Still beautiful after all these years, the Blue Mansion is an iconic must-see in Penang. Its erstwhile owner Cheong Fatt Tze was known as the Rockefeller of his time, and had properties across Asia, although this is believed to be his pride and joy. When he died in 1916 the house fell into disrepair; painstaking restorations were completed in 1995. Parts of the mansion-turned–boutique hotel are now open to the public from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Those arriving early can enjoy tea or coffee in the charming alfresco café framed by tropical trees laden with mangos.

Standing in the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, the property gives an insight into the glamour and wealth enjoyed by Cheong during the mansion’s heyday. Moviegoers will recognize the building from a pivotal scene in the 2018 rom-com Crazy Rich Asians (but don’t expect to see the lotus pond; that was just part of the movie magic). Twice-daily tours (24 people per session) or self-guided audio tours for 10 visitors at a time should be booked in advance. —Alison Marshall

cheongfatttzemansion.com
+60 4 262 0006
14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion: Movie Magic

Penang Attractions

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