Soo Hong Lane

Soo Hong Lane, George Town, Penang (30 June 2012)


Soo Hong Lane is the title-holder for being the narrowest named lane in George Town. The lane is so narrow that motorcycle can barely pass through it. It is located in the heritage enclave of George Town, between Armenian Street and Ah Quee Street. It comprises two parts, the main, wider lane that links Armenian Street to Ah Quee Street, and an offshoot branch also emerging at Armenian Street. From a bird's-eye-view, the lane has the appearance of the letter "h".

Soo Hong Lane at night (1 July 2012)


Soo Hong Lane was named after Khoo Soo Hong, who was a member of the board at nearby Khoo Kongsi during the mid 19th century. Soo Hong Lane was developed around the land belonging to him, which is on the northern part of Khoo Kongsi. The northern entrance of Khoo Kongsi leads to Soo Hong Lane.

The narrowest portion of Soo Hong Lane is the bottleneck in the middle where the shophouses face one another over a short distance. In terms of width, Soo Hong Lane is actually second to Boatmen Alley, however the latter is not signaged, so Soo Hong Lane holds the distinction of being the narrowest alley in George Town with a road sign.

Properties on Soo Hong Lane

A selection of photographs showing the properties along this lane.

15 Soo Hong Lane, George Town (30 June 2014)


15 Soo Hong Lane is a restored townhouse. It appears that the original wooden shutters on the upper floor has been replaced by glass louvres. The front porch appears quite plain. There is a pair of double-doors flanked on either sides by plain wooden windows with verticle grill bars, and topped with air vents.

16 Soo Hong Lane, George Town (30 June 2014)


16 Soo Long Lane is a restored townhouse. The entire property has been restored and repainted. Hanging over the front door is a plaque which reads 西河 (Penang Hokkien: Si3 Ho2, Pinyin: Xīhé).

Soo Hong Lane, George Town (23 June 2013)


Soo Hong Lane (11 January 2014)


Like a finger jutting off from the main portion, this section of Soo Hong Lane contains five double-storey townhouses (Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Soo Hong Lane) built in the 19th century. Each of these houses have timber shutters that run the length of the upper level, below which are spandrels with green ceramic air vents.

Getting there

From the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, use the pedestrian crossing to go across Pengkalan Weld, then turn left and walk south down until you reach the junction of Armenian Street Ghaut (Gat Lebuh Armenian). Turn right and go along Armenian Street Ghaut. Go acrss Victoria Street (Lebuh Victoria) and Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) and continue along Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian) until you arrive at Soo Hong Lane on your right.

Lorong Soo Hong road sign (7 July 2010)

Street Art

View Soo Hong Lane, George Town, Penang in a larger map

List of Streets in Penang and Streets in Malaysia