Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Leith Street, . Built in the 1890s, and restored in the 1990's (earning it an UNESCO award in 2000), this indigo-blue Chinese Courtyard House in George Town was the main residence of Cheong Fatt Tze, known as the 'Rockefeller of the East' and 'J.P. Morgan of China'. Cheong was a prominent, successful Hakka Chinese merchant who demonstrated his business ability after marrying into a wealthy family, founding the Chang Yu Winery and ending the segregation of Chinese from Europeans on passenger ships. The mansion was built according to feng shui principles by master craftsmen brought in from southern China, who used their skills to fashion a sprawling mansion with 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases, and 220 windows. The mansion features in various films including the 1993 Oscar-winning Indochine. Tours: 11AM and 3PM sharp (RM12, 60-90 mins, no indoor photography, consider booking in advance). Lodging also available, see the sleep section.
Municipal Council of Pulau Pinang Hall (formerly City Hall), The Esplanade (Jalan Syed Sheikh Barakbah), is a well-preserved colonial building from the heyday of the British Empire since 1903, at a cost of 100,000 Straits Dollars.
Fort Cornwallis, Light St. The fort, named for Charles Cornwallis is built on the site where Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, first landed on August 11, 1786. It was first built in 1793. But this site was an unlikely spot to defend the city from invasion. In 1810 it was rebuilt in an attempt to make up for initial strategic planning errors. In the shape of a star, the only actual buildings still standing are the outer walls, a gunpowder magazine, and a small Christian chapel. The magazine houses an exhibit of old photos and historical accounts of the old fort. Entrance RM3 for adults.
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi(龙山堂邱氏宗祠), 18 Cannon St, . Built in 1850 by the forefathers of Khoo family who emigrated from South China, as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family. In 1836, construction of a new temple began and was completed 8 years later. Fire razed the wooden structure to the ground in 1894, it was allegedly struck by lightning. Chinese believed that it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor's palace, which provoked the gods. A scaled-down version was later built in 1902 and completed in 1906. The richly ornamented carvings of the roofs, walls and pillars reflect the art and architecture of ancient China and made of the finest wood. Expect to finish a visit to Khoo Kongsi with a sore neck. Open 9AM-5PM weekdays, 9AM-1PM Sat; entrance RM5 for adults.
Penang Islamic Museum, 128 Armenian Street. ☎+60 4 262-0172, (Fax:+60 4 264-4692), . Wed-Mon 9:30AM-6PM (9:30AM-4PM during fasting month). Located in the Syed Al-Attas Mansion, a century-old mansion named after its owner, a spice trader from Aceh. Adults RM3, children (under 12) RM1.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Church Street (Lebuh Gereja). ☎+60 4 264-2929, (Fax:+60 4 264-1929), , . Originally the home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, leader of Penang and Perak Hai San groups in the Larut Wars from 1860-1884. The mansion is a typical representation of the Straits eclectic style of architecture highly favoured by rich Peranakan families of old. Affectionally called Hai Kee Chan or Sea Remembrance Store, it served as his residence and office. Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM. Daily conducted tour 11:30AM-3:30PM. Admission fee is RM10 for adults), free for children below 12.
Queen Victoria Clock Tower, (At the Intersection of Light Street, Beach Street and King Edward Place), (Lebuh Pantai, Jl Pantai and Pesara King Edward). The 60 ft high clock tower was presented to Penang by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
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