City guide · George Town, Penang
George Town, Penang
Britain's first settlement in Southeast Asia: shophouses, clan halls and street food
George Town is the capital of Penang and Malaysia's 'food capital'. Colonial shophouses, Chinese clan houses, mosques and Hindu temples stand side by side in the old town, and street murals have become new landmarks.
History
How the city came to be
In 1771 Francis Light, a former Royal Navy captain, was sent by the East India Company to develop trade on the Malay Peninsula. The Sultan of Kedah offered Penang Island in exchange for British military protection; Light was authorised to negotiate in 1786 and landed on the island on 17 July that year, founding George Town, Britain's first settlement in Southeast Asia. Close to the shipping lanes of the Strait of Malacca, George Town attracted immigrants from all over Asia. In 1826 it became capital of the Straits Settlements, and in 1832 the capital moved to Singapore. In 2008 the historic city of George Town became a World Heritage Site.
- 1786Light landed on the island and founded George Town
- 1826Became capital of the Straits Settlements
- 1832The capital moved to Singapore
- 2008The historic city became a World Heritage Site
Stories
Stories of the city
History · George Town, Penang
Light lands on the island
In 1771 the former Royal Navy captain Francis Light was sent by the East India Company to develop trade on the Malay Peninsula. The Sultan of Kedah offered Penang Island in exchange for British military protection; Light believed the island could become 'a convenient magazine for trade' and a check on the Dutch and French, but failed to persuade his superiors. Only in 1786 was he authorised to negotiate; he landed on 17 July that year and founded George Town — Britain's first settlement in Southeast Asia.
People
People connected with George Town, Penang
Must see
Places you shouldn’t miss
Before you go
Rules to know in George Town, Penang
Malaysia: pass things and eat with your right hand
- Use your right hand to eat with your fingers, to pass and receive things, and to shake hands
- To point the way, make a loose fist and point with your right thumb
- Pointing at people or things with your index finger
Not illegal, but seen as rude.
Not yet verifiedSource: Tourism Malaysia: travel guide