stilted redux

The Clan Jetties in Penang reminded me very much of Tai O on Lantau Island (HK) - much smaller, of course, and more urban - but reaching the latter involved the kind of bus ride that gives me nightmares for months, and reaching the former involved a leisurely morning stroll through irresistible Georgetown.

Taken on: 10th December, 2009. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See :lynn:'s page of Flickr

Read more about Georgetown

Declared by UNESCO 'a living world heritage city' in June 2008, Georgetown is a meld of historic 19th century buildings and contemporary Malaysia. Sights and attractions, fine dining, numerous shopping malls and travellers from all over the world all come together here in a vibrant, colourful city teeming with locals who are living their lives as they have done for generations.

If you could imagine Laos' Luang Prabang, but three times the size, with traffic lights, busy morning commuters and car ferries crossing the Mekong between oil tankers and fishing boats, then you're heading in the right direction.

The inner city is a fascinating place to wander about, with endless choices of tree-lined streets and tiny little crisscrossing lanes. Historical buildings, art galleries and a myriad of temples are among countless other attractions that share the space with good shopping, ... Read our complete Georgetown travel guide

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