Look out for the fall opening of Soori Penang among a cluster of 15 restored shophouses within Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, a historic, highly ornamented family compound with its own temple.

- July 2025

Among them is architect Soo K. Chan. After opening the acclaimed Soori resort in Bali almost a decade ago, he returns to his roots with Soori Penang, set in the same row of heritage shophouses he grew up in. Opening in early 2026, the hotel’s 15 suites will blend the buildings’ original architectural features with modern, muted interiors and insider access to the adjoining Khoo Kongsi temple.Look out for the fall opening of Soori Penang among a cluster of 15 restored shophouses within Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, a historic, highly ornamented family compound with its own temple.

- Dec 2025

In January, a collection of shophouses built around 1906 will open as the boutique hotel Soori Penang. Its architect grew up in the compound and drew design inspiration from Khoo Kongsi, a nearby temple known for its ornate stone carvings

- Jan 2026

The UNESCO-beloved island off Malaysia’s west coast is known for its M&M-colored shophouses, a charming holdover from its colonial-era past, when they doubled as both homes and stores (hence the name). Architect Soo K. Chan grew up in one of them, before going on to found SCDA Architects and earn plaudits around the world for his work.In January, a collection of shophouses built around 1906 will open as the boutique hotel Soori Penang. Its architect grew up in the compound and drew design inspiration from Khoo Kongsi, a nearby temple known for its ornate stone carvings

- Jan 2026

That mix is especially vivid in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site where crimson three-wheeled rickshaws roll past ornate Chinese clan temples and colorful shophouses that have been transformed into restaurants and hotels, such as the forthcoming 15-suite Soori Penang.

- Dec 2025

Look out for the imminent opening of Soori Penang (from $725) among a cluster of 15 restored shophouses within Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, a historic, highly ornamented family compound with its own temple.

- Dec 2025

One of Southeast Asia’s grandest clan houses, Khoo Kongsi, is set to welcome a sister property: a boutique hotel named Soori Penang. Set in the UNESCO-recognised heritage precinct of George Town, the hotel is tucked within temple grounds and represents a meticulous restoration of 15 clan shophouses by architect Soo K. Chan, who grew up in these very homes.

- Jan 2026

Malaysia’s rich culinary traditions, layered history and tropical landscapes have helped fuel a tourism resurgence in recent years. Opening in January 2026, Soori Penang is poised to add to that momentum. Designed by award-winning architect Soo K. Chan of SCDA Architects, the 15-room boutique hotel occupies a restored compound of 19th-Century shophouses in George Town, Penang’s UNESCO-listed historic capital.

- Feb 2026

George Town, on the island of Penang, has long captivated travelers with its mural-lined alleyways, its richly layered Peranakan cuisine, shaped by centuries of migration, and pastel shophouses that fuse European and Chinese influences. While the island has a healthy handful of boutique hotels set within heritage buildings with more obvious nods to old Penang, Soori distinguishes itself by marrying the rich cultural history.

- Feb 2026

Architect Soo K. Chan has never forgotten the light in the Khoo Kongsi shophouses. It came through the airwells in narrow shafts, sharpened against the cool darkness of the interior. “Darkness and lightness,” he says. “That translates quite directly to the design.”

- Dec 2025

Soori Penang (George Town, Malaysia) – January 2026. A design-led opening by SCDA founder Soo K. Chan in George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, beside the historic Khoo Kongsi Temple, offering an intimate stay rooted in Penang’s culture and heritage.

- Feb 2026