Cheah Kongsi
Cheah Kongsi
4.5
12:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday
12:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
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- ИгорьKomsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia32,335 contributionsClan system.One of the oldest and most charming clan temples, the most promoted and well-restored Buddhist temple in Georgetown. The only one that charges an entrance fee. The address of the temple is on Armenian street, building 8. But there is no entrance from Armyanskaya. Entrance and gate from Beach Street. The temple was founded in the 20s of the 19th century, and construction in its current form began in 1858. The temple was built by the Chea clan. These families came to Malaysia from Zhang Zhou Prefecture, Fujian Province. They settled in Georgetown, where there were then better business opportunities. They were active participants in clan wars in Penang. The history of these clans is actually interesting. Like other clan associations, Chea Kongsi provided housing as well as financial assistance to new arrivals until they found work and began to contribute to the clan and the association themselves. First of all, of course, financial. The system was built strictly. At first they helped you, and then you spent the rest of your life in the clan and helped the clan with money and military service. From the common money they supported the children of the clan and the widows of men who died in clan clashes. This is how the system worked until the 20th century.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 6, 2024
- Abovetheclouds2,491 contributionsLike stepping back in time.I really enjoyed this and I would highly recommend going. This is one of the oldest Hokkien clan associations in George Town, Penang. Located on Armenian Street. Most people were just walking in the main touristy parts taking photographs but I would recommend coming here. Peaceful. The architecture. It was like stepping back in time. I learnt a lot. Information is simple and informative, in English as well.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 28, 2024
- spedubecBologna, Italy5,804 contributionsA mansion of a wealthy Chinese family.This ancient mansion belonged to a wealthy Chinese immigrant family here in the nineteenth century; admission is charged and the ticket costs twelve ringgit. You can visit some rooms on the ground floor and as many upstairs. In front of the main façade there is a beautiful well-kept green lawn. At the bottom of the lawn, on the left side is a mural painted on the adjacent building.Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten January 28, 2025
- Clive W1,993 contributionsGive a good description of one of the biggest ClansHardly anybody else was here when we wandered past and decided to buy a ticket at 12 ringgit. We had to go in through a locked door to buy our tickets and then go back into the street and then through the entrance. It was fascinating, more so because of very few people being there. Well worth a visit. 1-2 hours is sufficient.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 29, 2025
- AMsaysThornhill, Canada5,294 contributionsOne of the oldest "Clan Houses" in MalaysiaA temple that displays a fusion of Hokkien, Malay and English elements in its architecture. This “clan house” was established here in 1810 and whose members with the surname “Cheah” have roots in Fujian province, China. There has been many generational descendants since then, possibly 100 that have continued being part of this clan. There’s an entrance fee of 10 Ringit but when we passed the gates were closed so we couldn't go inside. I have heard that it would have been worth it. Another time.Visited December 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 9, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
97 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
33
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China23,483 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Clanhouses have long been the rallying point of the local Chines community in Penang. The Cheah Kongsi, or the family temple of the Cheah clan, is a remarkable example. It is a truly impressive, southern Chinese building with pretentious decorations. The small museum tells the story of the Cheahs in Penang and how the extended family utilizes the structure to maintain communal ties. The 10 MYR admission is well worth it.
Written January 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saronic
Zurich, Switzerland29,113 contributions
Nov 2019
The Khoo Kongsi may be more opulent and more famous, but the Cheah Kongsi is very interesting and pleasant to see, especially since it is also less visited. There are two entrances: the old one from Armenian street and a newer one from Beach street (Lebuh Pantai). Unusual is the fact that seen from Beach street there is a big manicured, very British lawn in front of the building. It was added with the restoration 2013-2015, when historically inappropriate elements, that had been added later, were removed to make it look more like the original from 1873.
The Cheah Kongsi is one of the 5 big Kongsi in George Town, but together with the Khoo Kongsi it is the only one that can be visited on a regular basis. The other three: Yeoh Kongsi, Lim Kongsi and Tan Kongsi are generally not open to the public. Entrance fee is 10 MYR and it is open every day except Sundays. A little leaflet is handed out with the ticket and one can visit the place on one's own. Photography is allowed.
As at Khoo Kongsi one has to admire the roof with its upturning corners and all the dragons and other decorative elements made with 'Chien Nien' (cut and paste) ceramics in many colours. The main temple with three altars is on the upper floor, which can be reached by a wooden staircase from a small courtyard. Especially downstairs there are several small rooms, where clan members, often new arrivals from the home village of Sek Tong in Fujian province, were temporarily lodged and fed.
An interpretation centre tells about the home village and the perilous trip on Chinese junks to other shores and a hopefully better life. The Kongsi were meant to help each member of the same clan, to offer business contacts, and to meet and worship the traditional deities and ancestors.
The Cheah Kongsi is one of the 5 big Kongsi in George Town, but together with the Khoo Kongsi it is the only one that can be visited on a regular basis. The other three: Yeoh Kongsi, Lim Kongsi and Tan Kongsi are generally not open to the public. Entrance fee is 10 MYR and it is open every day except Sundays. A little leaflet is handed out with the ticket and one can visit the place on one's own. Photography is allowed.
As at Khoo Kongsi one has to admire the roof with its upturning corners and all the dragons and other decorative elements made with 'Chien Nien' (cut and paste) ceramics in many colours. The main temple with three altars is on the upper floor, which can be reached by a wooden staircase from a small courtyard. Especially downstairs there are several small rooms, where clan members, often new arrivals from the home village of Sek Tong in Fujian province, were temporarily lodged and fed.
An interpretation centre tells about the home village and the perilous trip on Chinese junks to other shores and a hopefully better life. The Kongsi were meant to help each member of the same clan, to offer business contacts, and to meet and worship the traditional deities and ancestors.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosario_it
Belgium1,759 contributions
Mar 2019
This maybe is the oldest Clan House in George Town.
There was a large number of Chinese who migrated in the past in Malaysia and they given some special influences to the town.
The house is full of Chinese objects and furniture of several periods of time.
The visit is self guided and so you are free to wander around.
There was a large number of Chinese who migrated in the past in Malaysia and they given some special influences to the town.
The house is full of Chinese objects and furniture of several periods of time.
The visit is self guided and so you are free to wander around.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roadtrippers.asia
Penang, Malaysia4,476 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
The Cheah Clan Ancestral House is one of the nicest clan house in Georgetown and restored very beautifully. It is also the oldest of the five major Hokkien clan house in Penang.
It cost RM10 to enter this beautiful mansion and I would say is very much worth it.
The best view of the mansion is of course from Beach Street entrance with its nicely manicured lawn.
It cost RM10 to enter this beautiful mansion and I would say is very much worth it.
The best view of the mansion is of course from Beach Street entrance with its nicely manicured lawn.
Written November 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yippopotamus
Wellington, New Zealand277 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We stumbled upon this restored clan house while we were strolling along Armenian St. At $10MYR, this is not an expensive entry fee for us, so we decided to have a look.
It was interesting to see inside a clan house, and imagine the extended family living on these premises. The architectural details, building layout, old furniture and the information boards were enough to hold our interest and make it worth the modest entry fee.
There was not only information about the clan, but also a lot about the history of Penang.
And they have clean toilets!
While the work does seem somewhat incomplete, it was still a very interesting place to have a look around. Buildings like these are disappearing from our landscape, and there is a risk that we'll only have pictures of them, so I'm very happy to have a look in these old buildings.
What could be improved is for them to include more information boards, or have people around whom you can ask questions. I feel that there is a whole lot more interesting information to be shared. And if they provided toilet paper in their loos.
It was interesting to see inside a clan house, and imagine the extended family living on these premises. The architectural details, building layout, old furniture and the information boards were enough to hold our interest and make it worth the modest entry fee.
There was not only information about the clan, but also a lot about the history of Penang.
And they have clean toilets!
While the work does seem somewhat incomplete, it was still a very interesting place to have a look around. Buildings like these are disappearing from our landscape, and there is a risk that we'll only have pictures of them, so I'm very happy to have a look in these old buildings.
What could be improved is for them to include more information boards, or have people around whom you can ask questions. I feel that there is a whole lot more interesting information to be shared. And if they provided toilet paper in their loos.
Written August 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnArmstrogn
Kuching, Malaysia74 contributions
Dec 2019
On a recent visit to Penang, as I was strolling along Beach Street, I stopped in awe at an open archway - the Seh Teck Tong Cheah Kongsi. The Kongsi, a Chinese clan house, looked to have been just built. It was actually built in 1810, but the 2015 renovation remained true to the original.
It is an amazing example, as stated in tourist brochures, of fusion between traditional Hokkien (Chinese language group), Malay and English architecture. The spotless interior gave glimpses of what a kongsi building and life would have been like. The kitchen, for example, had a full range of cooking implements that would have been used for creating the traditional delicacies of then (and now), but there was little explantation.
This was common feature of all the exhibits. They were exquisite, stunningly beautiful, historically important, but visitors who have little knowledge of the culture and traditions would not extend their understanding. However, what I did come away with was a sense awe and a wish that there had been more information.
It is an amazing example, as stated in tourist brochures, of fusion between traditional Hokkien (Chinese language group), Malay and English architecture. The spotless interior gave glimpses of what a kongsi building and life would have been like. The kitchen, for example, had a full range of cooking implements that would have been used for creating the traditional delicacies of then (and now), but there was little explantation.
This was common feature of all the exhibits. They were exquisite, stunningly beautiful, historically important, but visitors who have little knowledge of the culture and traditions would not extend their understanding. However, what I did come away with was a sense awe and a wish that there had been more information.
Written December 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albert S
Sydney, Australia466 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
It is a pity there wasn’t a guided tour of this Kongsi. There would have been quite amazing stories of great human endeavours, many rags to riches stories of the early arrivals from China seeking a better life. This is the first of the many Kongsi’s established in Penang. Worth a visit if you are in the Armenian Street area.
Written July 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Missy TangTang
150 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Paid RM10 to visit the temple but it’s really small and nothing much.
We went in and out within 10 minutes.
We went in and out within 10 minutes.
Written June 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeTrotter10101
United Kingdom199 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
Compared to the blue mansion, the house is not as beautiful and is very big, lacking attention to detail.
However I got a better idea of the migrants initially coming from china to setting here in malaysia from this house than elsewhere in Penang.
However I got a better idea of the migrants initially coming from china to setting here in malaysia from this house than elsewhere in Penang.
Written March 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,491 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
I really enjoyed this and I would highly recommend going. This is one of the oldest Hokkien clan associations in George Town, Penang. Located on Armenian Street. Most people were just walking in the main touristy parts taking photographs but I would recommend coming here. Peaceful. The architecture. It was like stepping back in time. I learnt a lot. Information is simple and informative, in English as well.
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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