Tanjong Tokong's Original Springtide

Almost a Century of Tangible And Intangible Cultural Heritage Lost With The Destruction Of The Springtide Hotel 

The historical Springtide Hotel at Tanjong Tokong, Tanjong Bungah, Penang, was a prominent seaside spot dating back to at least 1913, known for its Chinese cuisine and Sunday buffet. It was later renamed "New Springtide Hotel" in 1925, operated during the war era, and was demolished by 2002 to make way for the current Springtide Residences.

The Springtide Hotel began as a large, two-storey seaside bungalow in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. The property, possibly owned by Municipal Commissioner Dr. Locke in the early 1910s, was converted into a hotel by proprietor Choo Choon Kee, opening for business in August 1913. 

The hotel's charm lay in its simple, tranquil setting by the sea. It primarily catered to the British expatriate community, including civil servants, planters, and tin miners, as hotel stays were often too costly for most locals at the time. It was rebranded as the "New Springtide Hotel" in May 1925 under new ownership and became known as a popular spot for music and dancing, featuring a famous wooden dance floor and attracting a mixed audience. 

During the Japanese occupation of World War II, the hotel remained operational, and German submariners reportedly visited the establishment, enjoying Chinese food and swimming in the sea. After the war, the British military briefly requisitioned the building as a holiday house for troops before it was returned to its owner in 1948. 

The Springtide was particularly renowned for its excellent Hainanese and Western cuisine, becoming a beloved dining spot for families. Signature dishes included:

- Fried rice (char pnui)

- Cantonese-style fried seafood noodles

- "Choon piah" (spring rolls)

- Hainanese chicken chop and chicken pie

- Assam fish curry and Inchee Kabin (Nyonya-style fried chicken)

The hotel's popularity as a social and dining venue waned in later decades, and the owner's children eventually migrated overseas. In its final years of operation, around the 1980s, the building was rented out to a church. By 2002, the beloved Springtide Hotel was demolished and the site hoarded up. 

Today, the historic hotel is gone, replaced by a modern luxury condominium also named Springtide Residences. The physical building may be lost, but the memory of its seaside charm, lively atmosphere, and delicious food remains a cherished part of Penang's history and nostalgia for generations who frequented the iconic establishment.