Eastern & Oriental Hotel

If you are close by, it's worth taking a few minutes to marvel at this restored bit of history. The hotel was owned and operated by the Sarkies brothers, who were also responsible for Raffles in Singapore.

Originally built in 1884, the hotel attracted the rich and famous and you can see their photographs displayed in period cabinets around the lobby. Rita Heyworth, Karl May, Orson Wells, Herman Hesse, Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin and Noel Coward all graced its halls and no doubt enjoyed the grounds and waterfront. The hotel eventually closed and fell into disrepair, but has since been rescued and restored to its former glory.

There is no real information for visitors but you are permitted to have a look through the public areas and soak up the ambience and glamour. Imagine wealthy traders and important colonists sipping G&Ts by the harbourfront. On the reception desk you will find a sample of a book for sale which has many pictures from the hotel's early years and tells its story through to its renovation. The staff are happy for you to browse through but if you want your own copy, they sell for 188.50 ringgit.