457 Burmah Road

457 Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus (10 August 2013)


457 Burmah Road is a heritage building in Pulau Tikus, Penang. Believed to have been built at the turn of the 20th century, it is a two-storey structure in the Straits Eclectic style. The bungalow has a porch for the driveway. The bungalow has a hipped roof topped by a raised lantern. The pediment bears intricate stucco design.

Wrapping around the ground and upstairs level of 457 Burmah Road are pairs of full-length shutters with wooden jalousies at the top half and panels at the bottom half. These alternate with pilasters.

I do not know who built 457 Burmah Road (I would be pleased if someone comes forward with this information). In the most recent past, the building housed a hawker centre known as the Safari Food Court. Due to its proximity to the St Xavier's Branch School, it was used by the school at a boarding house until 1977, when it was taken over by Uplands School, until the school relocated to the St Joseph's Noviate Building in 1987. An old postcard called this building Darbar Hall, but nothing further is known about how it got that name.

457 Burmah Road was threatened with demolition in 2011, when the owner of the building applied to have it pulled down. However, it was saved when local conservationists such as members of the Penang Heritage Trust voiced their opposition to its demolition.

Getting there

The bus stop along Burmah Road is served by Rapid Penang bus 101, 102, 104 and 304. Note that buses on the one-way Burmah Road pass in the direction towards the city centre. If coming from Weld Quay or Komtar, take the bus to Kelawei Road and walk from there.

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