Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion

The Blue Mansion is one of George Town’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the late 19th century by Cheong Fatt Tze, it was never just a house, but a statement of prestige, culture, and elegance for his descendants. While many peers favored Anglo-Indian styles, Cheong Fatt Tze embraced traditional Chinese architecture, guided by a Feng Shui master. With five courtyards and intricate ornamentation, it was among the grandest homes outside China. The mansion served as home, office, and even housed the Chinese Vice-Consulate.

After Cheong Fatt Tze’s death in 1916, the mansion fell into decline. It was later rescued by Penang conservationists, with restoration led by Malaysian architect Laurence Loh, who spent six years reviving it, reusing original materials, employing local artisans, and preserving traditional Chinese craftsmanship. By 1995, it regained its former glory, later earning UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2000. Though Cheong Fatt Tze built homes across Asia, none matched this one.

The Blue Mansion has won the World Luxury Hotels Awards 2021 – Luxury Heritage Hotel (Global) Winner, featured in FlightNetwork’s World’s 100 Greatest Hotels, and was named one of the 10 Greatest Mansions in the World by Lonely Planet in 2011. Other honors include the 1995 Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Award for Design Excellence, the ASEANTA 2004 Excellence Award for Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort, and the 2003 Best Tourist Attraction Merit Award by Malaysia’s Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism.

Built with roots tracing back to the Suzhou dynasty, it blends Hakka and Teochew styles with traditional Southern Chinese materials. While the design is deeply traditional, it also shows the eclectic tastes of the 19th century, a time when Chinese culture met British influence in the Malay world. Cheong Fatt Tze’s love for Western craftsmanship is clear in the details, reflecting both his status and his eye for design.

You’ll notice Scottish cast-iron balusters alongside Cantonese timber lattices, English Art Nouveau stained glass with Hokkien Chien Nien porcelain, and subtle Chinese calligraphy on timber beams. It’s a place where different cultures and styles come together beautifully. The mansion is built around two main parts: the main house with its striking gabled roof, and two graceful side wings. The main hall which is the heart of the home, follows feng shui principles, incorporating the elements of metal, timber, water, fire, and earth, as seen in traditional Chinese homes.

Beyond its architecture, the property also offers a range of facilities, including wheelchair-friendly access, a library, gift and souvenir shop, swimming pool, and hot tub. It's a rare example of a Chinese courtyard mansion, carefully blending Eastern tradition with Western influence and enhanced with modern amenities.


Food has always been at the heart of Penang’s rich and diverse culture, and at The Blue Mansion, dining is treated with the same care and passion. Guests can explore a wide variety of cuisines, including Asian, Chinese, European, French, Japanese, Malaysian, Australian, American, and Continental, with vegetarian options and full English/Irish breakfasts also available. Kids’ meals and casual bites ensure there’s something for everyone.

Indigo

Located on the first floor, Indigo is inspired by Cheong Fatt Tze himself, reflecting the fusion of East and West in both setting and cuisine. The menu, guided by Chef Jack, balances classic flavors with contemporary techniques. Indigo remains one of the must-try restaurants in Penang.

Lunch: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Bar

At The Bar, guests can enjoy signature cocktails, fine wines, coffee, tea, and an all-day dining menu. Weekend evenings come alive with the soothing strains of the guzheng, adding a unique musical touch to the experience.

Opening hours: 11am – 12 midnight

Café Mangga
Beneath a century-old mango tree, Café Mangga is a casual, laidback space for comfort foods and refreshing drinks. During the day, enjoy coffee, pastries, and sunlit conversations; in the evenings, savor tapas, drinks, and live music. The relaxed, breezy setting makes it ideal for unwinding.

Opening hours: 11 am – 11 pm
Live Music: Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 pm – 11 pm

Courtyard

The serene open-air courtyard is a perfect spot for breakfast, light meals, or all-day dining. Guided by the principles of feng shui, the space balances ‘feng’ (wind) and ‘shui’ (water). Morning repasts are reserved for in-house guests, while daytime visitors on tours can explore the courtyard. Guests from The Bar can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the tables around the center. Weekend evenings are enhanced by live guzheng performances.

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a truly memorable event, The Blue Mansion is a perfect choice. Whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, or even a pre-wedding party, the team here can help you plan it all so it feels effortless and special.

The Mansion
You can book the whole mansion. With 18 rooms, kitchens, halls, and courtyards, it’s perfect for up to 38 overnight guests. Basically, you get the whole place to yourselves, which is pretty rare for a heritage property.

Capacity: 100 guests

The Oriental Water Garden
If you want a garden vibe, the Water Garden is gorgeous. Full of flowers and greenery, it’s perfect for ceremonies, cocktails, engagements, or dinners under the open sky. It just has this calm, magical feel that guests always love.

Themed Dinners at Indigo
And if you’re thinking about food, Indigo’s where the magic happens. The restaurant blends East and West, both in the interiors and the cuisine, and the team can tailor the menu and setup to your wedding events.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The central courtyard regularly hosts concerts, plays, and recitals by world-class performers. In 2024, they had an amazing Mozart at the Mansion show, where the Kuala Lumpur City Opera (KLCO) brought all of Mozart’s most popular pieces to life. Earlier this year, guests were treated to an opera showcase featuring the greatest arias and duets from Verdi and Puccini. They host different events from time to time, so there is always something new to catch. Just a heads-up, there’s usually an additional charge to attend, but honestly, it’s totally worth it.

Daily guided tours run at 11:00 am and 3:30 pm for up to 24 guests and last around 45 minutes, covering the reception hall, courtyard, and museum exhibition. They also offer a contactless self-guided audio tour. Using your smartphone and earphones, you can explore at your own pace, even off-site. Private tours are available daily from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at RM350 [USD 77] per group (up to 12) or RM25 [USD 5.50] per person (up to 20), with three days’ notice.

Beyond the property, a short drive takes you to Kek Lok Si Temple, or the Temple of Supreme Bliss, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complexes, and offers stunning sea views. The seven-tiered Pagoda of Rama IV, called the Pagoda of 1,000 Buddhas, and the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings and the Laughing Buddha make it a must-see. The Made in Penang Interactive Museum is a completely different kind of fun. With hands-on 3D installations and quirky exhibits, including elevators featuring iconic horror movie characters, it’s playful, immersive, and great for visitors of all ages. For a glimpse of Penang’s living history, the Weld Quay Clan Jetties are perfect. These 19th-century Chinese settlements are popular with both locals and tourists.