a local in this charming city!

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Staying

When it comes to renting, Georgetown is slightly more expensive than Kuala Lumpur and other Southeast Asian cities I’ve stayed in. The Old Town is a UNESCO heritage area, which limits new construction and reduces housing availability. Most apartments are designed for families, with multiple rooms and large kitchens, so finding a smaller place for just yourself or a partner can be challenging.

That said, some owners of charming historical houses rent out individual rooms, sharing the space with other tenants. The same applies to spacious apartments near the ocean. If you’re comfortable sharing a kitchen—and possibly a bathroom—with fellow travelers, you might find better prices.

Here is an overview of Georgetown neighborhoods:

Old Town: The heart of Georgetown is where you’ll find beautifully preserved colonial-era buildings, street art, and cute cafés. It’s vibrant and walkable. It is also the most touristic place, and where you might find more cafes and pubs filled with foreigners. 

Hin Bus Depot Area: This is the trendy arts district, a hub for creatives, with coworking spaces, markets, and artsy cafés. With more of a bohemian vibe, it’s also where digital nomads flock.

Gurney Drive: Known for its seaside promenade and nice condos, this is the most modern area and with more availability of renovated places to rent. It is also where you can find the best malls, gyms, and modern facilities.

Tanjung Tokong: A quieter, more residential area just outside the city center, popular among expats who move here. It’s close to the beach and offers a laid-back lifestyle. It also has a good offering of international schools.

Batu Ferringhi: For beachside living, this area offers beautiful coastlines and a more relaxed vibe. It’s further from the city but perfect for nature lovers.

Phone and Internet

I had no issues with internet connectivity in Malaysia, though some people do mention occasional speed limitations. Many cafés and coworking spaces offer Wi-Fi, but it’s always a good idea to test it beforehand to ensure it meets your needs.

I purchased a Tune Talk SIM card at the airport for RM 35 (~$7) per month, which provided reliable coverage—even in rural areas.

Getting around

Georgetown isn’t particularly pedestrian-friendly. The hot and humid weather can make walking uncomfortable—during my visit from March to May, even a few minutes outside left me with a sad T-shirt tan.

Unlike other Southeast Asian cities, scooters aren’t the main mode of transport. Cars dominate the streets, both because they are affordable enough in Malaysia, as because AC is a real necessity sometimes.

• Grab: Widely available, mostly for car rides. Fares are affordable, with an average trip costing around RM 8—a great deal for some minutes of AC, trust me!
• Buses: Another option, with some routes offering free rides to main tourist attractions. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, ranging from RM 1.40 (short trips under 7 km) to RM 5 (long trips over 35 km).
• Walking: Possible, but challenging. Sidewalks can be inconsistent, and some roads lack pedestrian crossings or traffic lights. You might also encounter local wildlife, like lizards or harmless snakes, especially near water channels. Just stick to your path, and both you and the animals will be fine!

Cultural factors to observe

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, though Georgetown reflects its multicultural heritage with strong Indian and Chinese influences, with diverse religions and traditions. I’d say it’s better to dress with modesty – and by that I mean a normal level of covering for an urban location – but that’s not really a big issue, since Georgetown is such a hot city. You will be fine wearing shorts and a t-shirt to be outside during the day. Use your discernment, especially for religious places.

If you’re visiting during Ramadan, expect quieter streets as many locals fast and pray. It’s also a great time to see festive decorations in malls, if you haven’t yet. 

Speaking of malls, they’re central to local culture—an authentic part of life here, as told by locals themselves, due to the need for air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat. Places to hang outside do exist, but although nature is pleasant you have to be careful to not invade the space of animals that will be hanging there as well! Tropical biomes are no joke, guys – I am telling you as a Brazilian myself.

Georgetown is a safe city for tourists. English is widely spoken due to British colonial influence, and there’s little record of foreigners encountering trouble here. Of course, as it is a medium-large city, never take safety for granted and avoid places that seem sketchy. As a female traveler, I found it safe to be by myself around the city. Maybe sometimes they will think it is weird and notice if you are walking – but that’s just because nobody there does that.  

Eating

As Penang has such a diversity of cultural roots, you can never get bored of food here. You can find meals at small restaurants for around RM 10, and RM 30 at more fancy ones. Many hawker food courts can be found in the city center and in Burmah road, the best option for everyday affordable food. 

If you are vegetarian, some exclusive vegetarian places can be found around the city. Buddhism is quite present there, and many people follow this diet with their practice. Vegetarian options are also available in most Indian places.

For groceries, you can find bigger supermarkets at the malls, as well as convenience stores  (7-eleven is present here). I found the prices affordable, especially for items like tofu and eggs. For produce, you better go for local options instead of imported vegetables. Western food is always more expensive, but if you really want to eat it, cooking will still be the more affordable option.

Bird’s nest drinks can be found in those convenience stores for the cheapest price you can ever encounter – they are produced here, after all. That is your best chance to try this delicacy!

Working

I prefer working from cafés while traveling as it’s a great way to explore the city. However, not all Georgetown cafés are laptop-friendly. Some lack Wi-Fi, while others close for lunch until 3 PM. Still, there are several good options, particularly around the Old Town and Hin Bus Depot.

For coworking spaces, Penang doesn’t disappoint. Day passes range from RM 20 to RM 35, with affordable monthly deals. You can choose between charming heritage-style spots and sleek, modern spaces with sea views.

Activities

You will probably be impressed by the street art in Penang. Art is taken seriously here, and if that’s your thing, you should consider enrolling in an arts class. Georgetown is home to several art schools, such as The One Academy, which also offers digital art programs.

During my time there, I went to Athens Gym. It was close to my place and offered yoga classes—I really enjoy taking classes with local coaches! I also enrolled into the climbing gym at the Gurney Plaza mall. There are also many dance studios around the city, so you can probably find something to suit whatever your interests are.

If you’re into hiking, you’ll need to venture a bit farther from the city center, but it’s worth it! Penang Hill has a more advanced trail, and the Botanical Garden is also a great spot for nature strolls. Be mindful of the monkeys—I had some unpleasant encounters, so maybe I’m biased toward completely avoiding them. For lighter walks, the oceanfront is always a good option.

Learning how to cook is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in any local culture, and Penang is no exception. The variety of spices and herbs they use here is astounding. You can even try picking up a few tricks from the street vendors—they don’t just cook, they perform!

I hope this guide was useful! Are you excited for some adventures in Georgetown? Stay tuned for more posts about it!