Penang and Malacca have been described as World Heritage Site.

As Malaysian
citizens explain your perception about the inscription of this area

Penang heritage sites are one of the most numerous in Malaysia. The heritage sites of Penang
encompass buildings constructed by the British during the colonial era, clan temples of the
various Chinese clan associations, religious structures including temples, mosques, churches and
shrines, and other structures, including pre-war shop houses within the inner city. This place
holds lot memories for many people. Those who lived here worked here, visiting or just passing
by. Most of them are fond memories of the people, the food and the places here. In Penang have
many place visit for the heritage sites with the beaches, the iconic Penang Bridge and its glorious
food. However, the capital city, George Town, has the most number of pre-war buildings in all of
South East Asia which are still intact. That is why, the island is known as Penang Heritage City.
George Town shows the world that its heritage buildings, art and culture can co-exist alongside
modern development. The recognition by UNESCO created awareness from all levels and soon,
Penang Heritage City will regain back its luster as the Pearl of the Orient.

The place is so rich with history. Since Francis Light drew out the plan of the city, it had born
witness to the rise and fall of governments and ruling parties. The city was coveted by many as a
strategic and natural port. It was also the guardian to the northern entrance of the Straits of
Malacca. Before goods could be transported by airplanes, the one who ruled Penang ruled the
lucrative East-West trade. The recognition by UNESCO to acknowledge George Town as a
heritage city means that the initial heritage core zone and buffer zone should be preserved from
further development that would change the skyline of Penang Heritage City. The Streets of
George Town city was laid out in a grid that segregated the races. It was a typical way of the
British to deal with their colonies. At the cape area, from Fort Cornwallis going south, a long
Beach Street, Bishop Street, Church Street and part of Weld Quay, was the Eurasians zone.
Going to the east, the zone included Light Street and Farquhar Street as well.

The first one the existing place can attract people to come is Penang Museum. The museum is
the first thing that one sees as soon as one enters the main building indicating the main theme of
the museum display. This also sums up what the people of Penang are. Penang began to attract
traders from all over the world. As it was accorded the status of a free port it grew steadily and
within a few years its trade and population increased. True to Light’s prediction, it was able to
outgrow the position of Melaka. And as in Melaka, people from all over the world, from India,
China, the Middle East, Europe, island and mainland Southeast Asia, and the Malay Archipelago
thronged the city.

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The core area of Georgetown nominated to be placed as a Heritage City. In Penang, the majority
people is Chinese, Jawi-Pekans, and Chuliars resided in the central business district of the town,
in the central part of Pitt Street, south of King Street, south of Penang Street, middle of Beach
Street, Chuliar Street, Market Street, Queen Street, China Street, and Church Street. A distinctive
number of Chinese, Chuliars, Jawi-Pekans, and Malays also resided to the west and south of the
fort, in predominantly European areas.

My perception about the people in Penang, some of the Malays and Europeans also settled in the
central business district. The majority of the Malays and a few Chuliars and Jawi-Pekans lived in
the southern part of the central business district, namely Armenian Lane, Aceh Street, Malay
Street and the southern part of the Pitt Street and Beach Street. In addition, there were also a
very small number of Armenians in Penang and they were merchants and resided at Armenian
Lane. Due to the very small in number they were not classified under one ethnic group.

About people of Penang also should not skip the main factor that makes Penang unique is its
people. The nation of mixed blood so co-mingled, with ancestors from all over Asia and also the
West. The Baba and Nyonya descendants, the Indian Muslims (colloquially known as "anak
Mami Tanjung, Mamak or Mami"), offspring of the South Indian Hindu Tamils, the Eurasians
and the Malays from Acheh and others in the Malay archipelago make Penang their homes. In
fact, some odd Jews also used to make their living here. It is a true melting pot where inter-racial
marriage is common. Among the more significant ethnic groups that built this city, the old
Chinese clans, together with powerful and rich Indian and Malay traders stood out. They built
beautiful mansions and places of worship that still stand till today.

To the locals, the name of George Town is hardly used. It is simply called "Tanjong". It means
"cape" in Malay. When go to Tanjong , be prepared to be assaulted by hundreds of sights, smells
and sounds that overwhelm the senses. Have much festival religious celebration such as
Thaipusam, Wesak Day or Nine Emperor's Gods festivals. "Spectacular" is an understatement.
With the people, comes the food! We do have our special Heritage Food Trail. You are most
welcome to enjoy an extensive range of traditional food and delicacies prepared by experts in
their humble little shops. The trail can be followed easily on foot. What a great way to discover a
heritage city

Heritage buildings Penang can be found all over George Town. There are many of them and
there are many types of them. Naturally, the English heritage buildings are the most imposing.
Penang was part of the British Empire for almost two hundred years. The style of architecture is
neo-classical which stays true to the order of architecture. A lot of fine examples can be found at
the banking district at Beach Street. Government buildings that house lawyers and decision-
makers are perfect examples of British-style heritage buildings. These buildings have massive
Doric columns modeled after the Parthenon of the ancient Greek. They become fine examples of
heritage buildings in Penang.

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Besides the buildings, there are monuments to commemorate soldiers who fell during the war,
places of worship, private mansions and also some other landmarks. The Chinese clans in
Penang there are five major clans (kongsi) which have their own areas where the leaders hold
court. This is a self-sustained community, complete with temples, mansions, residences and
lecture halls. The biggest clan house is the Khoo Kongsi. It is located in the heritage enclave.
Once, it was burned down because its similarity to the Royal Palace of the Emperor of China was
too close. Later, the building was rebuilt, nonetheless, the beauty of its carvings are stunning.
The next one worth mentioning is the Cheah Kongsi. It is also located within the heritage zone of
the inner George Town. Once inside the walls of this Kongsi, the hustle and bustle of the city
outside is miraculously toned down.

Beautiful, intricately built temples serve as dramatic background to spacious courtyards. Life
revolves around spiritual beliefs, elaborate customs, and desire to prosper by trading and
amassing wealth. The beauty of the carvings came by importing Chinese artisans to come and
work in Penang itself. The last two points show how the Chinese Straits shop houses are so
important to the business community in George Town. For almost two hundred years, the shop
houses have played the major part in fuelling the trade on the island. The styles of the shop
houses have changed tremendously, in step with the growth of the city. Without them, the city
would have lost its trademark identity. That is why a sample of a shop house graces the logo of
Penang Heritage City web site. Besides those shop houses, private mansions deserve accolades
for massive restoration works like the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion. Rich and powerful Muslim
traders that came from India, the Middle East and Indonesia also played a significant role in
building the city in the 19th century. Before air transport became available, Penang was the
meeting place for pilgrims who were waiting for the trade wind to sail to Mecca. So, the city
became a significant learning center for Islam. Beautiful mosques and shrines were built in the
area designated by the British ruler for this group. They are also recognized as heritage buildings
in Penang.

Other minority groups also have their special places. The Armenian Sarkies brothers, notably,
built the fame Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O). Without doubt, it is one of the finest examples
of heritage hotels. The Burmese and Thais built their temples near Gurney Drive. The Hindus
who are mainly from South India have their own temples all around the city. The South Indians
also maintain the rows of shop houses along Chula Street, King Street and Queen Street. So, it is
hardly surprising that these streets are given the nickname "Little India". UNESCO Heritage
World Cities program refuse such a rich mix of history, culture and human achievement. Even
then, it took us over ten years to restore a large number of heritage buildings in Penang. The
streets are re-organized and the state spent a lot of resources and did plenty of research before the
status of historic city was accorded to George Town. This process is by no means complete.

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Besides that, there are museums and art galleries in Penang. A few heritage buildings are also
turned into museums. Some are not even called museums, but because of the number of
antiquities being stored and maintained in the buildings, they could be categorized as one.
However, some of the museums are not the typical heritage style that you would expect for
example the Toy Museum. Penang surprisingly has a range of museums that cover many heritage
backgrounds. The trick is to find them and to get a knowledgeable guide that can make your visit
more interesting. Penang surprisingly has a range of museums that cover many heritage
backgrounds. The trick is to find them and to get a knowledgeable guide that can make your visit
more interesting.

There is also a thriving art scene on the island. Even though Penang does have a number of local
artists who produce unique art work with varying quality. Supported by art aficionados, they
survive due to pure diligence and the attitude of never giving up. Considering the size of Penang,
the number of museums and art galleries are quite a lot. In my perception, they are not getting
the attention they deserve. Most people do not really appreciate the collection of antiquities or
unique items being displayed in these museums and art galleries. The majority mostly pass it by
quickly and a whole lot more skip the visit altogether.

Malacca Heritage City has been a hotspot over the centuries. Even though the location, its
buildings and also history are totally different from George Town, these two cities share three
common criteria that make them be chosen as UNESCO heritage sites. My perception about the
Malacca is different because at Malacca has many heritage site to visit but both of country is not
many different about their heritage. Malacca is a historic city in Malaysia. Located by the coast
to the south of Kuala Lumpur, it is regarded as the cradle of Malay civilization, for it was
through Malacca that the peninsula experienced it’s most glorious and powerful Malay kingdom,
the Sultanate of Malacca, which flourished in the 15th century. Today Malacca Town,
recognized as a historic city, was inscribed by UNESCO in 7 July, 2008, together with George
Town as a World Heritage Site, titled the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. History
practically lives in Malacca. Malacca will discover the oldest mosque, the oldest temples and
forts in the country. Many of the heritage sites in Malacca have been well preserved, although
many have been given an overzealously make-over.

The history spanned over 600 years. This place became the main trading post for East and West
trade way before Singapore or Penang was established. Legends and stories abound. Be it about
the miracles of St. Xavier, the adventures of eunuch Admiral Cheng Ho (or Zheng He) or Malay
warrior Hang Tuah and his four sidekicks. Travelers who passed by Malacca recorded in ancient
literatures retelling their accounts of events and description of this place the meeting place of
two trade winds. The formal story of Malacca began when Parameswara in 15th century, a prince
of Palembang, set foot on Temasek and killed Temagi, who was then the Siamese government
representative at that time. To save himself from Siam's wrath, he ran off to Muar and then later
to Melaka.

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Here, he rested under a tree which bore some fruits (buah melaka) and witnessed a strange
incident whereby his hunting dogs were kicked by a small deer. Thus, he decided that this place
was worthy to settle in because of the courage of this small animal against bigger foes. The place
was named Melaka after the tree. In Malacca have many heritage site compare to the Penang
country. The first one is The Kampung Kling Mosque. The mosque is one of the oldest in the
country. It's a blend of Sumatran and Western architecture with a 3 tier pyramid roof, a touch of
Hindu influence perhaps. The carved wooden ceiling is supported by elegant Corinthian-styled
columns. Kampung Kling Mosque (Masjid Kampung Kling), Malacca is one of the oldest
mosques in Malaysia. It was built in 1748.

This mosque is located at the junction between Jalan Lekiu and Jalan Tukang Emas. Like most
Southeast Asian mosques, Masjid Kampong Kling is built on a square plan rather than the
rectangular or hexagonal plan of most Middle Eastern mosques. Corinthian columns both define
the arcaded verandah that wraps around the prayer hall and also separate the minbar space from
the central prayer hall within the mosque. Supported by timber post-and-beam construction,
Kampong Kling's triple-tiered hipped roof is particularly indicative of a Malaccan mosque. The
mosque's flared pyramidal upper roof is raised by four columns placed in the center of the
mosque. These four great central columns are mimicked by two further quartets of columns
placed further apart to support each of the two lower and wider roofs.

The concentric squareness of this plan is only disrupted by the extension of the steps to the porch
area, or iwan, from which access to the mosque is raised on a low perimeter wall. This upper
roof is suspended over a second, middle roof, with a gap left between them to allow for
ventilation and subdued natural lighting, particularly suitable for the humid and rainy climate.
Each of these two roofs is covered with tiles. The lowest roof has a much more shallow pitch,
practically horizontal and is covered by red clay shingles.

A courtyard behind the mosque contains a fountain-like pool for ablutions that are raised a few
steps above ground level and circumambulated by a similarly raised and covered walkway. The
commanding minaret was built entirely of masonry in contrast to the accompanying timber
mosque. Likened to a Chinese pagoda or stupa form, this type of minaret has become
characteristic of Malacca. Renaissance embellishments include the use of engaged columns as
well as the arched windows and piping that traces them. Minarets are not traditional to Malay
Islamic architecture, though they have become increasingly more prevalent and are useful in
demarcating the mosque in dense urban areas. In 1868 the mosque and its minaret were enclosed
by a high wall to protect it from the street. Chinese ceramic tiles were imported to adorn the roof,
the floor and the lower walls of the mosque.

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Furthermore, decorative motifs such as those applied to the doors and windows and
ornamentation such as the curved eaves terminating in sculptural finials on the roof are attributed
to an Oriental influence, as is the rooftop ornament, or mastaka. Built during the Dutch
occupation that followed the period of Portuguese rule, European touches reveal themselves in
the mosque in such elements as rendered plaster on the internal masonry walls. Melaka and
George Town, Penang represents exceptional examples of multi-cultural trading towns in East
and Southeast Asia. They were established by trading activities that result in the blending of
Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures with three successive European colonial powers, over a
period of 500 years. This creates a lasting imprint on their architecture and urban form. Melaka
and George Town are a living testimony to the multi-cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, and
of the European colonial influences. The tangible as well as intangible heritage of the two cities
are expressed in its religious buildings of different faiths, ethnic enclaves, spoken dialects,
festivities, dances, attire, artform, cuisine and lifestyle. Melaka and George Town reflect the
blend of influences that result in a unique form of architecture, culture and cityscape
incomparable elsewhere in East and South Asia. The cities showcase an exceptional range of
shophouses and townhouses from differing eras, providing snapshots of building styles and
types.

The core heritage zone of Malacca revolves around the hill where the ruin of San Paulo Church
is located, as well as the huge complex of Stadhuys, which was built by the Dutch in the 17th
century. The area is identified by deep red paint that most buildings have. Rows of shop houses
in Jonker Street and Heeren Street are also part of the zone. The Malacca River is now canalized
to resemble a canal in Amsterdam with a popular river cruise service which runs along the river.

Malacca heritage city wants to be known as the place with the most number of museums in
Malaysia. There are so many museums here, you can argue whether some of the topics are
relevant or not to heritage theme, but they do get visitors. Most of these museums are housed in
heritage buildings in the city. The main architecture in the core area seemed to be Old Dutch
style with huge windows, ceilings, and made of priceless tropical timber and large slabs or
granite. There are shop houses which are pretty similar to the ones available in Penang or other
Malaysian and Singaporean towns and we could estimate their age by looking at their facade.
This is the only place where we can see Dutch style shop in Malaysia. They are generally lower
than newer shop houses and have a simpler facade. Recently one lot of this style of shop house
was restored by Badan Warisan and it is located at No. 8, Heeren Street. The street is very
narrow with hardly any space for pedestrians to walk past, in my opinion very dangerous when
the cars also speed by with no regards to people who are walking or sightseeing in the area.
Another prominent place would be Bukit China with its Hang Li Po well and rows of ancient
Chinese cemetery on its slope. Here, a temple was built and it is now dedicated to Cheng Ho (or
Zheng He).

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The statue of Cheng Ho is placed outside this temple. It has become a guardian angel over time.
Even though he is reportedly to be a Muslim, the Taoist venerates him as a demi-god. There are
many legends relating to this prolific seafarer. He supposedly visited Malacca five times over his
career. Melaka never recovered its glory as the main entreport in Asia after Malacca Sultanate
fell to the Portuguese in 1511. The Portuguese and the Dutch failed to maintain its popularity as
a main port because they imposed higher taxes. Another reason is, they kept being attacked by
hostile local enemies. Before that, Sultan Mansur Shah together with his smart Prime Minister
(Tun Perak) and his famed admiral Laksamana Hang Tuah brought Melaka to its height. Malacca
Empire encompassed as far as Java, Riau and even South of Thailand. I could only imagine the
multitude of people who came and went to trade, work and live there.

It was at this time that to show goodwill, the Emperor of China gave his princess (Hang Li Po) as
a bride to the Sultan. She came with 500 handmaidens and they settled at Bukit China. This was
also the place where the Grand Palace of Malacca Sultan was built. It is a sad thing that the
magnificent palace of Sultan Melaka was demolished by the Portuguese. We could now only
imagine what it looks like based on the description in Sejarah Melayu book. The palace was
made of wood without any nails to keep the structure together. At the National Museum, we can
see the replica of this palace. Beside the colonial history, Bandar Hilir Melaka was also the place
where Tunku Abdul Rahman set sail to England in 1956 to negotiate Malaya independence. He
arrived bearing the good tiding in February 1957.

Another well preserved heritage building in Malacca is the Cheng Hoon Teng temple.
Constructed in 1645 and is believed to be the oldest Chinese temple in the country. The eaves of
the temple are decorated with Mythological figures and animation made from broken glass and
porcelain. Besides the figures, the wood carvings and lacquer work are almost breath-taking.
Cheng Hoon Teng temple was founded in the 1600s by the Chinese Kapitan Tay Kie Ki alias
Tay Hong Yong. During the Portuguese and Dutch eras, Kapitans were appointed chiefs or
headmen of the various ethnic communities. In its early years, besides serving the community's
religious needs, the temple also functioned as the official administrative centre and a court of
justice for the Kapitans. Besides Kapitan Tay, other prominent Kapitans included Li Wei King,
Chan Lak Kua and Chua Su Cheong. Kapitan Chua was responsible for rebuilding the temple in
1801 while the Kapitans and Teng Choos after him contributed towards the aesthetic and
structural additions of the building. In 1824, the British abolished the Kapitan system and the
leader of the Temple, now known as "Teng Choo", assumed some of the Kapitan's
responsibilities. Subsequently, a Board of Trustees was formed to look after the temple. The
pioneers included included Tun Sir Tan Cheng Lock, who also initiated the Temple’s unique
incorporation under an act of Parliament {Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Incorporation Ordinance
1949. To the locals, the temple is also known as Kebun Datok (Gods' Garden) and Kwan Yin
Teng.

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The other site is Stadthuys (1650) was the official residence of the Dutch Governor. It now
houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum which has many traditional bridal
costumes and relics on display. Nearby, one will also find the Christ Church built in 1753,
another fine example of the Dutch architecture. The Stadthuys or town hall also known as the
Red Square is a historical structure situated in the heart of Malacca Town, the administrative
capital of the state of Malacca, Malaysia. It was built by the Dutch occupants in 1650 as the
office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor.

When Malacca was handed over to the British in the 19th century, the Malacca Free School was
opened in the vicinity of the Stadthuys in the 7 December, 1826 which called for an English
institutional education to be built in Malacca. The school which the British provided free
education to residents was eventually renamed Malacca High School in 1871 upon a takeover by
the British government, and moved out to its present site at Chan Koon Cheng Road in 1931.
Where same school at as know as Penang free school The stadthuys is situated at Laksamana
Road, beside the Christ Church, the supposed oldest remaining Dutch historical building in the
Orient, is now the home of a Museum of History and Ethnography. Among the displays in the
museum are traditional costumes and artifacts throughout the history of Malacca, which makes it
Malacca's premier museum.

The famous places at Melaka as know as heritage place are A’Famosa. After the Portuguese
captured Melaka, they built a fortress to defend themselves. A'Famosa suffered severe
destruction during the Dutch invasion. What is left today is just the entrance walls, still well
preserved till today in 1511, a Portuguese fleet arrived under the command of Alfonso de
Albuquerque. His forces attacked and successfully defeated the armies of the Malacca Sultanate.
Moving quickly to consolidate his gains, Albuquerque had the fortress built around a natural hill
near the sea. Albuquerque believed that Malacca would become an important port linking
Portugal to the Spice Route in China. At this time other Portuguese were establishing outposts in
such places as Macau, China and Goa, India in order to create a string of friendly ports for ships
heading to China and returning home to Portugal.

The fortress once consisted of long ramparts and four major towers. One was a four-story keep,
while the others held an ammunition storage room, the residence of the captain, and officers'
quarters. Most of the village clustered in town houses inside the fortress walls. As Malacca's
population expanded it outgrew the original fort and extensions were added around 1586. The
fort changed hands in 1641 when the Dutch successfully drove the Portuguese out of Malacca.
The Dutch renovated the gate in 1670, which explains the logo "ANNO 1670" inscribed on the
gate's arch. Above the arch is a bas-relief logo of the Dutch East India Company.

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The fortress changed hands again in the early 19th century when the Dutch handed it over to the
British to prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon's expansionist France. The English
were wary of maintaining the fortification and ordered its destruction in 1806. The fort was
almost totally demolished but for the timely intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of
Singapore, who happened to visit Malacca in 1810. Because of his passion for history, this small
gate was spared from destruction. Now, Malacca is one of the smallest states in Malaysia, after
Perlis. Remains of previous powers that used to rule here are abundant in Malacca heritage city
core zone. Melaka River is not as deep as it used to be. Land was reclaimed and the formidable
fort is no longer right next to the ocean. However, it is still a good place to visit to have a
glimpse of how it all began.

For the conclusion about my perception both of the country the cities of Melaka and
Georgetown, Penang are both very rich in their cultural heritage. The people are the living proof
of a unique multicultural population, the consequence of centuries of history, that are shown
from the living cultures and abodes, the architecture, the languages, and daily routines. They are
thoroughly mixed yet not completely blended, much like the rojak, a popular local mixed fruit
salad in sweet, slightly hot thick sauce, where the taste of the different fruits is still maintained,
but on the whole becomes different because of the unique condiment that binds all in it. The
people of both Melaka and Penang, though dominated by Malays, Indians, Chinese as distinct
communities, yet there are also the unique historical offshoots of these communities that do not
exist anywhere else (except perhaps in Singapore). They are the Peranakan Chinese, Indian,
Portuguese and Arab. The most beautiful result of the historical phenomenon is that they all live
together, side by side, doing their own things, maintaining their own religions and customs and
also enjoying everybody’s cuisine.