George Town, Penang, Malaysia

 

George Town, Malaysia

March 4-5, 2025


The capital of the Malaysian island of Penang, George Town has long been a crossroads. Resting on the strait of Malacca, it served as an important port on the prosperous trade routes between Madras and Canton. Today, it is a glorious celebration of culture, one of Asia’s most colorful corners. George Town’s unique cityscape features shops from colonial days, Buddhist and Taoist temples and “Kongsi”, brightly painted clan houses that traditionally open their doors to all who share a surname. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town’s diverse culture is on display through its architecture and cuisine.

We embarked on a scenic tour by bus through the city.  Our guide explained how George Town developed as a trading post in the 18th century.

We passed the whitewashed façade of St. George’s Church, the whimsical street art and then visited Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and the eye-catching State Mosque.






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