Penang Swimming Club

Penang Swimming Club (26 September 2009)


The Penang Swimming Club (GPS: 5.46497, 100.29695) is the oldest and wealthiest swimming club in Penang. It was founded by the Europeans who were keen on swimming. The early founders where young white men. The club was sited at Tanjong Bungah, which means the "cape of flowers", a name derived from the seaside gardens.

When the Penang Swimming Club was founded, on 5 June, 1903, Tanjung Bungah was a laid back fishing village served by a single meandering country road. There wasn't a single hotel in sight. At that time, membership was homogenously male and white. Ladies were allowed in on Thursdays.

Right through the 1930's the custom of segregation of race and gender was the norm. Hence the Clubhouse was exclusive male territory while the "Snake Temple," a dainty one-storey structure, is exclusive to the ladies.

The Japanese Occupation of Malaya beginning in 1941 was a break of sorts for the Penang Swimming Club. With the Japanese taking over the club, it was opened to the locals for the first time. However, the club suffered from general neglect through the war years, and when the war was over, the former members returned to a pick-me-up.

Membership was once again whites-only right up to the 1960's. It was only in the late 1960's that locals gain entry as a committee member. With independence and the withdrawal of Europeans from Penang, the club finally allowed locals free entry - that is, if they can afford the membership.

The character of the membership continued to transform, until it became predominantly locals. Meanwhile, the club continued to expand, both in membership as well as in its facilities. Although squarely focused on sea-related activities, by the 1990's it added land sports such as tennis and tai-chi sessions, along with a well-appointed gymnasium.

How to reach the Penang Swimming Club

Take Rapid Penang bus 101. Get down at the bus stop near Hill Side Tanjung Bungah.

What's good to eat at the Penang Swimming Club

Penang Swimming Club is on the Map of Jalan Tanjung Bungah and on the Map of Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Penang Swimming Club, as seen from One Tanjong. (2 November 2020)


Covered passageway between the old and new wing of Penang Swimming Club (22 November 2018)


The marina at Penang Swimming Club (22 November 2018)


View of the Penang Swimming Club coastline. (13 April 2016)


Penang Swimming Club, as seen from the Tanjung Bungah coast. (23 December 2020)


The 14th floor verandah at Penang Swimming Club (22 November 2018)


Lift lobby deco at Penang Swimming Club (22 November 2018)


Penang Swimming Club complex with multi-storey car park, multi purpose hall, sports facilities and restaurant. (13 April 2016)


Entrance to the Penang Swimming Club. (13 April 2016)


Entrance signboard of Penang Swimming Club (13 April 2016)


The Captain's Restaurant, Penang Swimming Club (22 November 2018)


Dining hall at The Captain's Restaurant (22 November 2018)


Penang Swimming Club (26 September 2009)

List of Swimming Pools in Penang and Swimming Pools in Malaysia