Combining tradition with modernity has created a unique city without parallel anywhere in South East Asia.

BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
liyuin@ocision.com

Tourists lining up to snap picture with the one of the popular mural in George Town, 'Little Children On A Bicycle’ street mural in Armenian Street.

IT doesn't take much for one to see why George Town, the capital of Penang, was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in July 2008.

As an acknowledgment of its long and illustrious past that represents the British era from the end of the 18th century, you'll find yourself enjoying a truly well-preserved cultural and historical heritage that is both discernible and intangible.

Named after the British monarch, King George III, the city is a great example of a multicultural society, which is evident in the melting pot of cultures, religion and food.

However, what truly characterises the city is its architecture. With an eclectic mix of romantically crumbling shophouses, colonial buildings and houses, soaring skyscrapers, as well as gleaming shopping complexes, George Town is a city that rewards its explorers with hidden gems.

Yet perhaps, the greatest reward comes at the end of all the exploration: the incredible food. There's a reason why Penang is widely considered as the food capital of Malaysia.

Everywhere you look, you will be rewarded with a myriad of choices, from the coffee shops and roadside stalls of yesteryear, to the modern restaurants and food courts.

Home to a melting pot of ethnic groups, the food bears interesting nuances of flavour from different influences to please every palate.

Although present-day George Town is very compact, the older parts of the city is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleyways, allowing one the pleasure of a leisurely stroll and getting lost in the memories of bygone days.

Some of the more popular attractions are within easy reach, such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill, Khoo Kongsi, Chew Jetty, St George's Church and Kek Lok Si Temple.

But if you'd like to forget about all the fabulous architecture and world-renowned local fare (for a while at least), then you must check out the quirky and eye-catching street art.

It first started out as a series of 3D cartoon steel artworks affixed to walls around the city, detailing local customs and heritage with humour.

As these gained international fame, a series of unique public paintings, combined with actual everyday objects, became the next big thing, drawing crowds of people eager for selfies.

With so much to see and do in George Town, there's no time to lose. Start planning your trip to this exceptional city today.