Penang and Georgetown

Founded in 1786 by British trader Francis Light, Georgetown was one of the three original Straits Settlements along with Malacca and Singapore. Georgetown, which is capital of the island state of Penang, is a fascinating city that rose from a simple fishing village to become one of the most important spice trading centres in Asia and a critical business link between the East and the West.

• Explore the fascinating city of Penang by bicycle
• Admire Georgetown’s old-world charm
• Wander through the lively Chowrasta Market
• Experience a fascinating cooking class with Nazlina Spice

It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2008 and the city still retains much of its old colonial flavour with its delightful British Raj architecture, such as Penang City Hall, Fort Cornwallis and Queen Victoria Clock Tower.

The city also boasts a wonderful melting pot of cultures and along with the many temples, mosques, churches, Chinese shop houses, colourful street markets and bustling hawkers this is one of the most culturally and historically fascinating places in Malaysia.