Described by UNESCO as "a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia," George Town in Penang, Malaysia, was awarded the coveted World Heritage status in 2008. It was a moment when lovers of colonial-era architecture breathed a sigh of relief, optimistic for a future that would see a halt to the further deterioration or destruction of the island's famous godowns, shophouses and mansions. Although by no means the saviour of every...
more »
Described by UNESCO as "a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia," George Town in Penang, Malaysia, was awarded the coveted World Heritage status in 2008. It was a moment when lovers of colonial-era architecture breathed a sigh of relief, optimistic for a future that would see a halt to the further deterioration or destruction of the island's famous godowns, shophouses and mansions. Although by no means the saviour of every old building, the new status put George Town and Penang firmly in the spotlight and was a huge boost for tourism. In Penang, the future is now history.
« less