For Koreans, the most familiar destinations in Malaysia include the resorts of Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi, and the capital Kuala Lumpur. However, if you want to get a good look at Malaysia’s history and culture, the first destinations to be ranked are Melaka and George Town. In the two cities, you can explore the living history and cultural heritage of Malaysia and ASEAN. Let me introduce the historical significance, major attractions, and recommended tours of Melaka and George Town, which are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Melaka is a port city and the capital of the coastal state of Melaka, located in southwestern Malaysia. Thanks to being located on the south side of the west coast, it has long served as a hub for maritime traffic between the East and the West. It was also once home to the Melaka Sultanate, which ruled the Malay Peninsula and nearby regions from around 1400 to 1511.
The Melaka Sultanate was one of the first independent states in the Malay Peninsula, and has had a significant impact on the formation of Malaysia’s national identity today. Colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British Empires continued from the early sixteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, creating a unique fusion with the indigenous Malaysian culture. Traveling in Melaka begins at the Dutch Square and leads to St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was built by the Portuguese. Already, this offers a glimpse of the region’s tumultuous history.
George Town, the highlight of Penang Island, is located on the northern end of the Malay Peninsula. It can be reached by car via the Penang Bridge built over the sea, but this takes close to five hours from Kuala Lumpur. The most convenient way is by air, which takes only about forty minutes. The city was created in 1786 when the British East India Company and Royal Navy established a trading post and naval base there.
In today’s George Town, traces of the colonial era remain everywhere, and some of the most famous attractions include Fort Cornwall is, as well as St. George’s Church built by the British East India Company. Also, the influence of Chinese culture is just as prominent in the area. There are houses on water, and temples created by Chinese immigrants who arrived in the 19th century. It is also home to Hindu temples from India, and the Kapitan Keling Mosque, demonstrating the city’s rich cultural diversity.
In modern times, beautiful murals have been added to these historic buildings, offering a new way to enjoy them. Personally, it was especially memorable and special for me to find these murals hidden in the small alleyways of George Town. There are also many renovated heritage hotels scattered about the city, offering an experience quite different from standard accommodations. The George, anew five-star boutique hotel with colonial-era architecture, also opened in this area in December 2022. Most of these heritage hotels are very close to George Town’s historical landmarks, making them quite convenient for sightseeing.
If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, I highly recommend visiting Melaka and George Town, where you can explore heritage sites in old alleys as you relax and unwind.
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