City history
Explore the rich multicultural tapestry and colonial history of George Town, Malaysia's premier UNESCO World Heritage site.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Areca nut island"
Before the establishment of George Town, the island was known as Pulau Pinang, part of the Kedah Sultanate. This name refers to the abundance of areca nut trees.
Named in honor of King George III
Established by the British East India Company under the leadership of Francis Light as a key trading post.
Chapter two
During the Japanese occupation of Malaya, local time was adjusted to Tokyo Standard Time (UTC+9) to align with regional administrative requirements.
Malaysia standardized its time zones to UTC+8 to better synchronize with regional economic hubs and neighbors in Southeast Asia.
Chapter three
Francis Light established a British settlement on the island, marking the formal beginning of George Town as a maritime hub.
The administration of the Straits Settlements, including George Town, was transferred from India to the Colonial Office in London.
George Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its exceptional multicultural urban landscape and historical significance.