Pinang Peranakan Mansion Review

If you are in Georgetown-Penang, you have to step into this quaint landmark.
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion was built in the 19th century. It has been restored to offer a glimpse of Penang's Peranakan's opulent lifestyle and customs. This Baba -Nyonya museum has an interesting architecture and interior and worth a visit when you are in Georgetown.

Peranakans, otherwise known as Babas and Nyonyas is a prominent community of Chinese unique to Straits Settlements. They are mostly found in Penang, Malacca and Singapore. Peranakans are identified as Straits-born Chinese with roots in the Straits Settlement. An ethnic group descended from Chinese Settlers,  the Peranakans adopt the customs of local Malays and Indonesians which differentiate themselves from local Chinese.

A fun fact - there are also Peranakans of other ethnic groups such an Indian Peranakans, Indian Muslim Peranakans and Eurasian Peranakans.

English influences

Another interesting fact is that the Peranakan Mansion was built by a Chinese - Chung Keng Kwee, He may not be a Baba, but the house was designed much like a typical Peranakan house with an eclectic design comprising of Chinese craved wood panels, English floor tiles and Scottish ironworks. After his death, the mansion was left neglected until it was restored by its new owner to its former glory.

Chinese Influence

The Peranakan Mansion spans over 2 levels and 2 separate buildings. Step into it and you would find yourself transported through time. If you are a fan of the movie Crazy Rich Asian, you would immediately feel like you had stepped into the movie set even though the location was not used in the movie. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion was used as a location for Singapore's popular series - The Little Nyonya.

Why you should visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion?

The Rich Culture

Peranakan outfits

If you are a culture buff, this place would not disappoint.

Western wares

Here you could have a taste of what it is like to be Peranakan. With the strong influence of a mix of culture from Chinese, Malay and Western, a visit feels like a 'Rojak' buffet.

Chinese Influence

The inspired Interior Decor

Courtyard

Stepped into the mansion and you will be greeted with the sight of an impressive courtyard. Look around and you will be intrigued by the colourful decorations that adorned the rooms. From the western style dining rooms to the Chinese influence lounge, you will be amazed by what you see.

The mix of Chinese and Western influence follows through the house from the first to the second floor. The bedrooms are an eccentric mix of west and east with cast iron rails and wooden artworks. The best part is that it does not look like a museum but a house. You do feel that someone has actually lived in this place before.

View from the top

With its vast and well ventilated space, you would feel cool in the house even without air conditioning. On that note, the mansion is alot bigger than what you would see from the outside.

A look into the past

Old Wedding bed

The mansion also offers a glimpse to the past with furniture as such the traditional wedding bed and an old fashion cameras. The items are well preserved and we hope that they stay that way a long time.

The Pinang Perankan Mansion is open everyday from 930 am to 5pm. Admission charges are RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children. Children below 5 are Free. There are complimentary tours on location.

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Pinang Peranakan Mansion

29 Church Street 

10200 Penang , Malaysia