Greeting you proudly as you walk along Church Street in Georgetown, the Pinang Perankan Mansion is a remarkable feature of the landscape with its beautiful green walls and wooden doors inlaid with gold. As a replica of a 19th century home that would once have been occupied by an affluent family, this is a bold piece of work.
Long ago, the mansion was the home of a well-known Chinese Straits immigrant who had made his money in the mining industry. Built at the end of the century out of English tiles, elaborate Scottish iron and decorative Chinese wood, it is a home conceived for only the most privileged.
When you arrive inside the house, you’ll get a real appreciation of its splendour, which is on show in every tiny detail. The entrance hall contains Asian lacquer ware, Chinese prints, and European furniture. In the dining areas too, you’ll notice beautiful English china place settings.
Go up the stairs to sneak a peek inside the bedrooms where you’ll find more antiques on display. In the bridal chamber, you’ll notice the soft silken bedclothes as well as the type of accessories only the richest women would be able to own in those days, such as bracelets, hair pins and sandals. Head for the balconies for spectacular views across the area, just as the people who once lived here would have done – to see what they looked like, their portraits are on display as you walk through the halls.
Guided tours are available to join twice a day, on which you can learn more about everything that’s on display and their history. Given by knowledgeable volunteers, they’ll inform you about the house and the fascinating lives of the people who lived here.
You can reach the Pinang Perakanen Mansion by boarding the free Central Area Transit (CAT) shuttle bus which shops at the key sights throughout Georgetown. It will cost you to get in to the mansion, and it is open every day except Sunday and public holidays.
