Limburg
Limburg, despite its faux-German name, is the home of prominent early 20th century Penang industrialist Lim Cheng Teik (1884-1978). He was the son of tycoon Phuah Hin Leong (who was born Lim Choo Guan to an impoverished family from the Lim clan, and subsequently adopted by a Phuah family). Like his father, Lim Cheng Teik entered the oil and rice milling business. He became successful early in life, and was elected at the age of 26 as the youngest Municipal Commissioner of Penang. At the age of 33, he became the Chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Lim's tenure as Municipal Rent Revision Board member as well as his position as Justice of the Peace came to an abrupt end when he resigned in protest over a miscarriage of justice by the British. Properties owned by him include not only Limburg, which was designed by the architectural firm of Neubronner's in 1917, as well as properties along Jalan Dato Kramat, Jalan Pangkor and Persiaran Gurney. Medan Lim Cheng Teik was a road named in his honor.
Today Limburg has been readapted for use as a KFC outlet.
Getting there
Limburg, along Jalan Larut, is more easily accessible by car. Nevertheless, Rapid Penang bus 104 does pass by on its way from Tanjung Bungah to Weld Quay.
What to see and do
Limburg's role as a fast-food outlet somewhat diminishes its significance as a heritage building. Though not a tourist sight, it is an example of a well-restored 20th century heritage building.
Stretching your budget in Penang
If you are a prudent traveller, you can spend less than $20 per day in Penang, including your accommodation! Here's some useful tips for budget travellers to Penang, to help you manage your budget and have a great time.
Penang Tour Guides
If you're on a shoestring budget, you can explore Penang using the travel articles in Penang Travel Tips. You may print them out for your own personal non-commercial use. However, nothing compares to having a professional tour guide to show you around. If you need a tour guide, contact me and I'll arrange one for you, according to your schedule and interest. If I happen to be free, I would gladly show you around too. Just write to me at:
Finding Budget Accommodation in Penang
If you're coming to Penang on a budget, you'd be pleased to know that there's quite a number of places in George Town as well as in Batu Ferringhi that offers good clean accommodation without costing you an arm and a let. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood, which happens to belong to a friend of mine. If it is occupied, there are plenty of other places that cost less than US$12.00 per night. Here are some suggestions:
Hutton Lodge, from US$8.25
Baba Guesthouse, from US$7.57
E.T. Budget Guesthouse, from US$6.05
YMCA Penang, from US$6.53
Ali's Ferringhi Guest House, from US$9.63
Despite the best intentions to provide you information that is as accurate as possible, do be aware that prices may have changed and exchange rates fluctuated since I wrote this. So please personally and carefully screen through the available accommodation before making your booking, to avoid any disappointments.
Limburg Photo Gallery
Limburg (30 January 2006)
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