100 Cintra Street

Built in 1897 by a Siamese lady as her home, south of the Malabar Village of Penang. It exchanged hands many times until the Lim family acquired it in 1938. They have owned this building since. In 1984 it was destroyed by a fire and was rebuilt in 1999. The rebuilding was done to facilitate the use of recycled materials from other buildings being destroyed in Penang. It was reopened as a cultural shopping centre but due to declining business in the artifacts business it was decided to convert the first floor into a hostel/budget guesthouse to open on 18 December 2004. The ground floor is used for shopping. The second floor is a 'Folk Museum' about the lifestyle of Penang. Many people who come to Penang are unaware of the rich heritage and what has transpired since the British settled here.A city with about 12,000 heritage buildings could not have occurred overnight. It is located in the heart of Chinatown along Cintra Street, the main street which all visitors use from the bus terminal at KOMTAR on their trek to Lebuh Chulia. There are 14 double-bedded rooms (all with windows and sleeping on raised traditional timber platform), and a 6-bedded dormitory, 4 areas with washing facilities, TV lounge, conference room, library for easy reading, facilities for drinks and coffee (free coffee is provided), free bicycles for two hours a day to tour the city, a covered breezy veranda for lazing and reading and a roof deck that could be used for sun bathing if you are inclined to in the afternoon.From the veranda there is a magnificent view of the famous Penang Hills and other buildings of Penang. The building is cooled by a constant flow of wind produced by hot spots and temperature differences, a most impressive example of passive cooling for sustainable living in the tropics. The atmosphere within the building is unique in that the interior reflects the philosophy of the 'passage of time' to record the events of the building. The use of recycled buildings material is evident everywhere. The building was designed and restored by one of Malaysia's leading architect Jimmy Lim. Well known for his tropical architecture and for his work he has received the Aga Khan Architectural Award for Excellence, besides numerous other Awards. This building is regularly visited by architectural students and architects.

It is 5 mins walk from the main bus terminal at KOMTAR Penang. It is located half way between the terminal and Chulia Street where currently most of the budget hostels are located. It is about 1.5 km from the jetty and the ferry. Easily accessible by trishaws. The trains of course are on the mainland. We are about 35 mins from the airport at the SE end of the island. We are able to provide airport pick up (charges apply) if you contact us in advance.