The Spout: The Little Victorian Hill Resort

By Eugene Quah

June 2023 LEST WE FORGET
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The Botanic Gardens, Penang. “The Spout” is visible on a cleared shoulder, directly above the waterfall, and a trail can be seen leading from there to the right. Detail from University of Leiden, Image code 151427. Photo digitally coloured and magnified to show “The Spout” clearly, likely taken at the turn of the 19th century. Source: Gibby (2017) “Penang Hill – A Journey Through Time”, Entrepot Publishing Reproduced with permission (Text). University of Leiden. Public Domain (Photo).
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ONE FINE MORNING last July, I went with my intrepid friend, James Wong, to explore the hills behind the Vale of Tempe in Tanjung Bungah. As we reached the end of the road, two granite stones set about 2ft apart greeted us. The edge of the jungle was just in front of us, with Alila Condominiums looming in the distance.We ventured forth on the jungle path beyond the rocks which became steeper as we progressed. After a half-hour ascent, passing...

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References
  • Mike Gibby (2017), “Penang Hill a Journey Through Time.” 2017. pg.43.
  • Mike Gibby, 23 April, 2023. Personal e-mail communication. He helped with identifying James MacFarlane.
  • Rexy Prakash Chacko, 23 April, 2023. Personal e-mail communication. He provided the information about the altitude of “The Spout” and the ruins of “The Chalet”.
  • “The Municipal Commission - Lost Title Deed” (1907), Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle, February 23, 1907, pg.5.
  • “Advertisement – For Sale: The House and Property known as ‘The Spout’” (1879), Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle, January 24, 1879, pg.3
  • “A Bride in Penang in the Sixties—I” (1934), The Straits Times, November 7, 1934, pg.10.
  • “A Bride in Penang in the Sixties—IV” (1934), The Straits Times, November 10, 1934, pg.10.
  • Joanna King (née Smith) (1868). “Diary 1867-1868.” Wellcome Collection.
  • “Gay Young Bloods of Penang Hill” (1948), The Straits Times, January 14, 1948, pg.4.
  • “Imposing Chinese Funeral - The Late Mr. Tan Kang Hock” (1915), Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle, October 20, 1915, pg.7.
  • “Official [Municipal Council] Minutes” (1907), Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle, March 12, 1907, pg.3.
  • “St. Xavier’s”, Straits Echo, May 26, 1906, pg.4.
Eugene Quah

is an independent researcher and writer who is working on a book tentatively called “Illustrated Guide to the North Coast of Penang”. He rediscovered the joys of writing after moving back to Penang from abroad.


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