The 3.7 km (2.3 mi) long road is a major artery leading out of the city centre towards the suburb of Tanjong Tokong.

In addition, ethnic Eurasians and Thais still live at or around the vicinity of the road within Pulau Tikus, contributing to the street's multicultural character.

[1] Upon arriving on Penang Island in the late 18th century, the Burmese established their own settlement, named Kampung Ava, which was located near the road.

[2] In the olden days, water sourced from the interior of Penang Island had to be carried on ox-carts and pails suspended on shoulder yokes.

Since the latter half of the 20th century, modern urbanisation has also gentrified much of Burmah Road, as the growth of George Town continued westwards and subsumed Pulau Tikus into an affluent suburb of the city.