Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Unclaimed

From start to finish, everything about this visit was just right. We got there to discover that a guided tour in English was due to start in less than 15 minutes, so we took a seat and waited, soaking up the atmosphere. Most people didn’t choose to go on the tour, so we had a small group, which helped to personalise it. Stanley was our guide, and he was extremely good, very practiced and slick. He knew so much about the history of the building, and had a few jokes and personal anecdotes, that helped to make it come alive. The house itself is a wonder, giving a real glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy Chinese leader of the time. Some of the artworks were exquisite, and while too ornate for present day tastes, they gave an idea of the opulent lifestyle that a small number of people had. There were many interesting tales, they didn’t sugarcoat difficult historical situations either, explaining about foot binding and opium use, amongst others. The thing that impressed me most however, it quite blew me away, was the jewellery made from kingfisher feathers. It represented about 3 years work by a craftsman, is over 100 years old, and still looks fresh. Hopefully that gives a small taste of what the visit was like. It was the most interesting thing we did in Malaysia and for me it would be a definite must see if you spend some time in Georgetown.

If you are a history and art lover then this place will be included. Beautiful buildings with fantastic cutlery, designs and so much more are there. Entry charges at 25rm which is a bit higher. Avoid during holidays and weekends unless you can't witness the beautiful place completely. People mainly visit here to take pictures only.

I came here on a weekday morning 9.30AM, just when they've opened their doors and was immediately greeted with groups of tourists. Not surprisingly, the tourists (including myself), were very keen on renting the Nyonya outfits. Do make sure to head to the outfit section before purchasing your museum tickets -- as you're guaranteed the entrance fees to the museum with every outfit rental. Make sure you don't have to pay double for the tickets. The experience renting the Nyonya/Baba outfits - For the ladies, I had to pick out a top (kebaya) I liked based on the sizes displayed. There were a variety of colours from lighter pastels to darker blues and black. - I had to approach a staff member to help with coordinating a bottom (sarong). - After picking out, I had to line up to change into the outfit. The lines at that time were overwhelmingly long with tourists. With limited space in this small section, it was not the most pleasant experience. Note that once you change into your outfit, you need to be happy with it before you head to pay -- otherwise, no changes in outfits will be entertained. - Thereafter, I had to line up for a center counter to get my invoice handwritten by a staff, where they asked me what packages I would like (e.g just the outfit rental/with hairstyling/with photographer). At that point, the queue was so unbearably long. I waited approximately 40 minutes in this section. I do think this is due to the fact that the staff were handwriting invoices and manually calculating the cost. This inevitably resulted in some errors and took up more time than necessary. This is also the section where the staff would help pin the back of your kebaya to synch it to your body better and add a front brooch for you. - I overheard people having to book timeslots for the photographer as well, so this is additional time you'll have to wait around in the museum for your timeslot since this museum does not have any online booking or reservation for these services. - After all that hassle, I made way to the counter for payment... finally. Here, you can also decide if you want to rent the beaded shoes as well, but you need to have your own boat socks/stockings. Not to worry, they will sell the socks to you for 5RM if I am not wrong. - After getting out of that area, I spent about an hour and a half just to get fitted, without hairstyling or anything at all besides the outfit. - Renting the outfit only was 108RM A better system could have been in place to ease the crowds and have a better workflow (e.g opening up 2 center counters for writing invoices OR digitalising invoices and cashiering). That aside, I really loved the architecture, the antiques they preserved and overall, I'd say this is a lovely place if you do appreciate everything Peranakan. I have always had an interest in Peranakan culture and food, and I'm glad to have been able to visit this place. Definitely a must visit if you're here in Penang. You can feel free to join in the guided tours as well.

Had an amazing tour experience. I believe our guide was a lovely gentleman named Francis and he had such passion and energy for sharing the living history of the Peranakan Mansion. I came too early to eat at the restaurant but it looked great