THE RICHNESS OF TRADITIONS COMES TO BOUTIQUE HOTELS

With restorations hot in Penang, a number of small hotels have grown throughout the city. With the UNESCO project taking its force in Malacca and Penang especially, many have joined the bandwagon to hit the tourism trail, expecting more foreign tourists to flow into the country.

 The island have for a long time been attractive to the backpackers. Move along Chulia Street for example you will find small budget hotels catering to the demand of this group. Their expectation is a clean room and a reasonable seasonal rate since many would  stay for a while before they move to the next destination.They do not expect deluxe class or a good restaurant. Ease of transportation, communication via internet especially and money changing facilities in the area are added bonuses.

 It is good to see that house owners have started to convert their old buildings into home stays or hotel rooms with a difference. No more unfavoured frontage or interior but buildings that welcome residents to choose and stay. Only last week I came across such a building. A stretch of four former shop lots have taken a fresh look and hope to welcome their new guests when it open for business. Situated in the enclaves of Penang Historical Centre they would be a good choice for many. It would only be a walking distance to the number of UNESCO recognized sites in the area.    

For its attractiveness and commercial assets, these  hotels, smaller in size to the already established and well known hotel chain in the country, they take a  new term i.e 'boutique' representing " small but exclusive property that caters to the affluent clientele with an exceptional level of service at premium prices'.

We had the opportunity to stay in a 'boutique' hotel in Singapore a few years back and admired the concept and planning that ushered in the style.Boutique hotels grew out of old established buildings, renovated with charms of their own  but retaining parts of the old traditions and architectural splendour. You marvel at the ingenuity and skill shown to bring about a face-lift as well as fitting the interior. One thing for sure the owner must himself craved for the 'old' things.    

The whole excitement comes from the comfort, hospitality and charm of staying in an aged building restored with the artistic grandeur of past-years. Notice the original two buildings by its side in their original design with low roof lines. 

My liking for old tradition saw me visiting Penang again and this time enabling me to call at several buildings to see them at close range. Foremost I am most happy to know that a Malay owner himself is amongst the few entrepreneurs who have committed to go into the 'boutique' business. It is no mean investment because it calls for the unique and the traditions. His at No. 23 Love Lane Penang will no doubt claim a new group of clientele, not backpackers but tourists or visitors who want comfort, feel of home and true hospitality.

The tile flooring makes the difference

At Cambell Road, once a busy shopping zone in the 1950's, now a corner shop lots have been turned into a 'boutique' hotel.

 A row of old terrace buildings along Muntri Road, a corner of the heritage trail. Found here the 'Muntri Mews'

Tourist and visitors alike find such quiet corners relaxing for their cups of tea or coffee.

At Clove Lane I caught hold of this damaged masonry fencing,workmanship of construction hard to come by now.  Notice the colorful tiles on the right bench which thankfully have not been removed.I meant bench because we found such 'a tembok'  a good resting place in the evening when friends congregate. Now homes do not have such construction and therefore the neighbourhood group don't gather here anymore.

 Parents did not have to worry. Their children won't be far from the 'tembok'. Sorry not now.

        

Behind the old gate stood this mansion amongst many but uncared. Restored it would be another treasure piece.

The following are pictures taken at No. 23 Love Lane Penang

                          A bedroom for the guests , notice the two wooden chairs

           Drain pipe with a large earthenware container to collect the rain water.

   In the foreground, the old well in the compound is blocked less someone may fall in. A reminder that such homes depended on a well when pipe water was not available.

 

An old grinding stone,  reminds you of the former technology. It is such collectibles that are kept and displayed helping to link the present with the past. Lovers of antiquities appreciate these.

                         The owner's collections of antique's furniture fills the foyer

                                           

 Some modern additions for comfort

Blocked of sandstone pavements guided you into the home. Another ingenuity at decorating or furnishing with local crafts or products.

We thanked the manager in charge of the hotel for allowing us to have a look around and  as we stood at the gate, realized that the two lanterns at the entrance actually gave an international flavour to the home not restricting to one community alone. Beauty is the essence of living.


Actually this essay or observation that took me to discover several 'boutique' hotels in Penang was prompted by the Friday summon or  'Khutbah' read  at our mosque last week. It is not often that the Imam would read a 'Khutbah' with definite meaning, provoking you to realize its inner depth.

He said " Sidang jumaah yang dihormati Allah ....... Salah satu sifat semula jadi atau naluri yang disematkan Allah SWT kedalam jiwa manusia ialah, " Sukakan Kecantikan", walaupun diri atau hak kepunyaan tidak cantik. Cantik ada dua jenis. Pertama cantik semula jadi, kedua cantik yang dihiasi dengan perhiasan. Bentuk kecantikan pula terbahagi kepada dua: pertama cantik luaran dan kedua cantik dalaman; yang tak dapat dilihat dengan mata kasar, tetapi kadang-kadang terpancar juga diwajah tuan tubuhnya. Mimbar bagaimana pun membuat huraian khusus terhadap cantik luaran.

Mimbar seterusnya antara lain menyarankan ..." rumah tangga juga perlu dihiasi serta dibersihkan supaya kelihatan cantik. Ia tempat rehat manusia selepas penat bekerja. Kecantikan rumah tangga adalah ditinjau dari kebersihan dan atur susun peralatannya yang rapi, bersih hingga dapat kita dirikan solat dibahagian mana juga dalam rumah."

With quotes from the Koran and hadith the Imam went on to explain the issue farther and I fell it struck the jumaah with a strong sense of commitment realizing that they returned home with a strong force. I fell glad that day. The 'khutbah' was exemplary and Friday's 'khutbah' need to talk of issues that wake the gatherings rather than lull them away.One short fall however, the content should also be heard by the women at home, partake they understood too the responsibility of keeping clean and being beautiful in all respects. ( I make a point to borrow the 'khutbah' paper from the Imam thus allowing others to know about it)

Much as many attempt to keep their homes clean, tidy and welcoming they must get opportunities to see the 'world' outside: how things are done, what are used and with less cost as far as possible. The man's home is his castle so says a saying and naturally all must be done to assure that he stays there and not linger away. I am pretty sure yours is at its best.  

Thank you for joining me on the heritage trail. Be assured our own back doors have treasures to be preserved and shown to the world and not necessarily await acclaim from UNESCO. The truth is our own house is a boutique itself, having all the comforts, beauty and hospitality that you will never get outside. Less we forget it has to be reminded.