The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or The Blue Mansion, is undoubtedly one of Penang’s most iconic heritage buildings. Located just four kilometres away from the Gurney Drive seafront promenade, this is a must-visit tourist attraction to experience an important part of the state’s colourful history.
Conceived and constructed before the end of the 19th century by Conceived and constructed before the end of the 19th century by Cheong Fatt Tze, a powerful Chinese trading and shipping tycoon, the mansion’s distinguished style of Chinese Architecture of courtyard houses will fascinate every visitor.
Back in the Colonial period, the original dye used for the blue colour paint of this mansion was imported from India by the British. The distinctive blue colour is the result of mixing lime with natural blue dye made from the indigo plant.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is not only a historical attraction, but also a boutique hotel. It offers 18 rooms, with all them surrounding the inner courtyards. Each room is uniquely adorned and intricately furnished to suit its theme.
If you decide not to stay overnight, you should join their guided tour. You’ll have fun learning about its history as the guide who handles this tour knows every nook and cranny of the mansion. Two tours are conducted in English daily, at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, with each lasting 45 minutes, covering the reception hall, the famed courtyard, and the museum exhibition. The educational and fun guided tour cost RM25 (adult) and RM12.50 (child – below 12 years old).
Over the years, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion has garnered various local and international awards, including the prestigious UNESCO Conservation and Heritage award, and was featured in many TV networks, such as CNN, BBC and Discovery Travel & Living, as well as various local and foreign publications. And if that were not enough, it was also the setting of some notable films, including the 1992 Oscar-winning French period drama film Indochine and Crazy Rich Asians in 2018.
