Believed to have been constructed in accordance to perfect feng shui specifications, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion with its elaborate pillars and beautiful inner courtyard is a Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Award 2000 recipient.

Hidden in a maze of alleys and pre-war houses is the breathtakingly beautiful Khoo Kongsi – clanhouse built by the early Khoo clanmen more than 100 years ago. Three tucked away entrances at Cannon Street, Beach Street and Armenian Street will lead you the magnificent structure built on a beautiful courtyard.

History was shaped here – right in the humble rooms of this double-storey shophouse where China’s first elected provisional president, Dr Sun Yat Sen held important meetings that helped change the face of China’s political and social structure.

One of the main houses of worships along George Town’s “Street of Harmony”, the Kapitan Keling Mosque was built and designed by German architect Henry Alfred Neubronner.

City Hall is a municipal building in George Town, Penang, which was formerly the seat of the City Council of George Town.
Originally built in 1903 as the Municipal Office, Penang, the building was erected at a cost of $100,000 to relieve demand for office space at the adjacent Town Hall, which then took on a more social function. Both buildings stand in front of the Padang on Esplanade Road.

The cenotaph was unveiled by the Prince of Wales on March 31, 1922, at the Esplanade seafront where some World War I battles were fought and where many sailors lost their lives.

In 2003, archaeological excavations unearthed a small tunnel with a 96cm opening underneath the building. Artifacts discovered included broken pieces of pottery, Chinese roof tiles, bricks, glasses, porcelain and coins and even nails.

At the entrance of Fort Cornwallis, a statue of Captain Francis Light beckons visitors to the late 18th century star-shaped structure (complete with a chapel, a gunpowder magazine, cell rooms, flagstaff, harbour light and several cannons) which is the biggest well preserved fort in the country.

The fascinating heritage shophouses in George Town may offer visitors a glimpse of Penang’s British colonial history but it is at the Esplanade that her past truly unfolds.

Standing directly opposite each other, two of George Town’s most prominent heritage landmarks seem to be facing off in a bid for prominence. Indeed, both are equally grand and imposing especially if viewed from the ferry coming into the island.

Once upon a time in ancient China, there lived a talented goldsmith whose skill was second to none. His name was Wu Ching. To help his disfigured sister win the emperor’s heart, Wu Ching committed one of the worst crimes imaginable – deceiving the emperor!

Imagine intricately-carved wooden sedan chairs carried by devotees, making its way around the island, bearing statues of revered deities. And in the background, sounds of clashing cymbals and curious rhythms accompanying prayer chants ring loud.

Today, the powder blue, double-storey building is home to Japanese sculptor Hitori Nakayama – a prominent personality in the local art scene who has proudly called Penang “home” for close to two decades.

A Famosa is a fortress located in Banda Hilir, Malacca in Malaysia. A Famosa is commonly pronouced as “ei Famosa” although the actual pronounciation is “ah Famosa”.  It also means “The Famous” in Portuguese.