Crag Hotel at Penang Hill

THE century-old Crag Hotel at Penang Hill in Penang Island will be given a new lease of life soon as the state government has planned to renovate the dilapidated building.

An open tender for works to be carried out at the two sites will be called out soon.

19th century hotel up Penang Hill is marked for restoration

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the tender for the hotel under the purview of the state government will close on Sept 1,

Crag Hotel sits on a 3ha land and was established by the well-known Sarkies Brothers in 1929. The building was first built in 1890 and after the hotel was closed it housed the Upland School, before the school was moved to Burmah Road in the mid 1970s.

“Since then the building was left idle and now over-grown with grass. Besides it, there are another 18 dilapidated wooden and brick structured buildings at the surrounding area which can be developed, “ Lim told this to reporters after visiting the two sites yesterday.

Cool abodes: Part of the Crag Hotel destined for restoration.

He said the investment for the project will be high but the returns would be good.

“If the buildings could be restored to its former glory, people especially foreigners, would enjoy the panoramic view.”

The current market price for the property has been valued at RM4.2mil by the Property and Evaluation Department.

Lim said tourists especially those seeking for a private and peaceful environment would visit the area.

“It will be a good destination for those wishing to tie the knot and also for honeymooners,’’ he said.