The town was established in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, upon acquiring the island of Penang from a local sultan. He named the town after King George IV of England.

Today, Georgetown is the capital of Penang. It is the seat of administration and the commercial hub of the state. Located in the north-east part of the island and is connected to the mainland by Penang bridge.

A ferry service transports vehicles and passengers from mainland Butterworth to Georgetown and back, 24 hours a day.

Georgetown possesses a unique charm of old and new perfectly blended. Take to its streets and you will see small time peddlers exhibiting their wares within view of larger, more modern business establishments. Vintage trishaws share the roads with modern automobiles. Quaint, old buildings stand proud next to taller, more sophisticated ones.