Excursions in George Town.

 
Ben van Wijnen

Now there's a much easier way to visit all the beautiful sights in and around the centre of Penang. Thanks to the State Government, tourists and locals are enjoying now the free shuttle service in George Town. This free service helps you save time and money touring Gorge Town heritage and commercial attractions.

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This bus service is provided free-of charge. The service runs at regular 12-minute intervals from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Mondays to Fridays and 7:00am to 2:00pm on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays and public holidays. The bus  shuttle passes through the major roads in George Town. It starts at the Jetty (to Butterworth), Weld Quay and passes by the Komtar, Penang Road before returning to its starting point. The entire journey takes approximately 45 minutes. A bus is scheduled to arrive every 12 minutes at all bus stops (20) located on this route.

The free shuttle bus goes in a circular direction. So you can hop on and off, you do not need to book a tour of George Town because it's small enough to get around, just get the places-to-see list from the tourist board office near the Clock Tower.

 

You can recognize the bus stops at those round red signs and on that sign is written: "Stesen" and  "Bas Shuttle". Sight Seeing George Town:

Fort Cornwallis	Fort Cornwallis is situated at the spot where Captain Francis Light was supposed to have landed in 1786. Originally a wooden structure, the fort was rebuilt between 1808 and 1810 with convict labour. It was named after Charles Marquis Cornwallis, a distinguished Governor General of India, and designed to protect the harbour from possible French attacks.
Khoo Kongsi temple	This clan temple for Chinese with the same surname, is one of country's oldest and grandest clan temple. The intricately decorated roof, pillars and walls are fine examples of traditional Chinese architecture and craftsmanship. (see the special site about the Khoo Kongsi temple <click>)
Kapitan Keling Mosque	It was built in 1801. It was founded by Cauder Mydin Merican or Kapitan Kling. He was the headman of the Muslim community during that era. It's present form  is the result of a second renovation undertaken in the 1930's. It's a grand Indian-Muslim mosue, which boasts of Moorish  architecture. (see the special site about this mosque <click>)
Goddess of Mercy Temple	It was founded in 1801 on East India Company land by Chinese immigrant settlers, the temple looms over visitors with its prominent red roof, snarling dragons and lions. It bristles with endless activity all year round and the air is perpetually permeated with sandalwood incense, burnt joss sticks and smog from nearby traffic. On the Goddess of Mercy's feast days--the second, sixth and ninth lunar month, there are puppet shows and authentic Chinese operas and if you are lucky, you just might be able to catch the majestic dragon dance.
Little India	This area is widely and fondly known as Little India due to the focus of Indian shops. Most of the Indian community here are Southern Indians who open shops, stores and eating places selling saris, garlands, trinkets, sculptures and all things Indian, even music.
Sri Mahariamman Temple	At Lebuh Queen is the Mahariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in town. Built in 1833, it boasts of a splendidly sculptured gate at its entrance, which still welcomes the Hindu community who turn up in full force to celebrate the enlightenment days of their deities.
Weld Quay	Weld Quay is at the waterfront. At the waterfront is the Chew Jetty. This is a clan jetty, a village built on stilts over the sea and populated by members of the same clan. . There are at least 6 clan jetties along Weld Quay, the Chew Jetty, Yeoh Jetty, Lim Jetty, Lee Jetty, Tan Jetty and Ong Jetty.

 
Other interesting sights in George Town:

- Clock Tower

- City Hall
- Town Hall
- Court Buildings
- State Museum
- Yap Kongsi Tempel
- Dr Sun Yat Sen's  base on Penang nr. 120 Armenian Street (1909 - 1911)
- Mosque: Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh
- Penang Museum
- Cathedral of the Assumption
- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
- Residence of Ku Din Ku Meh
- Nagore Shrine

 

And there's a lot more.....