George Town swings open 'Doors and Doorways' to celebrate 17 years as Unesco World Heritage Site
Organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the three-day festival from July 5 to 7 promises a colourful mix of cultural workshops, storytelling, historic tours and community participation, aimed at celebrating the living soul of one of Malaysia's most iconic heritage cities.
"Seventeen is a bold age. It is a time of transformation, of becoming.
"That is the spirit of this year's celebration — looking back at our journey and stepping confidently into new spaces of heritage storytelling," said GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee when unveiling the GTHC 2025 recently.
The joint inscription of Melaka and George Town, the historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, as a Unesco World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008 was based on the Outstanding Universal Value of cultural diversity embodied and embedded in living heritage and built heritage.
Melaka and George Town are remarkable examples of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that demonstrate a succession of historical and cultural influences arising from their former function as trading ports linking East and West.
The festival will open this Saturday with a Cultural Workshops Day featuring 29 hands-on sessions and live performances across George Town's heritage precincts.
From 6pm to 10pm, visitors will have the chance to learn traditional crafts, explore Penang's multilingual culture and enjoy culinary demonstrations.
An estimated 18,000 participants are expected.
On Sunday, early risers can take part in the popular George Town Heritage Walk, a 5km family-friendly walk starting at 7am.
The event, which anticipates 2,000 participants, offers an immersive experience through the city's heritage quarters.
The celebration continues on Monday with the Historic Building Open Day, from 9am to 5pm.
Eight historic buildings, including St George's Church, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh and Makam Dato Koyah, will open their doors to the public.
Visitors can explore their storied halls and meet the people behind their preservation — all beneficiaries of GTWHI's Repair Incentives Programme.
"These buildings are not just relics. They are anchors to our past and mirrors of our collective identity," said Ang.
This year's theme, "Doors and Doorways", represents not just physical thresholds but also the intangible ones that connect stories, people and generations.
"Behind every door in George Town lies a story waiting to be shared — about migration, craftsmanship, language, family or faith.
"We want to deepen our community's capacity to tell these stories and ensure that heritage is experienced, not just seen," Ang said.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the GTHC 2025 as a symbol of cultural maturity.
"Seventeen is an age where we start asking bold questions and finding new ways to express who we are.
"This celebration is more than an event — it is a movement that lets our communities lead, tell their stories and keep heritage alive through innovation."
Wong said the state government is committed to supporting cultural tourism as a driver of Penang's creative economy and international appeal.
As the countdown begins, GTWHI is inviting all — families, students, visitors and long-time Penangites — to take part in this year's festival.
"Whether you are attending a workshop, walking the streets or just listening to stories, you will be part of something meaningful.
"Come open a door — you never know what you will find behind it," said Ang.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
George Town swings open 'Doors and Doorways' to celebrate 17 years as Unesco World Heritage Site
GEORGE TOWN: George Town is all set to throw open its doors — literally and figuratively — to mark its 17th anniversary as a Unesco World Heritage Site with the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2025, themed "Doors and Doorways". Organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the three-day festival from July 5 to 7 promises a colourful mix of cultural workshops, storytelling, historic tours and community participation, aimed at celebrating the living soul of one of Malaysia's most iconic heritage cities. "Seventeen is a bold age. It is a time of transformation, of becoming. "That is the spirit of this year's celebration — looking back at our journey and stepping confidently into new spaces of heritage storytelling," said GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee when unveiling the GTHC 2025 recently. The joint inscription of Melaka and George Town, the historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, as a Unesco World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008 was based on the Outstanding Universal Value of cultural diversity embodied and embedded in living heritage and built heritage. Melaka and George Town are remarkable examples of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that demonstrate a succession of historical and cultural influences arising from their former function as trading ports linking East and West. The festival will open this Saturday with a Cultural Workshops Day featuring 29 hands-on sessions and live performances across George Town's heritage precincts. From 6pm to 10pm, visitors will have the chance to learn traditional crafts, explore Penang's multilingual culture and enjoy culinary demonstrations. An estimated 18,000 participants are expected. On Sunday, early risers can take part in the popular George Town Heritage Walk, a 5km family-friendly walk starting at 7am. The event, which anticipates 2,000 participants, offers an immersive experience through the city's heritage quarters. The celebration continues on Monday with the Historic Building Open Day, from 9am to 5pm. Eight historic buildings, including St George's Church, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh and Makam Dato Koyah, will open their doors to the public. Visitors can explore their storied halls and meet the people behind their preservation — all beneficiaries of GTWHI's Repair Incentives Programme. "These buildings are not just relics. They are anchors to our past and mirrors of our collective identity," said Ang. This year's theme, "Doors and Doorways", represents not just physical thresholds but also the intangible ones that connect stories, people and generations. "Behind every door in George Town lies a story waiting to be shared — about migration, craftsmanship, language, family or faith. "We want to deepen our community's capacity to tell these stories and ensure that heritage is experienced, not just seen," Ang said. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the GTHC 2025 as a symbol of cultural maturity. "Seventeen is an age where we start asking bold questions and finding new ways to express who we are. "This celebration is more than an event — it is a movement that lets our communities lead, tell their stories and keep heritage alive through innovation." Wong said the state government is committed to supporting cultural tourism as a driver of Penang's creative economy and international appeal. As the countdown begins, GTWHI is inviting all — families, students, visitors and long-time Penangites — to take part in this year's festival. "Whether you are attending a workshop, walking the streets or just listening to stories, you will be part of something meaningful. "Come open a door — you never know what you will find behind it," said Ang.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Jiuzhaigou, a heady mix of colourful nature and Tibetan culture
After a groggy morning navigating through crowds of tourists and winding roads in high altitude at the Jiuzhai Valley National Park, we saw our first lake. At last, that gorgeous blue lake we'd seen hundreds of times online yet refuse to believe is real or not digitally enhanced, was finally in front of us. Then we drove past it. 'We'll come back. We'll also see more beautiful ones,' said our guide in Mandarin. She had an English name – they all do, to accommodate non-Chinese-speaking tourists – but I didn't catch it. I was too busy gawking at the 'not-so-beautiful' aquamarine blue lake. The park is located in Jiuzhaigou county in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of China's Sichuan Province. It is surrounded by the Min Mountains and sits on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The name 'Jiuzhai' translates to 'nine villages', pointing to the nine Tibetan villages that are scattered throughout the park. While most of the village areas have been around for centuries, the houses and buildings are either reconstructions or newly-built structures. However, a majority of the Tibetan communities who live in these villages still hold on to their traditional way of life. Inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage Site list in 1992, the sprawling park – simply known as Jiuzhaigou – is 72,000ha (to compare: Singapore is 73,570ha). The drive from the park entrance to the Tourist Centre, which is the halfway point, took about 30 minutes. And in that time we passed by a number of blue lakes, each one more striking than the other. 'Wait till you see the Five Flower Lake,' said Cassie Yang, marketing and communications director at Conrad Jiuzhaigou. Cassie was our translator, unofficial guide and all-round caretaker during our visit in late March. It was the beginning of spring, and in the highlands, that means cool and incredibly dry weather. In early spring, Long Lake, the biggest and deepest lake at Jiuzhai Valley National Park, was still frozen. Bodies of water We started our tour at the Long Lake, the largest and deepest at the park. At an altitude of 3,060m, the lake was still frozen and parts of the mountains were covered in ice and snow. Nearby, the small Five-Coloured Pool had retained just enough water to show off its hues to visitors. The pool starts to dry sometime in November and will be all filled up just before summer or when there is more rainfall. But with the weather becoming so unpredictable these days, this may not be the case every year. 'The water is not blue,' said Cassie, as we made our way to the next lake. 'The water is clear. It only looks blue because of the minerals underneath,' she explained, initially struggling to find the English word for 'minerals'. I helped her out, not because I understood Mandarin but because we walked past a signboard earlier which explained this phenomenon. Non-Chinese-speaking tourists do appreciate a good information board. When we finally got to the Five Flower Lake, it was already a little crowded. You could hear hints of Malaysian, Singaporean and Indonesian accents throughout (there were very few Western tourists), but generally the crowd was mostly made up of locals. According to 'Hilton's 2025 Trends Report, Asia Pacific', in China these days, families and the younger generations (Gen Z and Alpha) use travel to connect with their cultural identities. They're learning or relearning about their culture and traditions, choosing destinations around the country that reflect their heritage. Truly, China's domestic tourism numbers are unmatchable and enviable. But then again, it is a huge country with plenty of amazing places to see and cultures to experience. Tourists taking the chance to pose with spring blossoms. The lady in red is wearing a traditional Tibetan costume. But back to the pretty lake. The Five Flower Lake (altitude: 2,472m) is so called because of the travertine deposits on the lake floor, as well as the many varieties of algae that grow in it. Surrounding vegetation also influences the 'colours' of the lake: sometimes emerald, sometimes aquamarine, other times turquoise, and with hints of orange and gold. Remember, the water is actually clear. There are boardwalks around the lake, and at the drop-off area there are vendors selling traditional Tibetan hats, scarves and souvenirs, as well as photo services. If you want your picture taken 'professionally' while wearing a Tibetan costume with hair and makeup to boot, just walk up to one of these booths. Prices vary depending on how detailed you want your whole 'look' to be (you don't have to take the makeup option, for example), but remember to negotiate the price before you agree on anything. Generally, the prices are reasonable, and the photographers really know what they're doing. They may set you up in the most ridiculous poses at first, but the pictures will turn out great. If the Five Flower Lake is too crowded for you, then head over to the Mirror Lake, my favourite of all the spots we visited that day. It somehow gave off a peaceful vibe, even when there were numerous people walking about, taking selfies and videos. Other notable lakes include Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake, Panda Lake and Reed Lake. Nearby Zhongcha Village, walk up the hills where the yaks and goats graze and enjoy the view. Jiuzhaigou has 114 individual lakes (this is according to its official website; other websites report 108) and three valleys. The Shuzheng Valley is the biggest and has over 40 lakes within it. The Nuorilang Waterfall is also found in this valley, and the Pearl Shoals Waterfall is nearer to the Rize Valley. While you are allowed to eat snacks and have your drinks all around the park, you are encouraged to eat your meals at the Tourist Centre, where there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from. There are also convenience stores here that sell pre-packed food and drinks. Toilets and other facilities are fairly clean in the park and there are sanitation workers at all the major spots. Get used to the ice cold water running from the taps during the cold season, though. New train While it is feasible to check out Jiuzhaigou in a single day, I do recommend you spend two days to properly explore the park. Jiuzhaigou is famously known for its changing colours – the place looks vastly different in every season, and surely you will have different experiences too. For Larry Gao, cluster general manager of Conrad Jiuzhaigou and Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort, autumn is his season of choice. 'The golden foliage against the blues and greens of the water make the whole place seem like a fantasy world,' he said during one of our chats over dinner at Conrad. Gao has been at the property – Conrad and Hilton sit side-by-side at the Jiuzhai Beautiful China Resort – since the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic (Conrad opened in 2021), and is happy to see more international visitors coming into the county. 'I think Jiuzhaigou is a good tourist destination overall, especially for travellers who are looking to surround themselves in nature and just relax,' he shared. His statement goes in tandem with the hotel brand's trends report, which states that global travellers are increasingly embracing slow travel, and prioritising rest and rejuvenation. 'Of course, the high-speed rail and new train station here have also helped with not just our business but in the county overall. Previously, it would take at least 10 hours by bus from Chengdu to get to Jiuzhaigou,' Gao added. The high-speed rail in question is the Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou route, which began operating in September 2024. The 90-minute or so train ride from Chengdu terminates at the Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station. From there, it's another 90-minute ride, this time by road, to Jiuzhai Beautiful China Resort. We took the train from Chengdu on a Monday morning, and it was nearly full. There were hundreds of people lining up at the turnstiles – a border control of sorts – just for this single route. But it's China, so everything ran smoothly and we were in line for no longer than five minutes. The train ride itself was uneventful; you really can't feel how fast it goes. The seats are on the smaller side and if your luggage is huge you may have problems storing it. I suggest hauling it in the overhead shelf (which is narrow), or simply bringing a smaller bag. Otherwise, prepare to sit with your legs propped up on your bag. There's no reason why you can't have a 15-course feast for lunch at the Jiuzhai national park. At Huanglongjiuzhai station there were many tourist buses, taxis and private cars all waiting to transport tourists to their destination. Business was definitely thriving. While on our way to our hotel, we saw several international chain hotels that were either already opened or still in development. There were also local guesthouses and budget-friendly hotels. We drove past a small touristy-looking area with plenty of hotpot restaurants – I spotted halal logos on a few of them. While pork is served in the county, beef and mutton dishes seem to be the go-to protein source. And of course, yak meat. And yak milk. And yak yogurt. These big, hairy docile creatures are found in most fields in Jiuzhaigou, and they are reared for their meat and milk. 'Back in the day, they were also killed for their leather and fur, because the winters are really cold here in the highlands,' said Ke Jia, a laundry supervisor at Conrad, whose home we visited one dreary afternoon. Tibetan culture Ke Jia's house at Zhongcha Village is special because it was built using traditional Tibetan methods, and of course, features Tibetan architecture. His pride and joy is the living area, which doubles as a space to perform prayers. It took him several years to complete the house, particularly the living area, as he had to regularly consult with Buddhist monks to make sure everything was done in accordance to their beliefs. Paintings of deities that were made by the monks cover the walls, as do colourful hand-painted wooden tiles. 'I am truly blessed to be able to build this house, and to show my Tibetan heritage through it. Hopefully, more foreign tourists will visit my home, so I can tell them more about our culture,' he shared. Ke Jia and his wife, Ze Lang Chu, offered us Tibetan yak butter tea and some wholesome snacks, as well as homemade barley wine. Butter tea is an acquired taste, but the snacks were good and the wine, better. Back at the resort, we had a tsampa-making demonstration led by Mai Ren Zuo, a chef at Conrad's staff canteen. Tsampa is a Tibetan staple – it is essentially roasted barley flour. You mix the flour with butter tea (or just regular tea) and then roll to shape the dough. Traditionally, you eat the dough as is. 'In the old days, we don't buy our food from the shops. We had to hunt for meat, and gather herbs and plants to eat. Most times, it would take a whole day to do this so we took tsampa with us for sustenance,' said Mai. Later at night, we bumped into Mai again at the square just next to the hotel. She was with a group of people, and music was blaring through some speakers. They were dancing in unison, with two people shouting the instructions, leading the way. This habit of dancing at night, usually after dinner, is commonly seen all over China. It is similar to the group qigong or tai chi practices you see daily at parks in the morning. Both cultivate and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. But if you're not into group dancing in public, then you could always head back to your resort to rest, or for more servings of yak yogurt or barley wine. A colourful Tibetan teapot makes for a wonderful souvenir.
Hype Malaysia
6 days ago
- Hype Malaysia
Vacation Like A Boss With This Scenic 4D3N Escape By Road & Ferry To Redang!
Island vacays are back, and hotter than ever! If your feed is full of ocean dips, sandy toes, and sunset shots, you're not imagining it. The island escape is officially back, and there's no better time to plan your own. Think crystal-clear waters, golden sunsets, and a splash of local culture. We've got your ultimate 4D3N game plan: from KL's bright lights to the laidback vibes of Kuala Terengganu, and finally to the Instagram-famous shores of Pulau Redang. And the best part? With redBus, you don't need to juggle multiple bookings or stress out over ferry timings. Just head over to redBus — where you can book your bus to Kuala Terengganu and ferry to Redang in one go. Travel smart, travel smooth. So, here's your perfect 4D3N coast-to-island escape, built for long weekends and spontaneous getaways alike. Packing essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a good playlist. Day 1: Road Trip KL → Kuala Terengganu Start your long weekend adventure with a classic kopitiam breakfast near KL Sentral — soft-boiled eggs, kaya toast, and a strong kopi to fuel your journey. Then it's time to board a double-decker bus from KL to Kuala Terengganu. The ride takes about 6 to 7 hours, so bring a book, listen to a podcast, or catch up on sleep. Along the way, you'll pass stretches of lush greenery, winding coastal highways, and small towns that offer a glimpse of east coast charm. Upon arriving in Kuala Terengganu in the afternoon, you can stretch your legs and head over to the city's colourful Chinatown. This historic quarter is home to the oldest temple in Terengganu, Ho Ann Kiong, built in the 1800s. It's a preserved slice of pre-colonial heritage. Its traditional Chinese-style shophouses and settlements are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, now refreshed with vibrant murals and the charming Memory Lane, which pays tribute to notable Chinese figures from Terengganu's past. With every corner steeped in culture and character, it's also an ideal spot for snapping some insta-worthy photos. As the day winds down, make your way to Pantai Batu Buruk for a relaxed sunset session by the sea. The beach vibes here are laid-back with families flying kites and some strolling leisurely. Wrap up your evening with a seafood feast at one of the nearby warungs. Don't miss local favourites, spicy sambal sotong and ikan celup tepung. DAY 2 & 3: Boat Rides & Island Life Kuala Terengganu → Pulau Redang Wake up early, check out, and make your way to Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty to catch the first ferry to Pulau Redang. The ride takes around 1.5 hours, so settle in and enjoy the sea breeze. If you get seasick easily, it's a good idea to take a pill beforehand and do not forget to layer on the sunscreen before you board! Pro tip: Book your ferry via redBus for around RM55 with free cancellation (just in case your plans change). Even better? Use the code RBFERRY to score 25% off instantly + 25% cashback on your booking. More savings = more beach snacks. Check in to your resort, drop your bags, and hit the beach. First swim, first floating-in-the-sea pic, first fresh coconut water — all before the sun goes down. As evening falls, settle in for a sunset dinner right on the beach. Many popular resorts host grill nights and fire shows, a perfect way to end your first island evening. The next day is all about soaking in the best of Redang. Post breakfast, join a snorkel tour to explore the Marine Park and Coral Gardens, where with a little luck, you might spot turtles gliding through the water. Make sure to carry a waterproof pouch or GoPro to document these incredible moments. Spend the afternoon as you like. Kayaking, beach volleyball, or lounging under coconut trees, do as much (or as little) as you want. The only rule? Relax and repeat. Ps. if you stay up late, you will be treated to a spectacular show of stars above the island. DAY 4: One Last Dip Pulau Redang → Kuala Terengganu → KL Ease into your final island morning with a coffee and a quiet beach walk. And yes, squeeze in that last swim before reality (and your inbox) calls. Before you pack up, swing by the local beach stalls for a few souvenirs. Catch the ferry back to Kuala Terengganu. If you have a bit of time before catching your bus back, make a quick stop at Pasar Payang, one of Kuala Terengganu's most vibrant local markets. Take your time browsing for woven bags, batik prints, and quirky souvenirs. Then it is back on the road for the journey home. As the city lights of KL come back into view, you will already be dreaming of your next east coast escape. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
