Located on the northwestern side of Malaysia, Penang is a stunning state in the country with diverse offerings for its visitors. Penang Island and Seberang Perai make up Penang. This captivating Malaysian region is home to remarkable cities, which include George Town. George Town is popular for its remarkable landmarks and rich cultural heritage. Fort Cornwallis, Kapitan Keling Mosque, and Khoo Kongsi are a few of the most visited attractions in the city. More so, Gurney Drive is nestled in George Town, and it is a vibrant and charming seafront promenade where culture, art, and local cuisine come together. If you are planning to see what this side of Penang has to offer, here is a guide to Gurney Drive, George Town. Feel free to browse below.
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Things to do / Highlights
Named after a prominent Malayan commissioner who was killed by the communist party guerillas in the 1950s, Henry Gurney or Gurney Drive is a remarkable district in Penang that is a must-visit for tourists. It showcases lots of landmarks, including sacred temples, a vibrant nightlife, bustling shopping districts, and a multitude of dining options. Once you get to the place, you might feel overwhelmed by the number of things that you can do here. To help you navigate your way around and have a more smooth visit, here are some highlights that you should not miss while in Gurney Drive.
Visit the biggest temple in Penang, Wat Chayamangkalaram
Your Gurney Drive experience will not be complete without you getting to visit fascinating temples in the area and being able to pray and say your wishes. The biggest Thai temple in Penang can be found in Gurney Drive, and it is called Wat Chayamangkalaram. Also referred to as Wat Buppharam, this temple features mostly blue and yellow colors. It has been around since 1845 and is home to a reclining Buddha that is considered one of the top five biggest in the world.
Go on a shopping spree at Gurney Paragon Mall
A big part of vacations aside from sightseeing is shopping and dining. If you are feeling generous, why not give yourself a treat at Gurney Paragon Mall? Gurney Paragon Mall is a superb lifestyle center right in front of the beach in Gurney Drive. It is home to international brands, such as Adidas, H&M, Sephora, and a lot more, as well as some local brands. More so, it features an outdoor dining strip where tourists enjoy trying out local culinary delights.
What to eat
If you consider yourself a foodie, here are some excellent restaurants in Gurney Drive that you should not miss out on.
Bali Hai Seafood Market
For tourists who have a soft spot for seafood fares, Bali Hai Restaurant is the place to go. This restaurant features laidback interiors with tropical accents. Its furnishings are mostly rustic, and it has lots of ornamental plants that accentuate the place and give it a cozier vibe. Once you enter the place, you’ll notice aquariums lined up in a row, featuring crabs, lobsters, prawns, and fish that guests can choose from for their meals. Some popular dishes include fried crab with special chili sauce and steamed red snapper.
Bali Bali Cafe
If you are not in the mood for a heavy meal and you are just looking for a place to chill, Bali Bali Cafe might pique your interest. This is a trendy cafe that has a marvelous al fresco dining area. Its open-air setting and the abundance of ornamental plants on display make it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a meal. Aside from the delicious fares, this establishment is popular for its excellent coffee varieties, especially the Vietnam coffee.
Travelers tips
Wear comfortable shoes
Gurney Drive is a vibrant promenade in George Town that is popular among tourists who want to immerse in the city’s culture, go on a shopping spree, experience a culinary adventure, and visit remarkable landmarks. It is a place with overwhelming offerings. To make your Gurney Drive experience more convenient and comfortable, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Remember that you will be hopping from one place to another, and this district is huge. You wouldn’t want to miss out on anything and cut the trip short because of sore feet.
Appropriate dress
Although there is really no dress code for visitors to Gurney Drive, be reminded that you might want to plan your clothes according to the places you intend to visit while in this district of George Town. If visiting temples is part of your itinerary, you might want to curate an outfit that does not show too much skin. Footwear should be closed too, and you must ditch any bling that causes noise whenever you move. While temples like Wat Chayamangkalaram may seem like just another attraction to you, remember that it is still an active temple.
Tip from tour guide
If you'd like to spend the whole day here, I suggest starting with exercising in Gurney Drive in the morning. Then, have breakfast at a restaurant in the area. To pass the time, visit Gurney Plaza & Gurney Paragon and shop for local products. Have Penang's most popular street food at Gurney Hawker Center when you get hungry. And at night, stroll along Gurney Drive.
How to get there
On foot
Gurney Drive can be reached on foot, especially if you are located in Jalan Penang. Walk west, passing through Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah until you reach Lebih Burma.
By bus
For tourists who plan to take the bus for an affordable transportation method, be sure to hop on to 101 or 104 as they stop at Jalan Kelawai, which is within walking distance from Gurney Drive.
By cab
Like any other highly urbanized region in the country, cabs are available in George Town too. Hailing a cab on this side of Malaysia will be effortless, as there are plenty of cabs in the city.
By Grab car
Tech-savvy tourists, you will be delighted to know that Grab is available in Malaysia. This is a ride-hailing app just like Uber that provides comfortable and convenient rides for tourists and locals in the city. Just be sure to download the app on your mobile phone, and with a few clicks, you should be able to secure a driver who will pick you up from your location and take you to Gurney Drive.
Gurney Drive information
Gurney Drive
Address: George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Department of tourism: Visit Penang
Book Tours : A Taste of Penang - Food Tour
History
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