Maybe if you hear “George Town“, then the thing in your mind is a university in the United States or an area in Washington DC And not only that, the state of Penang, Malaysia, has a capital city with the same name. Located in the northeast of the island of Penang, George Town has its own uniqueness as a cultural city that has been recognized by UNESCO. Walked the streets of George Town it seems very thick with a mixture of British culture, Indian, Chinese and Malay.
The ex-British colony has many historical relics, especially in terms of building architecture. City Hall in the Esplanade, The Whiteaways Arcade is now used as exhibition venues, outdoor theater, and café, the Penang State Museum which had been the colonial school building is a few buildings in George Town that has a style of English architecture. The colonial building is my favorite building in the Eastern & Oriental Hotel near Upper Penang Road at night. I can linger looking at and just admire this building in the plaza which is right in front of the hotel. With good lighting eyes, this hotel building looks so grand and far from being creepy.
George Town also has a Little India which would offer the matters relating to ethnic Indians. In this area there are many shops knick-knacks, spices, and fabrics of India, Indian cuisine restaurant, and the most interesting to me is a temple. When I visited Sri Mahamariamman Temple, which is the oldest Hindu temples in George Town, it was no religious ceremony there. Incense-height of a man burned incense in front of the temple, leaving bits of ash on the prayer clothes standing in front of him. The women wear a sari with dazzling beads, lanterns hanging from the colorful streets, and the frenzied music of India from the funnel in the shops is an ordinary atmosphere in Little India. It feels so festive though nothing is being celebrated. Imagine how crowded this area during Diwali!
If there is a place that can describe how the Chinese life in George Town is the place Pinang Peranakan Mansion. As the name implies, this place was formerly the home of the Baba and Nyonya Chinese descent who is now a museum. This museum illustrates the tradition, lifestyle, and habits of the Chinese is through architecture and objects that they use where they have lived. The rooms in the museum is maintained as the original arrangement, so that we can imagine how they live. Next to the museum there is a fairly large temple, where the Baba and Nyonya pray. In addition to this personal temple, George Town has many ancient Chinese temple is the main attraction, such as Goddess of Mercy Temple, founded in 1700s. So strong shades of red visible on the building of this temple. Although old and looks not very well maintained, the temple is still used today. Regarding food, simple eateries on the outskirts of George Town streets many of which offer authentic Chinese cuisine.
Malay culture brought by the immigrants from Aceh who trade on the island of Penang. Islamic Museum, the former residence of a wealthy merchant of Aceh, and Lebuh Acheh Malay Mosque is this cultural heritage. Although not much physical relics, but the Islamic community in George Town so alive. Reportedly on the streets of the holy month of Ramadan around George Town and Komtar Tower filled with food vendors throughout the night. They call it the Ramadan Bazaar.
I do not feel enough to immerse themselves in British culture, Indian, Chinese and Malays in George Town in just a few days. These cultures seemed to have mixed into one and become unique to this city. If asked what I saw when visiting George Town, then my answer is full of cultural nuances in George Town.
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