At Peatix, we love to discover hidden venue spaces and share them with our organizers. One of the areas that we have been checking out is Penang, especially in the beautiful Georgetown area. When organising events, it is refreshing to keep the venues new and unexpected for your attendees. We have shortlisted 5 off the grid venues that you may consider when planning your next event.
1. Hin Bus Depot
Hin Bus Depot was an abandoned bus depot, which was given a new leash of life, and now thrives as an art space. There is an old world charm to this space, much like some of the other spaces we have listed in this article. It is a mix of modern facilities with architecture from the old world.
The long hall and the outdoor hall can be rented for events. There are cafes next to it, so if you are considering catering for your event, you can approach these cafes for easier access. This space has an old world charm with its mosaic tiles and wall murals scattered around the property.
Peatix held our inaugural Backstage Pass in Penang at Hin Bus Depot and our attendees loved this space.
Address: 31, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone:+60 4-226 5691
2. Whiteaways Arcade
Located on Lebuh Pantai, this two-storey colonial building hosts a charming space for performances and also there’s an area for art exhibitions, fashion shows and music events. It has retained its classical heritage appeal after undergoing a short span of commercial restoration. There is a cafe near by too.
Address: 6, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
3. The Star Pitt Street
The Star Pitt Street, an Unesco-recognised heritage enclave, has been fully restored and it now houses a book store on the ground floor, a resource centre and exhibition space on the first, and the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra on the top floor. Check out the art shows that take place here.
Address: 15, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Malaysia
4. Black Kettle
Black Kettle is known for their scrumptious brunch items, but what few people know of is the second level that can be used to host events. It is conducive for a variety of events and creates a cozy/homey feeling with their high-ceiling and owners who are very friendly.
Address: 105, Beach St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4-251 9270
5. @CAT
@CAT is an accelerator for Creative, Analytics & Technology located at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee, because George Town is aimed at promoting creative, analytics, and technology start-up entrepreneurship. So if you are planning events for the startup folks, this would be a good venue to check out.
Address: No. 16 &, Pengkalan Weld & Gat Lebuh China, George Town, 10300 George Town, Malaysia
Bonus: Sinkeh
Sinkeh is actually a boutique hotel, but it’s simply gorgeous with a small performing arts space. Sin Keh is a guesthouse located in the heart of George Town that supports culture and the arts. They are conveniently located in the heritage zone, within walking distance of the city’s historical centre and its famed street-food stalls.
Address:105, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4-261 3966
We will keep updating this list with venue spaces in Penang as we continue to explore the city. In the meantime, share with us some of your favourite hidden spots for hosting events in Penang!
