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The Achenese Warehouse

Gudang Acheh at 322 Lebuh Pantai, 10300 Penang, is a four-storey heritage structure at the junction of Beach Street and Acheen Street. It is one of the oldest buildings along Lebuh Pantai, having appeared in the 1803 map of George Town. Originally built as a jail, it was subsequently renovated into a shophouse as well as godown for the Achenese merchant Tengku Syed Hussain, the founder of the Acheen Street Mosque.

The shophouse front that we see today was believed to be added by Tengku Syed Hussain when he carried out his spice business. Throughout the 19th century, it was the tallest structure along Beach Street. For that reason, it was also known as Rumah Tinggi in Malay and Kuan Lau in Hokkien, both meaning "tall house".

You will notice that on the ground floor, the walls are especially stout and the windows tiny. This is probably for two reasons: so that by the technology of that time, the structure can be built to four storeys, and secondly, in its original design, it was intended as a jail.

Getting there

From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian crossing, then turn left, walk along Pengkalan Weld until the junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right, walk along Gat Lebuh Chulia until junction of Lebuh Pantai. Turn left, walk along Beach Street until you reach the junction of Lebuh Acheh. Gudang Acheh is on your right, at the junction.

Nearby Sights

  • Cheah Kongsi
  • Yap Kongsi
  • Choo Chay Keong Temple
  • Eng Tai Association

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    Gudang Acheh (8 January 2008)
    © Timothy Tye using this photo

    Gudang Acheh Location Map






    Gudang Acheh (19 February 2005)
    © Timothy Tye using this photo

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    Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms. Tim is a Christian. Click here to know more about his beliefs.