Georgetown, Penang Island, Malaysia. This magnificent buzzing city is located on Penang Is-land, a true diamond of Malaysian tourism. While the island itself is peace of heaven and tranquility, her capital city is counterpoise peculiar for all those city kids who get a bit downturn with the calm surrounding.
Being the first port of the British empire in South East Asia, placed this city as a true legend of history and culture in the region. And, as soon as you hit any major street in the center, art is everywhere. Culture and multiculturalism too. Recognized UNESCO, the whole of the town, like the World Heritage site.
Queen of the city heritage is Khoo Kongsi, an ancient Chinese clan temple at Cannon street. Urban-legend says, if you didn’t visit the temple, you haven’t been to Georgetown.
Address: Cannon Square 18 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
As you walk further the streets, monumental architecture is visible on every spot. The biggest evidence of multiculturalism in this city are temples of three different religions. Located in a matter of seconds away, you’ll find standing Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and Mosques. The tag line “Malaysia Truly Asian” used locals is summed up in these secret buildings of miracles beauty. Also, few Christian churches can be seen in the city.
Kapitan Keling Mosque, Address: Jalan Buchkingham 14 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
The multicultural vibe of the city can be experienced in the local cuisine too. And, it doesn’t matter if you’ll have dinner at a posh restaurant or grab something from fast food venues on the corner, the taste of diverting will engage your senses.
One architectural edifice in the city simplifies multiculturalism in its raw form. The Penang Peranakan Mansion, located in Church Street. Having so recognizable Malaysian name, built and owned the Chinese Keng Quee family, this mention is imposing evidence of how Victorian style was adopted and upgraded to adjust the local area.
Address: Church Street 29 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Highlights of a blend of cultures are also visible in the city’s tourist content. From westerners, predominantly families, to Japanese and Chinese groups with their trademark camera around the neck to Middle East Asians.
Quite often you’ll catch how a couple from Germany connect their table in a restaurant, with a couple from Saudi Arabia, and have a long night with few glasses of Palm wine.
Yap Kongsi Temple, Address: Lebuh Armenian Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Having the status of the mural capital of Asia and an open multicultural society, Georgetown be-comes a pilgrimage of Hipsters from all over the world. This city has it all what it takes to attract subculture which slowly fading away on the west. From state of art street foods at Lebuh Cintra Street to coffee shops offering coffee with various flavors. The coffee culture of Georgetown is well known all over Asia. My favorite coffee shop everyone should visit is Caffeine Chemistry at Nagore Square.
Address: Nagore Square 27 Jalan Nagore, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
And, from craft art workshops to alternative bars and street art communities. Even during the rainy seasons, the city is filled with their most addicted lovers. The rustic look of facades around is the magical source of creativity that can be seen on the walls and crafted arts all across the city.
Julie Teddy Craft House in 124A Jalan Burma street is a place that took most of my time. Sewing and leather private classes were super fun, but that’s just a part of their rich offer to visitors.
Or you could learn how to restore that oldie bike you have in the garage and create some amazing two-wheel custom friend, everyone will admire too!
To summarize, one thing caught up my mind having a stroll through the neighborhoods. All the murals are so interactive, just like they’re telling the story of the city. There’s no need to be involved in a conversation with locals to understand who are they. They’ve told their stories with graffiti.
Or just watch the walls to detail, you’ll understand how this city breaths. It will ease your conversation with locals and in a matter of hours, you’ll feel like one of them.
Georgetown is a definite place to be to all of you Cosmopolitans. Place on Earth from another planet. Outside of this difficult world we live in.
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