KOMTAR is short for Kompleks Tunku Abdul Razak, named after the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, who officiated the piling of Phase 1 on 1 January 1974. The sixth tallest building in Malaysia was constructed in 1974 and completed in 1986. This 65-storey high rise tower in central Georgetown is cylindrical in shape can be found at the confluence of the Jalan Penang and Jalan Magazine. Komtar comprises of a multipurpose complex, comprising retail outlets, a transportation hub and administrative offices for the Penang state government. Three more storeys were added, raising the height of Komtar tower to 249 metres (817 ft) as part of a revitalisation plan in 2015.
Stands as one of the most prominent landmarks in Penang, its lower floors are retail spaces occupied by local boutiques and lots of stalls specialising in cell phone, camera and laptop repairs. The mall has an outdoor strip, called Komtar Walk, connected to the adjacent Prangin Mall. The lower ground floor of Komtar Penang mall is home to a bus terminal with Rapid Penang bus operators that serve the entire Georgetown area thus, making it very easily accessible.
To get here by public bus, just board the ones with Komtar sign. If you are coming from Penang Airport, it would be much easier to take a taxi or Uber/Grab car. Be sure to deal with fee before boarding to prevent scamming. Unlike KL city, getting around on your feet in Georgetown is quite harmful due to lack of facilities for pedestrian.
Visiting the Street Art is definitely the best option if you are in Georgetown. Some of the old walls in Georgetown has been given a fresh breath by a Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic. He then formed a collaboration with some of the local artists to turn the dull walls into vibrant and attractive mural art. These murals are the latest sensation that attract many people to Penang these days. No admission fee is being charged. If you are planning to visit the murals, plan your itinerary well as some of them require a long queue just to take picture.
Home of a rich Baba that is recreated to offer a partial view of their lavish lifestyle and their many customs and traditions. This mansion ages more than 100 years. With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display, this place is open for visitors daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm with the admission fee of RM20 for adult and free for child below 6 years old. Take note that photography is not allowed within the mansion. Special permission has to be requested beforehand.
Located only 0.12 km from Komtar, this 4 start hotel is an absolute pick if you are planning to stay in Goergetown. Hotel Jen Penang is suitable for both business and leisure traveller. It is close to the city’s prime commercial, business and shopping areas while Penang International Airport and Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone are only 15 minutes away. Excellently equipped with essential and additional facilities for the convenience of its guest, this hotel aims to deliver the best to make your stay a memorable one.
Old Budget Hotel is located at Jalan Macalister and is only 0.23 km from Komtar. Recently restored, this budget hotel will give you a colonial setting room with a top notch service provided by their staffs. Old Budget Hotel is a perfect place for those travelling on a tight budget. Easily accessible, some of attractions nearby are Penang Heritage Trail and Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre.
Total Accommodation | 200 Properties |
Popular Area | Gurney Drive, Gelugor |
Popular Hotel | The Edison George Town, Penang, JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La |
Popular Landmark | Gurney Plaza, Penang Adventist Hospital |