George Town, UNESCO World Heritage city in Penang, Malaysia
Description
George Town is a large city on Penang Island along the Strait of Malacca in Malaysia, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center holds hundreds of old street blocks with two-story houses, religious buildings, and markets, while modern districts and residential areas extend outward.
History
Francis Light founded the settlement in 1786 as the first British colony in Southeast Asia and made it a trading hub. The city grew during the 19th century into an important port that attracted Chinese, Indian, and Arab merchants.
Culture
The name honors King George III of England and is also spelled Georgetown, though the official version remains without a space. Today residents walk streets where Chinese signs stand beside Tamil temples, while Malay dishes are sold next to Indian curries.
Practical
The historic center can be explored on foot, while buses reach outer districts and nearby parks. A walk along the waterfront promenade gives access to many older neighborhoods, which are less crowded during morning hours or late afternoon.
Did you know?
At the Clan Jetties, Chinese families live in wooden houses on stilts over the water, a tradition that has continued since the 19th century. Each jetty belongs to a specific family or lineage group that still manages maintenance and community rules on its own.
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