Before Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, was known worldwide as a beautiful exotic holiday destination, it was Pulau Pinang - a virgin paradise got its name from the abundance of betel palms scattered throughout its sandy beaches.
Literally translated, Pulau Pinang means "island of the betel nut" in Malay - the national language of Malaysia. Steeped in history, "Penang" was born when English Captain Francis Light charismatic convinced the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang to the British East India Company.
In 1786, Light landed on what is now known as the picturesque Esplanade. Local folklore tells of how he earned gold in the surrounding jungle to encourage his men to leave. Fourteen years later, the Sultan of Kedah also ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel to a very convincing light.
The state of Penang, then composed of an island originally named Prince of Wales Island, after George V, and the band on the continent was named Province Wellesley, after the governor of India. The first was later named George Town after King George III.
In 1832, Penang was part of the colony with Malacca Strait and Singapore. The seaport of Penang was among the busiest in the region, attracting wealthy merchants involved in the lucrative trade of tea, spices, china and cloth.
The settlers and fortune-seekers from home all called Penang and it is this interesting mix of Chinese, Malays, Indians and Siamese (to name a few) cultures that Penang is become a crucible for hybrid communities - the most famous being the Baba Nyonya, Peranakan Jawi and Eurasians.
For over a century, the important trading post remained under British colonial rule until 1957, when Malaysia gained independence. George Town was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II on 1 January 1957, becoming the first city of the Federation of Malaysia - after Singapore - to become a city.
Even if it is the hub of Malaysia manufacturing electrical and electronic, Penang has retained its old world charm. In recognition of its rich heritage, George Town, with Malacca, was listed as the United Nations, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site July 7, 2008.
Literally translated, Pulau Pinang means "island of the betel nut" in Malay - the national language of Malaysia. Steeped in history, "Penang" was born when English Captain Francis Light charismatic convinced the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang to the British East India Company.
In 1786, Light landed on what is now known as the picturesque Esplanade. Local folklore tells of how he earned gold in the surrounding jungle to encourage his men to leave. Fourteen years later, the Sultan of Kedah also ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel to a very convincing light.
The state of Penang, then composed of an island originally named Prince of Wales Island, after George V, and the band on the continent was named Province Wellesley, after the governor of India. The first was later named George Town after King George III.
In 1832, Penang was part of the colony with Malacca Strait and Singapore. The seaport of Penang was among the busiest in the region, attracting wealthy merchants involved in the lucrative trade of tea, spices, china and cloth.
The settlers and fortune-seekers from home all called Penang and it is this interesting mix of Chinese, Malays, Indians and Siamese (to name a few) cultures that Penang is become a crucible for hybrid communities - the most famous being the Baba Nyonya, Peranakan Jawi and Eurasians.
For over a century, the important trading post remained under British colonial rule until 1957, when Malaysia gained independence. George Town was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II on 1 January 1957, becoming the first city of the Federation of Malaysia - after Singapore - to become a city.
Even if it is the hub of Malaysia manufacturing electrical and electronic, Penang has retained its old world charm. In recognition of its rich heritage, George Town, with Malacca, was listed as the United Nations, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site July 7, 2008.
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