Penang is an island off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is linked to the mainland by one of the longest bridges in the world. The capital of the state of Penang, Georgetown (map), is a UNESCO World Heritage site. For hundreds of years, Penang played an influential role in the trading relations between Europe/Middle East and Southeast/East Asia. Many Chinese, Arab and Indian traders made the town their base, along with the British and the Dutch. The legacy of the East-West relations and the colonial heritage lives on till today as Georgetown is packed with lovingly-restored heritage homes and buildings from its British colonial past as well as magnificent villas built by Chinese traders who made their fortunes trading spices. Of all the heritage buildings in Georgetown, one of the most prominent, and a must-see, is the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (or the Blue Mansion).
The Blue Mansion in Georgetown
Called the Blue Mansion because of its stunning blue façade, the mansion was built in the 1880’s by one of the most powerful Chinese trading and shipping tycoons, Cheong Fatt Tze. The distinct blue colour of the mansion was derived from a blend of lime and natural blue dyes from the indigo plant. Today, the mansion is a national treasure and is one of the highlights of Georgetown.
The mansion was designed and built by artisans and craftsmen from China who generously applied the principles of feng shui in both the general layout as well as in the ornate decorations. Western (predominantly British) elements were incorporated in the design, probably to impress his Western trading partners. The result is a wondrous mix of East and West; best exemplified by the central courtyard which features Scottish cast-iron balusters, Art Nouveau stained glass and Chinese timber lattices.
Inside Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
If you’re visiting Penang, you shouldn’t miss a tour or a stay at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion to learn about its history. The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion truly is an enchanting place to visit! Check out other things to do in Penang. Penang is one of my recommended islands to visit in Malaysia.
I think it’s haunted too. I didn’t even need to visit the place. I got feels just by looking at it on tv. The place looks like it’s going to give you some weird feeling everytime you enter it.
The lady in tv says it’s not haunted. But I don’t believe her. The very first thing I said when I saw the mansion is ‘it’s haunted’ lol.
[…] “One of the most prominent heritage buildings in Georgetown is the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Often called the Blue Mansion because of its stunning blue façade, the mansion was built in the 1880′s by one of the most powerful Chinese trading and shipping tycoons, Cheong Fatt Tze. The distinct blue colour of the mansion was derived from a blend of lime and natural blue dyes from the indigo plant. Today, the mansion is a national treasure and is one of the highlights of Georgetown. The mansion was designed and built by artisans and craftsmen from China who generously applied the principles of feng shui in both the general layout as well as in the ornate decorations. Western (predominantly British) elements were incorporated in the design, probably to impress his Western trading partners. The result is a wondrous mix of East and West; best exemplified by the central courtyard which features Scottish cast-iron balusters, Art Nouveau stained glass and Chinese timber lattices.” Author: Keith Jenkins […]
Superb!
But I’m a real scardy cat so I would just visit before dusk.
gawd.. now my hair is standing on ends.. just great.. haha!
Wow, thank you Andy for undoubtedly the spookiest comment on the Velvet Escape blog! 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Have spent a night in this mansion once post-restoration. One of my close friends was one of the original tenants prior to restoration. He lived there for most of his childhood. The room by the cast iron spiral staircase on the right wing was very haunted. It was never occupied during the period of tenancy and left open during the daytime. Every day at dusk, it would be locked up but the next morning the locked door would be found to be mysteriously open. Many tenants, including my friend, have seen the ghost of a sobbing 5 or 6 year old boy outside the room near the foot of the staircase. This apparition often appears in the daytime and can last for a few minutes. Another spectre, a White Lady, is often seen gliding at night on the same corridor leading to the same spiral staircase. My friend’s grandmother and great-grandmother have both seen this ghost. It is not known whether both apparitions were connected to the haunted room but this section of the mansion was clearly haunted. When I stayed there, the haunted room was not let out.
[…] the UNESCO World Heritage core of Georgetown. The most prominent landmark (and must-see) is the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. However, the neighbourhoods surrounding Jalan Penang (Penang Road) and Lebuh Chulia (Chulia […]
[…] Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Malaysia […]
i love this place.. the rooms don’t come cheap though.. it’s a real treat staying the night.. but rumor has it that the place is haunted.. so if someone strokes your hair at night.. don’t look up! MWUAHAAHAA!!!
bleu-tifulll! very very nice…
[…] that I’ve been loving. His most recent edition is Penang, Malaysia, more specifically Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang’s capital of Georgetown. The pictures just make you want to grab a Singapore Sling […]
Malaysia should seriously put more effort into preserving its heritage. This is a great example of great preservation!
Thank you Lan & Aly for your comments. Wish I had the chance to stay there too. I can highly recommend the tour – loved the stories about the history of the mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze and how feng shui elements were incorporated into the mansion’s design. Very cool!
Cheers,
Keith
It’s great to know that you managed to visit The Blue Mansion of Penang. It’s definitely a must-visit. I just had one opportunity to visit this place, even though I’m a Malaysian 🙁 . Really wish to capture a photo or two of the interior but was not allowed (u know we have to pay to do that right? :). I plan to re-visit, and probably stay one night in the mansion..
Oooh! Stayed here on my last trip to Penang! Loved it, so Zen! The rooms are gorgeous, all decorated in different themes. Worth a visit!