9 'Old' Heritage Buildings In Malaysia That Were Transformed Into Cosy Boutique Hotels

This 19th century Straits Chinese shop lot located in Georgetown, Penang was renovated and refurbished into a guesthouse and theatre arts space.

The word "Sinkeh" comes from the Hokkien word "new arrivals" which represents Chinese immigrants who went to Penang during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

A three-storey building that contains nine rooms was attached behind the shop lot.

Natural ventilation and sunlight streaming through the building creates the perfect peaceful ambiance for a relaxed getaway.

Address: 105 Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Price: RM190 a night onwards.

Contact details: 04-2613966 or email: [email protected]

Website: www.sinkeh.com

This 93-year-old shop house was once a glorious goldsmith shop back in the 1920s.

It is now filled with nine spacious air-conditioned private tent-style rooms, a kitchen, living hall, dining room, work space, shared kitchenette, and shared bathrooms.

Contrary to some budget hostels, reviewers have said that this hostel is extremely well-maintained and clean.

Check out this review if you're wondering what activities you can do in Alor Setar during your stay at this cosy hostel.

Address: 87, Pekan Melayu, 05000, Alor Setar, Kedah

Price: RM41 per night onwards.

Contact details: 012-597 2274

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/hostelawaz

This iconic building was formerly known as the first ever Chinese bank in Perak called Bank of Melaya.

With its dramatic high ceilings and antique pre-war glass tiles, the building was said to have withstood World War II before it was restored and turned into a boutique hotel in 2014.

"Sarang" means "a place of rest" while "Pa-Lo" in Cantonese refers to the dams that were constructed along Kinta River for fishing.

Sarang Paloh also has an event hall available for parties and company activities.

Address: No.16, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Price: RM238 per night onwards.

Contact details: 05-2413 926 or email [email protected]

Website: www.sarangpaloh.com

Located along Leith Street, the mansion was built in 1906 as a home for a wealthy Chinese man named Yeo Wee Gark.

The building balances modern luxury and historic architectural features with intricate designed walls and elegant suites.

There are 35 cosy rooms, a pool, and a breezy, open air courtyard.

Best part is, it is only 10 minutes away from the famous Penang Road TeoChew Chendul! 

Address: 15 Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia

Price: RM423 a night onwards.

Contact details: 04-262 2990 or email: [email protected]

Website: www.theedisonhotels.com

Renovated from an entire block of 12 pre-war shop houses, Areca Hotel has been refurbished into a modern yet cosy guesthouse.

The hotel provides a variety of rooms, including spacious suites, a library, a computer lounge, and a cafe.

Located opposite the hotel is The Majestic Theatre, which was the first cinema in Penang to screen Chinese films with sounds. 

Address: 5, Jalan Khoo Sian Ewe, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Price: RM253 per night onwards.

Contact details: 04-261 0050 or email [email protected]

Website: www.arecahotelpenang.com

Built in 1810 by an influential Dutchman, who was an acting Dutch Governor of Melaka, the Casugria residence served as his Manor House that fronted his large coconut plantation. Today, the residence has been restored and refurbished into a quaint bed and breakfast.

Casugria residence is a great choice if you're looking for a place where you and your family or partner can escape to. Apart from being located near Jonker Street, this hotel has an outdoor pool and garden that you can relax in.

Address: 117, Jalan Parameswara Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Price: RM450 per night onwards.

Contact details: 012-326 6089 or email [email protected]

Website: www.casugriamelaka.com

Clove Hall is a charming Edwardian Anglo-Malay bungalow located in a quiet neighbourhood in Penang. Built on the site of a former colonial plantation, Clove Hall is filled with architectural features such as, verandahs, high ceilings, and tall windows with plenty of sunlight streaming in.

The hotel is made up of six individual suites that have wooden floors, four poster beds, mosquito nets, ceiling fans, and Planter's chairs on the balconies.

It's the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. If the weather gets too hot, you can also take a dip in their shady pool that is nestled within the bungalow.

Address: 11, Clove Hall Road, 10050 Penang

Price: RM575 per night onwards.

Contact details: 04-229 0818 or email [email protected]

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CloveHallResidence

During the 1800s, this Anglo-Indian bungalow belonged to Shaik Eusoffe bin Shaik Latiff, an Indian-Muslim family and was one of the first lodgings in Georgetown over a century ago.

From vintage furniture and crisp white linens to wooden floor panels and patios, the 19th century building was refurbished and restored into the elegant boutique hotel that it is today.

Address: 362 & 366, Chulia Street, World Heritage City of George Town
10200 Penang, Malaysia

Price: RM338 per night onwards.

Contact details: 04-262 2177 or email [email protected]

Website: www.yengkenghotel.com

Victorian tiles, stained glass windows, expensive furniture, and fittings were imported to Malaysia to build this mansion in 1929 for a tycoon named Leong Long Man.

Two years after moving in, he fell ill and died, leaving all of his family estates to his son. The home was eventually sold to a businessman named Lim Heng Fang in 1955, who preserved the mansion and converted it into a hotel. 

In 2000, the guesthouse began to lose its former shine. Wanting to retain the rich heritage, YTL Hotels stepped in to restore the building and reopened it as The Majestic Malacca (now Melaka).

Address: 188 Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia

Price: RM392 per night onwards.

Contact details: 06-289 8000 or email [email protected]

Website: www.majesticmalacca.com