Like a wheel in constant motion, Penang is always a plethora of perspectives.

This visit was no different. As guests of Dinner at Eight – hosted by George Town Festival 2016 for regional journalists – we were offered Penang on a platter. The old and the new. The familiar and the fresh. Each facet of Penang’s myriad faces continues to captivate.

The only ghost at the magnificent Blue Mansion is one’s own fear. A strangler tree hangs out at The Habitat rescuing collapsing trees. Fuan Wong’s glass leaves are as extraordinary as nature’s best at Art & Garden. A 25-year-old chef serves exquisite lunches at the Dining Room. An art collector, living with his paintings, showcases his extensive Vietnamese art collection. From the ashes of a scorched row of shophouses, 7 Terraces is proof of Penang pride. The once-abandoned Hin Bus Depot transforms into a living, breathing art space. And the island’s Teochew Chendul stays true to its claim – as the best!

Expect much, much more at the 7th annual George Town Festival 2016. With more than 100 events at venues around town, this year’s month-long festival promises to be as engrossing as ever.

I can’t wait to watch the South East Asian premiere of Dutch Strandbeest, where life-like creations on the beach will feed on gusts of wind. Canada’s Triptyque is another; its Asian premiere is a three-part circus act. On the local front, Aida Redza’s Moved by Padi, is a multi-arts collaborative project celebrating rice as a source of existence and self. Singapore’s Pearl of the Eastern & Oriental is the tale of a young modern-day woman butler who grapples with the ghosts of the hotel’s past to shape her future.

Save the month! Penang is gearing up – big-time. Art, music, theatre, film and photography. See you there!