Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion in Penang is one of Malaysia’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Known for its striking indigo-blue façade and rich blend of Chinese and colonial design, this 19th-century Peranakan mansion offers immersive heritage tours, boutique stays, and unforgettable dining experiences.
About Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion
Located in the heart of George Town, Penang, the Blue Mansion was built by Cheong Fatt Tze—a powerful Hakka tycoon and philanthropist often referred to as the “Rockefeller of the East.” Constructed between 1897 and 1904, the mansion features 38 rooms, 5 courtyards, 7 staircases, and 220 windows, and was designed using feng shui principles.
Key Features:
- Straits Eclectic architecture combining Chinese, Gothic, and Art Nouveau influences
- Hand-crafted Art Nouveau stained glass, cast ironworks from Glasgow, and Italian floor tiles
- Award-winning restoration recognized by UNESCO and the Malaysian Architectural Association
Guided Tours and Admission
Daily Guided Tour
- Timings: 11:00 AM & 2:00 / 3:30 PM (check ahead for seasonal schedules)
- Duration: ~45 minutes
- Ticket Price: RM25 (adults), RM12–16 (children)
- Languages: English (Mandarin and Japanese upon request)
Private Tours
- Available 12 PM–2 PM for groups
- ~RM350 per session or RM25 per person
Audio Tours
- Self-guided via SmartGuide app
- Offered 11 AM–6 PM (10 people per hour limit)
Stay at The Blue Mansion
Visitors can book a night in one of the 18 heritage-themed boutique rooms within the mansion itself. Each room blends antique furnishings with modern comfort, creating an immersive experience into colonial-era Penang.
Hotel Highlights:
- Unique room layouts with antique décor
- Access to common spaces after public tours
- Complimentary breakfast and access to cultural spaces
Pro Tip: Book a room if you want to explore the mansion in the quiet hours outside of tour times.
Dining at Indigo Restaurant
Indigo, the mansion’s fine dining restaurant on the first floor, offers a fusion of Western and Asian cuisine in a heritage setting.
- Specialties: Duck confit, cod fish, Peranakan-style desserts
- Atmosphere: Elegant colonial with soft lighting and courtyard views
- Reservations recommended for dinner
Cultural & Pop Culture Significance
The mansion has featured in several films and TV productions, most notably:
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- Indochine (1992)
- The Red Kebaya
- Road to Dawn
It also received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award in 2000.
Location & How to Get There
Address: 14, Leith Street, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
How to Reach:
- From Penang Airport: 30-minute drive via Grab/taxi
- From KOMTAR: 10-minute walk
- Public transport: Rapid Penang buses stop nearby
Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Zone of George Town, the mansion is walking distance from attractions like:
- Penang Peranakan Mansion
- Armenian Street
- Khoo Kongsi Clan House
Final Thoughts
Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion is a must-visit for anyone interested in heritage architecture, Peranakan culture, and colonial Penang history. Whether you’re joining a guided tour, booking a boutique stay, or dining at Indigo, the mansion promises a multi-sensory journey through time.
