Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Located on Church Street, Georgetown, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a historical monument of an ambitious single man, known as the Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee.
The young Chung was born in China and later emigrated to Penang. He joined the Hai San secret society, which has the power over the mining manpower in the state of Perak. He went up the ranks and at the peak of his power, he was the superintendent of all the Chinese in Penang, which gives him the title Kapitan Cina.
During this time, Chung bought a piece of land along Church Street. He built a huge two-storey townhouse and a family temple on it. The property he built is known as “Hai Kee Chan”, which means Sea Remembrance Store. It was beautifully designed with Straits Eclectic style preferred by the Peranakan during his era. In 1895, the Hai Kee Chan was completed and the architectural elements of the building were a complete mix of both the East and the West. There was an open courtyard which is reminiscent of the Chinese townhouses. It was backed-up by fancy ironwork all the way from Glasgow. The anterooms were traditionally furnished and it was inhabited by Chung’s concubines.
Image by Bernhard Huber.
Visiting Hours
Monday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.
There is a daily conducted tour from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Admission
Adult: RM 20.
Child under 12 years: RM 10.
Child under 6 years: FREE.
Hear From Others
Step around an ornately carved wooden screen—a “spirit wall” to prevent evil spirits from crossing the threshold—and you enter the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Janice Nucalov
Nuvo
Based on the fading movie posters at the entrance, the house was the filming location for multiple period dramas.
Yun Qing
YQTravelling
Nearby Attractions
Penang Heritage Trust
Founded in 1986, the Penang Heritage Trust organizes enthralling tours which highlight the heritage areas. Guides are passionate and knowledgeable as well as equipped with information only the locals can provide.
Queen Victoria Memorial Clock
Visiting The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower will give you a little bit of a Royal experience. Be mesmerized with the four-tier tower, topped with a Moorish Dome.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
A temple dedicated solely to Lord Subramaniam, the Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest temple on Penang Island.