When the first rays of sunlight cast shadows on the mossy walls and crimson tiled roofs, George Town awakens, but makes people dreamy as if lost in some ancient story.
George Town is not noisy, not rushed. This city quietly retains the best of the past, blending with the modern pace of life in a gentle and graceful way, making me - a traveler who accidentally visited, instantly attracted, not wanting to leave.
Looking back at the history of the city
Founded in 1786 - few people know that a city with a somewhat ancient and peaceful atmosphere like George Town was once a solid fortress, as well as the busiest seaport on the Sino-Indian trade route. During that time, George Town was the destination of thousands of merchants from China, India and Europe, creating a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural community in the Penang area, Malaysia. That diversity has lasted until now and can be most clearly observed through the characteristics and customs of the mixed-race community such as Baba Nyonya (whose ancestors were Chinese immigrants, married to the local people) or Jawi Peranakan (whose ancestors were Indian immigrants, married to the local people).
Now, although it is no longer the busiest beach, George Town is still more crowded and bustling than ever. Because this place, in addition to being the capital of Penang, is also a UNESCO-recognized world heritage site, famous for its unique architecture and diverse culture.
Intersection in architecture
Walking on the streets of George Town, I came across rows of colorful ancient houses, handicraft shops, next to vivid artistic murals. Both the ancient and the new things of the present, all are not in conflict, but strangely harmonious.
It turns out that George Town is known as a "living museum" - not because this city displays the past, but because it has lived with the past.
The architecture here is an interesting mix: from British colonial buildings, Chinese temples, Indian temples to mosques, etc. If you love Chinese architecture, you can visit Cheah Kongsi - the oldest Fujian assembly hall in the city to explore the outstanding porcelain mosaic art on the yin-yang tiled roof.
Cheah Kongsi in George Town
The art of porcelain mosaic stands out on the yin-yang roof tiles of Cheah Kongsi
If you want to learn about buildings with a mix of architecture, you can visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque - a building with a unique combination of Indian architecture and traditional Islamic architecture.
Kapitan Keling Mosque in George Town
Walking around George Town, you can also see the Hindu imprint at the Sri Mahamariamman - the temple of goddess Mariamman. The temple stands out with its colorful decorations and sophisticated patterns, bearing the mark of Indian culture.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple in George Town
Each place has its own beauty and charm, but all coexist in respect and harmony.
Visiting the Peranakan Mansion - also known as the Green Villa, I felt like I was lost in another world when I stepped through the wooden gate: a large reception hall, classic European furniture, sophisticated British ceramics... all blending in a space with a strong Asian - European style.
Peranakan Mansion in George Town, Penang
fine English porcelain
Besides the skyscrapers, George Town always reserves peaceful corners for shophouses, red-tiled houses, etc. For this city, every building has its own place.
A few words about street food
Penang is known as the “kitchen of the world”, and George Town is the heart of that cuisine. I cannot forget the feeling when sitting at a small stall, enjoying Char Kway Teow - a Malaysian delicacy. The special thing about this dish is that it was originally a dish for Chinese people born in Southeast Asia in Malaysia. It was not until the end of the 20th century that the dish began to become more popular and was introduced to many countries such as Indonesia and Singapore.
A stall selling Char Kway Teow - a stir-fried noodle dish originating from Teochew, China.
Local barbecue is also a specialty that you should experience when coming to George Town.
And don't miss the seafood - a specialty of a port city.
A Chinese hot pot restaurant in George Town
Peking Duck in George Town
The cuisine here is a fusion of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian - each dish carries a story, a culture, a memory. And the best thing is: every flavor is familiar, easy to love, and very memorable.
Conclusion
George Town does not try to hold on to the past, but makes people unable to forget. This city is not flashy, not ostentatious, but deep enough to evoke emotions, beautiful enough to make people want to come back, and special enough to become a part of the memories of anyone who has ever visited.
If you are looking for a place with cultural depth, architectural beauty, and unforgettable culinary flavors - then George Town is the place you should visit. Not just to check-in, but also to listen, to feel, and to remember.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Giang Huynh
- Design: Phuong Nguyen
