Outdated World Attraction on the Japanese & Oriental – Past the Little Purple Dot

February 25, 2024

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I’ve visited the Japanese & Oriental Resort (E&O) in Penang earlier than however by no means stayed there. However, final yr I bought the possibility to bask in a few nights at E&O. Whereas there are many lodging choices in Penang starting from cozy homestays to luxurious accommodations, if you’re searching for a style of luxurious whereas reminiscing the island’s colonial previous, the E&O is the place to be.

The E&O is the sister resort to the enduring Raffles Resort in Singapore. Each accommodations have been constructed by the Sarkies brothers who hailed from Armenia. After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, journey from Europe to Asia was a lot simpler, and with this got here wealthy vacationers and enterprising enterprise males who regarded to discover the unique East for pleasure and riches. With the arrival of such prosperous vacationers there was a necessity for accommodations which might cater to their consolation. The E&O was established in 1885 and Raffles Resort was established a couple of years later in 1887 to cater to such prosperous vacationers.

Positioned in Penang’s capital of Georgetown, the E&O is constructed alongside the northern shores of the town. It’s central location additionally serves as a great base to discover Georgetown and Penang island. Amid the hustle and bustle of the town, the resort itself is an oasis of tranquility. It’s very nice to return again after a busy day of exploring Penang after which end up stress-free in quiet contentment listening to the lullaby of waves crashing onto the shore.

Positioned alongside the northern coast of Georgetown, you gained’t miss the distinctive facade of the E&O Resort.

The principle foyer is graced with a big copula. When you stand below the copula and communicate you possibly can hear your voice echoing across the foyer. Generally you possibly can hear somebody talking from the opposite facet of the foyer. I ponder if the acoustics was meant to be like that or was it simply one thing sudden.

A hall that results in Farquhar’s Bar. An eclectic mixture of antiquities, and numerous odds and ends line the perimeters of this hall as you stroll previous beckoning you to discover additional.

The E&O has hosted royalty, politicians, and vacationers all through its historical past. There’s a photograph wall alongside this hall the place you possibly can view previous pictures of well-known individuals who graced this resort.

I used to be captivated by this summary view of a stairwell and chandelier.

The E&O boasts one of many longest sea fronts of any resort. You’ll find a number of previous cannons from the previous standing guard right here.

The Heritage Wing is the place to remain if you wish to expertise historical past. That is mirrored within the room decor and structure. The newer Victory Annexe was accomplished in 2013 and boasts a tower block with unblocked views of the ocean and metropolis.