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Never Enough of Beach Street

Beach Street is within walking distance to major attractions such as Weld Quay, Fort Cornwallis, the Clan Jetties and Lebuh Chulia. Hop on to the Rapid CAT shuttle for a free ride down this street.
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Welcome to the streets of George Town. Every issue, we bring you on a vicarious tour of the heritage trails of Penang highlighting their history, attractions and more!
Constructed in 1787 upon the arrival of Sir Francis Light, Beach Street or Lebuh Pantai as it is now known serves as the main thoroughfare for George Town’s historic heritage zone. Originally a coastal road, Beach Street is still an important commercial and financial district with several government complexes, major banks, the State Assembly Building and wholesale emporiums.
The street begins from the ‘nutmeg’ roundabout by Fort Cornwallis and stretches 2 kilometres towards the end of the Heritage Buffer Zone. The first building to make its presence felt is the Standard Chartered Bank which retains its colonial façade as does most of the other structures along the way. Just past the Sri Weld Food Court on your right is the Tourism Penang office where you can stop to make enquiries or to pick-up city maps.
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Facing them is The Whiteaways Arcade, a two-storey building housing event space, art galleries, boutiques, cafes, fast food outlets and the Penang Global Tourism office. Keep your eyes peeled for the Jing-Si Books & Café on your left. A peaceful respite from the busy street, the establishment sells spiritual literature, recipe books and healthy food items such as cookies, multigrain mix, beverages and instant rice imported from Taiwan.
One noteworthy event that takes place in this area every Sunday is Project Occupy Beach Street. Several perpendicular streets are closed to traffic from 7am – 1pm so people can use them for fun, social activities such as jogging, biking, street soccer and dancing. There is also a street market where you can sample some local food and delicacies, rent bicycles and pick up some eco-friendly products.
Halfway down the street, you will find Jo Accessories, where you can purchase customised crystal jewellery or try your hand at creating some accessories with their Beading Class held daily. Next door to them is local heritage brand Ghee Hiang, which sells the legendary Penang pastry tau sar pneah (ground green bean biscuits) made from centuries-old recipe originating from the Fujian province of China.
If you fancy a proper dinner in a cosy environment, head down to China House just a few metres down the street. Housed in a heritage building, this restaurant and gallery space serves fusion food, sumptuous cakes and a cold drink or two at its Canteen+Bar just beyond the open-air courtyard.
Opposite the restaurant you’ll find the Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi. Built in 1878, the ornate interior of this clan temple is reminiscent of the Khoo Kongsi and houses a copper altar and wooden plaque dating back to 1852 and 1857 respectively.
Newly opened in town, Wonderfood Museum is almost good enough to eat with its larger-than-life food replicas; so a visit is sure to get your tummy growling and feast your senses on the world’s 1st amazing food wonderland journey.
Almost at the end of the street is Noob Hostel, a cyclist-friendly and affordable guesthouse which offers bike rentals and pod-style dormitories, should you require a cheap and cheerful stay. It is strategically located in the heart of George Town with plenty of nearby attractions.

Eat

  • China House
  • Guan Seang Penang
  • Kedai Kopi Lam Ah
  • Sri Weld Food Court
  • Shiz Ma Kuang
  • Old Town White Coffee
  • Subway
  • The Twelve Cups
  • Mama-Miya Coconut Ice Cream
  • Easy Brew
  • Coffee On The Table
  • The Book Sandwich Cafe
  • Cozy In The Rocket
  • Black Kettle
  • Kane Mochi
  • Yellow Lips Cafe
  • Cameo PenangKopitan Classic White Coffee

Sleep

  • Noob Hostel

Do

  • Ghee Hiang 
  • Jing-Si Books & Café
  • Jo Accessories
  • Occupy Beach Street Project
  • Wonderfood Museum
  • Tjantek Mulus Spa
  • Ten Yee Tea Trading Sdn. Bhd.
  • Heritage Zone Reflexology
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