1886 Building, Beach Street, George Town

The 1886 building - so named for the year of its construction - is probably the oldest commercial building on Beach Street that has retained its original appearance. It used to house Goon Yen & Friends, an upmarket emporium - one of the first in George Town to be owned by non-whites. Upmarket shops and offices, including Howarth Erskine Engineers occupied the rest of the building.

On the upper floors are lovely French windows that open out to cast iron balconies - they were fortunate to have survived till this day, as metal were taken away by the occupying Japanese forces during the war. Topping the building is a dentilated cornice and a parapet wall.

Visiting Penang

If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!