Gurney Drive is a seafront promenade in Georgetown of Penang stretching about 2 kilometres from start to the end. Initially known as New Coast Road, it was renamed Gurney Drive in honour of Sir Henry Gurney, the British High Commissioner in Malaya.
Visitors will most often associate Gurney Drive with food, and understandably so given the wide selection offered in abundance along the stretch, particularly at the hawker centre. It is therefore an absolute must that visitors take time to sample the various delicacies that Penang has to offer. If hawker food is not one’s choice, there are always alternatives. Along the stretch are various cafés and restaurants offering Chinese, Malay, Western cuisines that are largely centered on seafood, given the proximity to the sea. After a good meal, visitors can take a stroll along the beach promenade or take a seat on the readily available benches and unwind to the cooling sea breeze. The beach front is a good viewing point to capture the beautiful panoramic view of the Esplanade in the older part of the city. The stretch is usually frequented by joggers in the morning and is a perfect spot to await the rays of a new day. Nearby shopping complexes, the Gurney Paragon and Gurney Plaza offer quick relief to visitors who are caught by the island heat and humidity. These are great places to shop for souvenirs.
Gurney Drive is generally considered to be the food haven within the food haven that is Penang, but behind its popularity hides other equally good reasons for a visit.
| How to get there: |
Gurney Drive is located at about 30 minutes away from Penang Bridge. But being in Penang, it is highly recommended that visitors take some time to travel on a trishaw, where the slow-paced ride allows for photography and observations of the daily lives of Penangites.
| Opening hour and entrance fee: |
Gurney Drive is open to public and there is no entrance fee required to access the promenade.
| Recommended Hotels in Georgetown, Penang: | ||
| Eastern & Oriental Hotel (5 stars) | ||
| One of the oldest and yet luxury hotel in Georgetown. | ||
| Sunway Hotel Georgetown (4 stars) | ||
| Clean and comfortable room with helpful staffs and relaxing environment. | ||
| Hotel Royal Penang (4 stars) | ||
| Close to all the city attractions, suitable for family and business travelers. | ||
| 1926 Heritage Hotel (3 stars) | ||
| A family friendly heritage hotel located on Burma Road. | ||
| Chulia Heritage Hotel (3 stars) | ||
| Centrally located and affordable heritage hotel, suitable for budget travelers. |
