One of Penang’s finest examples of Victorian architecture makes for a pleasant backdrop to the Georgetown Esplanade.

Stroll along Georgetown’s wide Esplanade and your eye is drawn to the magnificent white façade of City Hall. The tall, narrow arches and white colonial-style columns recall a time when British influence was strong here.

Also known as Dewan Bandaraya, the Georgetown City Hall was built in 1903 and opened in 1906. Since then, it’s been the center of municipal business in Georgetown, housing dozens of council offices and departments. It was also one of the first buildings in Penang to install electric lighting, with the German firm Huttenbach Brothers doing the job before going on to wire the lighting for many other buildings around the city.

As you make your way past the building keep an eye out for the large cenotaph statue, a memorial erected by the British to honor their soldiers who died in World War I. Surrounded by palms it provides another focal point on the Esplanade, though if you’re looking for a story behind it you may be disappointed, as Penang saw very little action during World War I.

Directly in front of the City Hall is the wide expanse of green known as Kota Lama. This area was cleared by the British for the purpose of cricket and other field games, as well as military parades. Today, the area provides a venue for concerts and ceremonies throughout the year. Take a seat on the grass or in the cast iron bandstand and take in the splendid sight of the City Hall on one side, and the water lapping against the sea wall on the other side.

The Georgetown City Hall, located on the Esplanade, is an excellent photo opportunity and a firm reminder of Penang’s colonial past.