Thursday, June 18, 2009

Georgetown, Panang Island, Malaysia

Georgetown is a UNESCO world cultural heritage city, and one can really see why. There are basically two cities here - Chinatown, Little India and the Colonial District is one city. Ugly high-rise development etc is built so separately it's like another city, and you never have to see it except from a distance.

Once upon a time the East India Company sailed in, took over the island with some false promises to the local sultan and didn't give it up for 300 years or so. Typical colonial story. They also brought in the Chinese and the Indians to "stimulate trade".

As a result, the best way to enjoy Georgetown is to just walk around and soak up the atmosphere. There are so many colonial buildings, Chinese temples, and Hindu temples here you don't need to go find them, they will find you.







1 comment:

Zoya said...

It looks really beautiful - you make me want to travel.