The Melting Pot of Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

khoo-kongsi-temple-penang-OP

Perhaps the prime example of multicultural Malaysia in all its rich cultural diversity and fascinating history lies in historical Georgetown in Penang, an island in the north of Peninsula Malaysia.

Malaya was part of the British Empire and Georgetown was founded in 1786, named after Britain’s King George III.

Georgetown was at the heart of over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. It is now listed as UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Melaka / Malacca.

Chinese shop houses in Georgetown, Penang
Chinese shop houses in Georgetown, Penang

Exploring Georgetown, Penang

The heritage architecture is amazingly well preserved and the Chinese merchant houses in the heart of old Georgetown are one of the best examples of pre-war architecture in Asia.

In the early days Chinese and Indian labourers flocked to Georgetown. Through trading it grew to become one of the most successful colonies of the British Empire. The history and multicultural feeling is still really evident today.

On one of Georgetown’s main streets – called the ‘Street of Harmony’  it is easy to go temple hopping and visit Hindu temples, Chinese ancestral worship temples, Muslim mosques, Buddhist temples and Christian churches all on one street!

The street of harmony is home to an incredible diversity of places of worship in Georgetown Penang
The street of harmony is home to an incredible diversity of places of worship in Georgetown Penang

Penang is fabulous melting pot mix of cultures, religions and people with a colourful heritage and old world charm. The colonial, Chinese, Malay and Indian influences combined to create a fascinating fusion of the East and West, and gave the town a unique and specific multicultural heritage.

A stroll through the small, atmospheric streets of Georgetown felt like it had taken me through multiple countries in one day.

I started at the ruins of Fort Cornwallis, built in 1786 when the British East India company came to what was before a practically uninhabited island. Walking through the colonial buildings of the town halls and Christian churches felt like I could have been back in London.

Colonial architecture and churches in the streets of Georgetown, Penang
Colonial architecture and churches in the streets of Georgetown, Penang

The colonial architecture is amazingly well preserved and tells a story of the multicultural history and heritage among the narrow winding streets. As well as galleries and museums you can find out more about the people who once influenced this important trading city by visiting their heritage homes.

The Peranakans

Penang is home to a unique group of people –  The Peranakans. Also called Peranakan Chinese and Baba-Nyonya – they were the descendants of the 15th- 17th-century Chinese immigrants who then mixed and married with local Malays, fusing cultures and traditions together.

The Peranakans were often wealthy, educated and powerful people involved with trade and you can get a taste of their opulent lifestyle and many unique customs and traditions at the Peranakan Mansion.

Now an icon of Penang – the vibrant blue Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, built in 1904 by teams of master craftsmen from China for the important Chinese politician and businessman. This is a fine example of Chinese opulence and influence at this time and one of only three of its kind left outside China

The iconic bright blue of Cheong Fatt Tze's mansion
The iconic bright blue of Cheong Fatt Tze’s mansion

Another former Penang resident was Sun Yat Sen. He was involved in the 1911 Chinese Revolution to end imperial rule in China and was president of the new Republic of China. You can visit his house in a quiet, unassuming street of Georgetown.

From China to India. In just a few streets I entered Little India, a lively, colourful district as Bollywood hits blast out of the shops selling saris, jewellery, South Indian food and DVDs while the smell of chai and sandalwood fill the air.

Exploring the rest of Penang Island

Outside of Georgetown, the island of Penang offers beaches, forests and more glorious temples.

Visit the snake temple, adorned with live poisonous snakes, ride up the funicular to get amazing views from Penang’s Hill Station, and make sure to visit one of my favourite temples of all, the sprawling, spectacular and fascinating Kek Lok Si temple.

The sprawling Kek Lok Si temple, Penang
The sprawling Kek Lok Si temple, Penang

Penang also offers a multicultural feast for the taste buds. From little boutique restaurants in restored colonial buildings, to night markets and good honest street food stalls.

All of the meals I had in Penang, from Indian curries to Chinese dumplings, noddle soups, dim sum, roti, kebabs, seafood, spicy Thai and Malay curries, were always cheap, interesting and delicious.

curry laksa penang food
Food in Penang is varied and delicious, my favourite was creamy, sour and spicy curry laksa

There is really something for everyone in Penang. UNESCO jointly listed Georgetown with Malacca, and a trip to laid back, charming, historical Malacca was another one of my highlights of Malaysia.

For more information about Penang including where to stay, eat and how to get there, check out my ultimate Malaysia backpacking guide.

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5 comments

Karisa May 21, 2014 at 8:08 pm

Great post! I really enjoyed exploring (and eating my way around) multicultural Penang. Little India was my favorite!

Reply
Anna Phipps May 22, 2014 at 2:11 pm

Thanks! Yes I really loved Penang, the diversity and history was fascinating – and the food! I still have cravings for curry laksa and I loved Little India as I miss the sub continent. Also loved the free drinks for ladies in the Reggae Bar and Reggae Mansion! 🙂

Reply
Poisoncentral.Net September 21, 2014 at 1:08 pm

I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written!

Reply
Samantha November 24, 2014 at 10:18 am

Awesome pics! I didn’t know much about the history of Georgetown but we just loved it there. So much fun!

Reply
Anna Phipps November 24, 2014 at 7:48 pm

Thanks! Yeah I really loved Georgetown too – it was so fun to explore all the different cultures and cuisines in Penang.

Reply

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