History of GeorgeTown(penang)

George Town is the capital city of the state of Penang in Malaysia. Named after Britain's King George III, the city is located on the north-east corner of Penang Island and has about 220,000 inhabitants, or about 400,000 including the suburbs.

George Town was founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, a trader for the British East India Company, as base for the company in the Malay States. He obtained the island of Penang from the Sultan of Kedah and built Fort Cornwallis on the north-eastern corner of the island. The fort became the nexus of a growing trading post and the island's population reached 12,000 by 1804.

George Town is known as Tanjung in Malay and 喬治市 (Qiáozhì Shì) in Chinese. It was voted as one of the best cities in Asia by Asiaweek, ranked 6th in 1998 and 9th in 2000. More recently in 2007, it was ranked as the 10th most liveable city in Asia according to an international survey involving 254 cities worldwide by Employment Conditions Abroad Limited (ECA International). Back in 2002, it was placed 12th. A city is judged based on its weather, air quality, infrastructure, health services, housing, security and politics.

Due to strict rent controls, George Town retains many colonial-era shophouses to this day and is often considered an architectural gem. Most of George Town's population is of Chinese origin.

Since the repeal of the rent controls in 2000, many pre-war buildings have given way to new high rises. Heritage guidelines are still in its infancy and much needs to be done to conserve such treasures for the benefit of future generations.

Tourist Attractions in GeorgeTown(penang)

Kek lok si temple
The Temple of Supreme Bliss that sits majestically at the hills of Ayer Itams isperhaps one of the remarkable gifts that Penang possesses today.

St. anne church- bukit mertajam
Check this out! The St Anne Church is getting ready to play host for over 100,000pilgrims in the nine-day annual St Anne's Feast celebrations this year. Look huge

Pilgrims comprising Catholics and non-Christians from all around the country as well as abroad gathered at the 188 year old church praying for health and blessings fromSt Anne, the grandmother of Jesus Christ.

St. George church –georgetown
The popularity of Christendom's St. George is far-reaching, touching the religious aswell as the secular. Churches named after him are found in many parts of the world, including the historic city of George Town, Penang. St. George has also served as a fountain of inspiration to writers (like Shakespeare), artists and musicians.

Kuan yin temple-jalan masjid kapitan keling
Kuan Yin temple which is located at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (previously known as Pitts street), are doubt as one of the oldest Chinese temple in Penang. With history dated back to 1800, Kuan Yin temple is the symbol of pride, compassion and love to all her loyal devotees.

The Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin is perhaps one of the noticeable figures of all Buddhist deities in Penang today. She enlightened and embodies the attributes of benevolence and unshakable loving compassion that is accessible to everyone.

The popularity of Kuan Yin as a beautiful white-robed goddess filled with pure devotion and compassion are well known to the people of Penang. Kuan Yin statue is commonly found in homes and Buddhist temples in various incarnations, often cloaked in white robes.

Pinang peranakan mansion- church street

Built at the end of the 19th century, the mansion is a typical representation of the Straits Eclectic style of architecture – highly favoured by rich Peranakan families of old.

Fort Cornwallis & esplanade- lebuh light
Sir Francis Light would have never thought that the fort he built more than two centuries ago are still intake and filled with the everlasting rich history of Penang.

The star shaped Fort Cornwallis marks the starting point where Francis Light and his crew from British East India Company landed in Penang on 11th August 1786 to "take possession" of the island from the Sultan of Kedah. It was later named after the Governor-General of Bengal, Charles Marquis Cornwallis.

Penang hill

Amazing as it may sound. A cooling environment in the hot and dry weather of Penang. Penang Hill or affectingly known by locals as "Bukit Bendara", is one of the only cool places to visit in Penang. A hill with elevation of about 833 m (2723 ft) has proved that it is one of the main attractions not only to the foreigner but also locals.

Being the only one of its kind in Malaysia, it has becomes Penang unique asset and serves as a "People's Favorite Park" for the metropolitan Penang.

The Park is located at the north-western corner of Penang Island, on what resembles the side profile of a face, hence the name Muka Head (muka literally means face).

Khoo kongsi- cannon street
Many of you would be surprise to know that, clan association can be traced back to 650 years in Penang.Leong San Tong, or famously known as Khoo Kongsi are the most distinctive and reputable clan house in Penang.