Komtar Tower George Town Penang Malaysia

Yesterday, I visited the George Town Komtar Civic Complex. Within the complex, Komtar Tower – 68 floors – is the tallest skyscraper in Penang and the second highest in Malaysia. The architect is brutalist, and the architect, Lim Chong Keat, is one of the “most important architects of Singapore and Malaysia“.

History

Komtar Tower is officially named the Tun Abdul Razak Complex, after Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s prime minister 1970 – 1976. In 1974, Razak became the “first Malaysian head of government to visit China and officially establish Sino-Malaysia diplomatic relations“. He’s credited with “developing peaceful relations between the governments of China and Malaysia, based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity“.

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“The construction of Komtar Tower was controversial, because it created mass urban displacements and the demolition of a portion of Penang’s heritage quarter. A rise of opposition indirectly led to creation of the heritage preservation movement in Penang.”

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State Government Involvement

Owned by Penang State Government, Komtar Tower groundbreaking occurred in 1974, with construction continuing in phases until 2019. The building “currently houses government administrative offices and the Right Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang”..

Offices, Retail, Restaurants, Attractions, Spa

In addition to George Town government offices, the Komtar Complex contains “1,420,000 square feet of office and retail space on a 27-acre superblock”. If you’re going to the top, you buy a ticket and pay a small fee that can be applied to your bill, if you decide to eat at the restaurant. It’s necessary to change elevator banks part of the way up the tower.As part of building security, you’re given a QR code that’s scanned prior to entering the elevator bank leading to the upper floors – a confusing process.

Tower Spa Top Komtar Penang – Klook

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“The site occupied by Komtar was originally a stretch of the Prangin River Waterway running through a swamp. In 1804, at the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars, the British East India Company constructed a defensive stone canal on the site.”

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Tower Spa

I found the building layout complicated, and getting around was dizzying. There are several attractions inside the complex, but I visited mainly for panoramic views from the top, and lunch at Top View Restaurant. As an afterthought, I discovered Tower Spa on the 67^th floor and booked a much-needed massage.

I met a friendly businesswoman from Singapore in the spa reception area. She travels to the US for her position in the tech world and is fond of Florida, California, and Arizona. While waiting for our spa treatments, we had a nice conversation and enjoyed local jasmine tea.

My masseuse was a young Thai woman who gave one of the best messages I’ve had! I’ve been feeling a bit stiff, but the massage resolved it and left me energized. Tomorrow, I’m taking an ambitious all-day tour with an English speaking driver / guide. It’ll be a full, challenging day – and I’m anticipating an educational experience that will help me gain a better understanding of Malaysian history and various periods of colonialism.

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“Malaysia has been independent from Britain since 1957, but 133 years of British colonization left an impact on social, cultural, and legal infrastructure of Malaysia.”  Jessica Honan Human Security Centre

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Penang is a complex, multi-layered society – still learning about local social quirks and trying to figure things out. The people I’ve met are kind and friendly, but seem somewhat stressed – possibly because of high density. There’s a notable divide between the rich and a majority of the Penang population.

More later…