Penang is an island of great historical significance to Malaysia. Penang was earlier a settlement for the British East India Company in the late 1700s. The island struggled with post-colonial growth and development. A quirky fusion of the East and West, Penang today welcomes modernity, while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings, which led to George Town being listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. The island today, is not just a tourist paradise, but also a centre of economical, industrial and technological developments. This is largely because of the great cultural diversity the Chinese and other South East Asian immigrants brought about. Being regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also spell-binds foodies with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.