Malaysia: Georgetown

Score: 64

"The core of this city has amazing early 20th-century shop-house architecture and authentic charm. Walking around here is like taking a time machine back to, say, Hong Kong in 1950. The tourism development is just about right, which is to say, minimal. There is one street (Armenian) that seems to be developing as an art gallery/restaurant center. The downtown is a working downtown of shopkeepers. The most extraordinary sites are the Clan Temples, which are functioning community centers, not tourist attractions. I hope Penang can resist the pressure to Disneylandize itself."

"Strong development pressures—classic fight of the lion and the lamb. Right on the border of being preserved or collapsing."

"Street life, street markets, religious ceremonies, and streetscapes provide a highly aesthetic whole. Tourism focuses on Chinese and British history. Too little site interpretation and presentation."

"Still a gem, and a good example of citizens working hard to keep the integrity intact."

"Local guides were excellent, but inappropriate development and overall conservation practices means there is little historic integrity left."

Malaysia: Old port of Malacca

Score: 50

"One of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. It is rich in history as a gateway into Asia for early Europeans. The old churches, China Town, and vernacular Malay houses are beautifully maintained."

"The major problem for Malacca is the incredible extent of the land reclamation that has taken place at the mouth of the historic river, now heavily developed with high-rise residential and commercial buildings. As a result, the historic connection between Malacca and the sea, which is fundamental to its significance, has been almost totally obscured."

"There is very little left in Malacca that is authentic. The city has been Disneyfied and commercialized to a degree that has to be seen to be believed."

"Landfill on the town side of the Straits has forever altered the historic connection with the Straits."

"You have to make an extra effort to find 'authentic' Malacca behind the very carefully manicured heritage facade."