Top 10 Colonial Structures in Penang, Malaysia

Stepping foot into Georgetown, Penang, I found was a wondrous mix of cultures, incredible colonial architecture, and delicious, cheap eats. The island now known as Penang was founded in 1786 as Prince of Wales Island, with Georgetown being named its capital. Before the British, the Portuguese tried to claim the island and failed. The British turned Penang into one of the most successful ports in Southeast Asia, and maintained the island for over 150 years.

Penang has remained an under the radar destination up until now. Penang’s recent growth has been able to catch many expats eyes as the second biggest city in Malaysia, owning amazing food and a rich history, as it’s listed as a World Unesco Heritage Site.

During WWII, Japanese-controlled Penang was the target of bombings that resulted in destruction, but still much of the colonial architecture of Western and Eastern influence remained in tact. The structures might have remained, however they are currently under pressure as the city continues to grow and develop.

Here are the Top 10 Colonial Structures in Penang:

1. St. George’s Church

One of the oldest Anglican churches in Malaysia, St. George’s was constructed in 1818 at a cost of 60,000 Spanish dollars, which was the same price the British paid for all of Singapore! It’s a neo classical, Georgian-style church, with eight pairs of Doric columns and a massive, yet simple triangular pediment, and had been one of the finest in Southeast Asia in its heyday. Heavily damaged in WW2 bombings, the church was reconstructed and reopened in 1948.

2. High Court

The original Supreme Court of Penang was constructed in 1808 as Malaysia’s first of its kind. The current neo-Palladian/neo-Classical Structure was built in 1903, on the same plot of land where the original court stood for almost 100 years. You’ll see the large, elegant & simple triangular pediments stand out as you make your way around the complex.

3. Wisma Building (Malaysia Railway Building)

The current Penang customs house, or Wisma Building, was originally built as a railway station – but the catch is that there were no trains. It was used as a ticketing office to ride on the trains departing from Butterworth, which is a ferry ride across the Penang Strait. Completed in 1909, the building’s clock tower is the defining feature which emphasizes Baroque style and reaches above any other building along the riverfront skyline.

4. Eastern and Oriental Hotel

The Eastern and Oriental Hotel, the first hotel owned by the legendary Sarkie brothers, brought Penang into the spotlight with a world class hotel experience. It was considered the “finest hotel East of Suez” at the turn of the 19th century. With a signature facade and a doorman ready to greet you in traditional style, the Eastern and Oriental is still a pearl in Southeast Asia.

Notable guests include: Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, and Sun Yat Sen. Not bad.

5. City Hall

Penang City Hall was completed in 1906 after being built upon a previous existing mansion. The all white, symmetrical building was constructed in the strong, grand Edwardian Baroque style complete with a porte-cochere, and like the High Court, has the Ionic columns on the first level Corinthian columns on the second.

Both the City Hall and Town Hall are across from the Padang and Esplande, important pieces of British colonial city planning with a field for activities (Padang) and a promenade along the oceanfront (Esplande).

6. Town Hall

Penang Town Hall, completed in 1883, was originally the home to the Municipal Council of Penang but it was not satisfactory so they moved to the newly constructed Penang City Hall. Like Penang City, it’s a symmetrical structure with beautiful quoins and semi circle pediments on either side, and a triangular pediment atop a two story porte-cochere.

7. Suffolk House

The only Georgian style mansion remaining in Malaysia, the Suffolk House was built to be the main residence of the British governor of Penang. It was built in 1805, replacing the previous home of the first British Governor of Penang, Francis Light. It has beautiful doric columns around the whole of the building, and a porte-cochere, under which you can sit outside and enjoy a brunch and English Breakfast tea.

Suffolk House is a bit further from Georgetown, so you’ll need another mode of transportation besides walking.

8. Georgetown Dispensary

Built in 1923, this building housed the Georgetown Dispensary Ltd, which was a leader in the pharmaceutical drug business in Malaysia. The original headquarters, standing since the late 1800s is right next door.

This structure is unique with its corner placement, and arches one side opposed to columns on the other. In the center you have four ionic entablatures with a semi circle pediment, while on the east side of the building is a triangular pediment and only windows instead of entablatures. Both contain circular windows, although the east side is locating directly in the pediment.

This is one of my personal favorites, along with a couple others I talked to in Georgetown, but unfortunately, it’s closed to the public.

9. Penang State Museum

Originally part of the first English school in Penang, Penang Free School, this structure was built in 1906, while WW2 bombings destroyed the other wing, constructed in 1898. It continues the theme in Penang of neo-Palladian architecture, with tall, arched windows, Ionic and Corinthian entablatures, and a porte-cochere. The museum is currently closed due to renovation, but is scheduled to open back up in 2018.

10. Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

This elegant structure lies adjacent to Fort Cornwallis in the Northeast part of Georgetown. It was commissioned in 1897 by a Chinese-Penang millionaire, and designed by a Georgetown Municipal Council Member. The height from the base of the tower is 60 feet, each foot representing one year of the reign of Queen Victoria. Moving up from its octagonal base, the tower is adorned with balconies and clocks on each of the four sides, and a bell at the top under a dome, bringing the total height to 97 feet.

Note: Buildings are judged on 1. Historical significance, 2. Architectural design, 3. Importance to community, and 4. Impression and aura. Think I missed one? Let me know in the comments!