Cheong Fatt Tze’s hotel weds George Town’s culture and history
Nanyang industrialist Cheong Fatt Tze began his life humbly as a water carrier—the gracious inspiration behind Penang’s The Blue Mansion. George Town’s premiere heritage hotel bears the nostalgic charm of the late 19th century intermixed with tangible memoirs of its former owner’s rags-to-riches tale.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – Bright red oriental lanterns shine bright against the blue colour
Walls dipped in blue, rustic furniture and bejewelled ornaments at the sidings recreate a breath-taking oriental flavour in this UNESCO-awarded venue, serving as a legacy from the country’s Southern Chinese roots. It is a painstaking masterpiece endowed with obvious hints of Hakka, timber lattices, Art Nouveau windows and Chinese calligraphy—an amalgamation of many worlds into one generously defined space.
Spiral metallic staircase with ornate steps add a sense of whimsy in The Blue Mansion
Within its walls is art, but beyond it are spectacular vistas that have transformed curious travellers into lovers of Penang. Malaysia’s quaint city nudges with a plethora of artistic amusement, from glamorous strolls inside its many galleries, stirring snaps of its visually striking murals, a bite of its sumptuous gastronomy, and a dip into Tanjung Bungah.
The latticework of wood is nothing less than welcoming
A trip to Kek Lok Si refreshes the soul, souvenir shopping at George Town thrills the ardent curator, and a hike into the dazzling cliffs of BatuFerringghi offers Malaysia’s magnanimous views from above. www.cheongfatttzemansion.com ◼
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© This article was first published in Aug-Sept 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.
