The aura of its past permeates as you meander through its narrow streets. Ornate facades of old shop houses, centuries-old temples and colonial architecture greet you along the way.The intricate paintwork and designs of these facades bring you back to the glory days of myriad ethnic groups steeped in culture and tradition. At every corner you turn, each building you take a snapshot of, and every place you visit, you will find a story that goes back in history.

For example, grandiose buildings with heavily-ornamented 17th century architecture of the Khoo Kongsi Chinese clansmen transport you back to their heydays as Straits traders. Soak in the spicy aromas as you walk through a bazaar and imagine its 18th century role as an important trading post for opium and spices. Portuguese traders from India on their way to the Far East for spices made it their port of call. Its location north of the Straits of Malacca made it a safe harbor for Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European ships.
The British provided protection from threatening forces of Siam and Burma, and later established its presence when Captain Sir Francis Light took over the island from the Kedah Malay Sultanate in 1786 for the British East India Company. Fort Cornwallis, which still stands today at the Esplanade, bears historical significance. Inside the fort are numerous cannons, one of which is the infamous Sri Rambai, a brass cannon with an interesting history and local belief that you can find out more about when you visit the fort! The statue of Francis Light overlooks the star-shaped fort, which was built on the site where Francis Light and his crew first landed on the island.
The Portuguese, Dutch, British, French, Siamese, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Malay, Germans, Armenians, Acehnese, Jews and others, all have left indelible marks that make this island city a melting pot of heritage and culture. Street names and places such as Armenian Street, Acheen Street, Burma Road, Rangoon Road, Siam Road, Gottlieb Road, Katz Street, the Jewish and Japanese Cemeteries, Fort Cornwallis, Khoo Kongsi, Kek Lok Si Temple, Nattukkotai Chettiar Temple and Footprint of Admiral Cheng Ho retain the memories of its past influence.
In the past, it had been called Pulau Kasatu and Prince of Wales Island. Today, it is known as Penang, Pulau Pinang, or The Pearl of the Orient. Go on a walking tour, a trishaw ride around town, a tram ride up Penang Hill, a drive across Southeast Asia’s longest Bridge, the Penang Bride, take a stroll along its Golden Beaches, and visit the State Museum and Art Gallery for a better experience of the island.
Visualize the multi ethnicity and cultural diversity of the place in the old days with the myriad places of worship such as the Wat Chyamangkalaram Siamese Temple, Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Sri Mahamariamman Indian Temple, Kapitan Kling Mosque, St George’s Church and Snake Temple.
Influences of its past now intermingle with the new and modern. Above the old, tiled rooftops, the glints of steel and glass from the tropical blue sky catch your eye. While it beats to the rhythm of present day, Penang continues to exude old charm and tradition.
Experience its centuries-old, rich, multi-cultural heritage by taking the Penang Heritage Tour.