FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GEORGE TOWN UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
A World Heritage Site is selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having Outsanding Universal Values (OUV), and meeting at least one out of the ten selection criteria. States Parties to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage can nominate sites that are of outstanding value to humanity for inclusion on the World Heritage List. See The Criteria for Selection.
The inner city of George Town and the historic centre of Melaka were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title ‘Melaka and George Town: Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca’ on 7 July 2008 during the 32nd Session of the World Heritage Committee in Québec, Canada.
The three criteria of George Town’s OUV are: (i) multicultural trading town, (ii) multicultural heritage and traditions, and (iii) unique architecture, culture, and townscape.
You can get a copy of the map from the George Town World Heritage Incorporated office or download from the Resources page.
Please visit Rapid Penang for the bus routes and journey planner.
The best way to explore George Town is on foot. Wear a good pair of walking shoes and a hat, or carry an umbrella. Put on sunscreen. Be properly attired when visiting places of worship.
They are located in Padang Kota Lama, Chowrasta Market, Astaka Medanika, Kampung Kolam, Medan Renong, Pengkalan Weld, Lebuh Campbell Market, Tanjung Selera Weld Quay, Pusat Khidmat Setempat (Padang Kota Lama), Surau Bandaraya Lebuh Duke (Padang Kota Lama) and Kompleks Letak Kereta MBPP Lebuh Pantai.
Please check the Calendar of Events on Penang Global Tourism.
Yes. You need to apply for a license with the Licensing Unit in the City Council of Penang Island. Also refer to the George Town Special Area Plan on the criteria for film locations inside the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Download the application form application form and submit it to the Heritage Conservation Department in the City Council of Penang Island.
Visit Visions of Penang , an online collection of thumbnails and watermarked versions of their images. You can also call the Resource Centre at 04-261 0985 or e-mail us for more information.
GEORGE TOWN WORLD HERITAGE INCORPORATED (GTWHI)
We are the state heritage agency of the State Government of Penang, established to manage, safeguard and promote the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Outstanding Universal Values.
For advice on the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings, please write to Muhammad Hijas Sahari at hijas@gtwhi.com.my.
Please write to info@gtwhi.com.my to make an appointment at least three working days in advance
Follow us on social media – Facebook (@gtwhi), Twitter (@wearegtwhi) and Instagram (@gtwhi).
Please get our permission by writing in to us, detailing the purpose of reproducing the information and images, which are strictly for educational and non-commercial use only. Do ensure that you acknowledge George Town World Heritage Incorporated in your publication.
It has a resource centre with a good collection of books, magazines and journals for reference use by students and researchers. There is also a collection of audio recordings (Oral History of George Town) and videos (Local Artisans and Practitioners of George Town).
Please write to info@gtwhi.com.my to make an appointment at least three working days in advance
Check out our Careers page for more information.
Yes, we accept interns. See the Internship Programme page for more information.
Yes, we recruit volunteers and part-time employees, especially for George Town Heritage Celebrations and other projects.
Not at the moment. However, you may contact the Penang Tourist Guides Associations to engage a tour guide.
INTERVIEWS AND GROUP VISITS
Send us a formal letter of request for the interview with your educational institution letterhead, and provide us with information on your research abstract, study background, and a list of your interview questions.
Please write to info@gtwhi.com.my with your request and proposed date and time of interview.
Please e-mail info@gtwhi.com.my and include details of the proposed visit such as (1) name and address of educational institution, (2) contact person, (3) number of visitors and age range of group, (4) proposed date and time, (5) purpose of visit, (6) field of study, and (7) preferred language of presentation.
GEORGE TOWN HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS
The Celebrations is an annual event to commemorate George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcase the heritage, culture and traditions of the local communities.
The Celebrations usually take place in July in the inner city of George Town.
Join the team as a project staff, or volunteer during the event.
Yes, our programmes are free to join (unless stated) and open to everyone.
Yes, we welcome you to showcase your photography talent during the Celebrations. Tag us on social media – Facebook (@georgetowncelebrations) and Instagram (@heritagecelebrations) for the opportunity to be featured.
SHOP ONLINE
You can purchase them at our office or order online by e-mailing info@gtwhi.com.my to place your order. We offer worldwide delivery, and we will provide you with a quotation for the cost of postage. Payment is via bank transfer for online purchases.
STILL NEED HELP?
Call our office at +604-261 6606 or e-mail info@gtwhi.com.my.