Penang or Georgetown would have to be one of the best places in Asia for walking tours, especially if you like old, heritage buildings. In Asia’s rush for economic prosperity most of the old residential houses and buildings are slowly being replaced by modern high rises.

Thankfully Georgetown is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site ensuring its architecture will survive rampant development.

If I had the cash I would buy and renovate of these townhouses. There are still plenty of unrenovated buildings. Some of the renovated places have been made into backpacker hostels, art galleries, residences and tea houses.

This place looks like it is for sale, with a price of around 300,000 ringgit, which is less than US$100,000 – a bargain if this is right.

Penang architecture

Another renovator’s delight.

Penang architecture

And finally in the same street a renovated place, which I believe is owned by a French guy. I had a peek inside the other day when the door was open and it looks great inside also.

Penang architecture