George Town, thecapital cityof theMalaysianstateofPenang, is situated at the north-eastern tip ofPenang Island. One of the oldest cities inMalaysia, George Town was inscribed as aUNESCOWorld Heritage Sitealong withMalacca Cityin 2008. It also gained a reputation asMalaysia's gastronomic capital, due to its unique and ubiquitousstreet food.Moreover, the city hosts intangible cultural heritage, such as that of thePeranakan(formerly known as the Straits Chinese), a hybrid ethnicity which has left its mark onPenang'sarchitectureandcuisine.
Additionally, George Town isMalaysia's most vital medical tourism hub, receiving approximately half ofMalaysia's medical tourists, many from neighbouring countries such asIndonesiaandSingapore.It also serves as the financial hub within the north ofMalaysia, with numerous Malaysian and foreign banks setting up branches in the city.