Archives for "Pulau Pinang"

I spoke too soon. Just as i have posted about the 4 Heritage sites of 2008, another few more landmarks had made it into the list making a whooping 878 of UNESCO World Heritage sites in total to date. And guess what? I’m proud to announce that our very own Malacca (Melaka) and Georgetown (Pulau Pinang) are on that list. Malaysia Boleh!

Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, Malaysia

The two cities/town have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The two towns were the centre platform of the busy spice sea-route between Europe and the Far East. The trading had resulted in a rich multicultural heritage that is evident in the buildings, squares and even street names of both cities.

- The Stadhuys taken from http://www.pbase.com/ -

Melaka is best known to locals (Malaysians) for it’s red-painted Dutch buildings, rickshaws and delectable nyonya cuisine. People from all over the country drives all the way to this historical town for it’s famous chicken rice and coconut deserts.

- A Famosa taken from http://asiaphotogroup.com/ -

However Melaka is a popular tourist attraction because of it’s steep history falling back to the 15th Century where the sultanate rules and 16th Century when the Portuguese and Dutch took over before a change of hands to the British empire. Today, one will find many remnants of the glorious past scattered all over the streets of Melaka. This is balanced with other modern attractions such as water theme parks and cultural parks.

The World Heritage site covers St. Paul’s Hill civic zone (which includes A Famosa (Porta de Santiago), St. Paul’s Church and Stadhuys complex), residential and commercial areas (Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat), Heeran Street (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock) and adjacent streets) and th Malacca River. That covers almost all the must-visit areas of Malacca.

- Jonker Street during Chinese New Year taken from http://flickr.com/photos/amazingmelaka/ -

The largest city on Penang Island, Georgetown is a wonderful blend of cultures. George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century. The town retains most of its colonial charm, its narrow streets flanked by charming yet crumbling shop houses. Yet another town in Malaysia that still have rickshaws. You can see tourist relaxing while the rickshaw puller/cycler take them around town.

- Penang bridge taken from http://www.h4ppy.com/blog/ -

Founded in 1786 by British trader Francis Light, Georgetown was one of the three Straits Settlements along with Melaka and Singapore. It was the first British trading post in the Far East. Cathedrals, mosques, government offices, temples, bazaars, shops and cafes; the city has plenty of good food and things to see.

- Fort Cornwallis taken from http://timothytiah.blogspot.com/ -

Stepping into George Town is like stepping into the past with it’s old Peranakan houses and narrow back alleys. Yet it’s sandy, palm-fringed beaches care just close by.

Besides the centuries spanned architecture and complexes in George Town, Pulau Pinang (Penang) is also famous for its unique local culture especially the cuisine. Diners can enjoy a wide selection of good food at the local restaurants—everything from Malay satay to Chinese stir-fry. Who could resist Penang’s Chao Kuey Tiao?

- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion taken from http://www.avparker.com/category/misc/ -

The Heritage Site covers the Waterfront district (Esplanade and harbour area, Fort Cornwallis, Weld Quay and Beach Street), historical commercial centre (Bisop and Church street, China Street, Market and Chulia Streets and Little India), guilds and trades precinct (Chulia, Muntri, Leith and adjacent streets),mosques and wakaf enclave of Acheen Street and Kapitan Keling Mosque and also Chinese clan enclsave with Khoo, Cheah, Tan, Lim, Yap and Yeah clan or kongsi houses.

- Khoo Kongsi taken from http://picasaweb.google.com/dr.natasha/ -