Special thanks to Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Social Sciences senior lecturer Dr Saidatulakmal Mohd and her research team, whose workshop, “The Untouched Heritage of Pulau Pinang”, was the inspiration for this issue’s photo essay.

George Town’s entry into the Unesco World Heritage Sites listing is a recognition of Penang’s unique history. But while Unesco’s “heritage zone” applies only to George Town, other historical treasures can be found outside the zone. Some date back centuries, many have a fascinating history behind them, and all of them are hidden in plain sight...