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Arlene House - Kapitan Chung Thye Phin Building

Arlene House - Kapitan Chung Thye Phin Building

Arlene House - Kapitan Chung Thye Phin Building
4.5
Speciality MuseumsArchitectural BuildingsChildren's MuseumsHistory Museums
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Arlene House (aka Kapitan Chung Thye Phin and Phin Kee Chan) was built in 1905 by Kapitan Chung Thye Phin, a prominent Tin miner and last Kapitan China of Perak and Malaya. It was used as the Tin Headquarters & Trading House to manage his vast business activities in Malaya. The building had undergone 10 years of preservation, conservation and restoration works to return to its former glory. As part of its adaptive re-use activities, "Made In Ipoh", a Heritage, History, Culture and Art edutainment Gallery-Museum has been established showcasing the Stories, Life and Legacy of The Last Kapitan Of Malaya and Ipoh - The City That Tin Built. Made In Ipoh is open for Walk-In (un-guided) visits on weekend with admission ticket charges and pre-register private group tours (guided) at prescribed fees announced from time to time on its Facebook pages and Instagram. Arlene House is also open for rental usage for suitable photo/videography works, events and functions.
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  • Kelvin A
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden historical and architectural treasure that is not to be missed.
    A well curated and presented museum that covers the history of the last Kapitan Cina of Ipoh, the origins of the town’s tin industry, the roles the leaders of Perak, colonialism and recent history of everyday trade and culture. It is worth an hour’s browsing and also lots of nostalgic items from old shops that were saved by the owner. This is a rare chance to see the inside of a period shophouse. And don’t miss the great view of the Art Lane and Birch Memorial clock tower from the top floor! And you’ll learn about why he was assassinated in this museum. For Singaporean visitors- finally many of the names in our own streets and bridges (and history textbooks) come alive.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 January 2024
  • Vicente8
    Singapore243 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Captivating and endearing new museum
    A beautiful historical residence on three floors, restored with taste and passion by a friendly owner, recently opened to the public. The rooms are teeming with objects, documents, videos and anecdotes that give a rich vision of the history and local life during the last century. Entrance is not the cheapest but it is worth it. A place not to be missed in the heart of the old town.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 February 2024
  • MOHD NOOR TAUFI... J
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Museum and Gift shop
    Gain valuable learning experience here. It is a three floor museum where got many different section where they also have gift shop and hanfu or kebaya rental for you guys to try.In the museum, I got to learn about hows tin was discovered which built Ipoh town. On top of that, I also got to saw many amazing artefacts here which from that era. The spiral staircase??, marvelous. Here attached some picture for you guys reference. I recommend you to visit here💯
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 4 March 2024
  • Nadia
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum and satisfied visit
    An interesting place to visit when you come to Ipoh! I got to know about Ipoh City, and at the same time, I gained knowledge about the shops that have been operated in the past, such as salon, tailor, and many more! Oh, and they also have hanfu and kebaya rentals for those who want to try to wear them. It is such a fun place where we can have fun and also learn the cultures of different races.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 March 2024
  • ainul f
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Made in Ipoh Museum
    My visit to the Made in Ipoh Museum was a truly enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for the legacy of P. Ramlee. Through its captivating exhibits and immersive displays, the museum succeeds in paying homage to one of Malaysia's most beloved cultural icons. For anyone with an interest in Malaysian cinema or cultural history, a visit to this museum is an absolute must. The inclusion of antique items such as vintage toys and cameras added an extra layer of depth and intrigue to my experience at the Made in Ipoh Museum.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 28 March 2024
  • Muhammad Syukri
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Review: Arlene House
    Arlene House is a neat museum! It's full of interesting stuff from the past, like old furniture and pictures. When you walk around, it feels like going back in time. The guides are friendly and tell you cool stories about the things in the museum. I liked learning about how people used to live long ago. It's a fun place to visit and learn new things!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 April 2024
  • YING
    25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyable historical journey
    This is a museum that enables me and my friends know about the history of Ipoh and also the legacy of Kapitan Chung Thye Ping. At the same time, we enjoyed the beauty of the architecture of the building and also decorations. Who likes history or beautiful place, this is one of the place that must be visited museum.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 12 April 2024
  • Diya
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A place to visit
    A visit to this place is truly worthwhile. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Ipoh's old town and provides insights into the life of the last Chinese Kapitan of Malaya, Chung Thye Phin. The museum is meticulously maintained, ensuring a clean and tidy environment for visitors. Additionally, the gift shop offers the opportunity to purchase beautiful kebaya and souvenirs. Notably, the museum features a famous spiral staircase that adds to its overall beauty.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 April 2024
  • MelGrace
    29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden Gem and best gift shop in Ipoh
    Definitely worth the price!! Discovered many interesting things and history in this museum. Not only managed to experience the histories but also managed to get some yesteryears souvenirs in the Arlene house gift shop! Hard to get or even see this kind of special gifts or souvenirs anywhere else! Overall, it was a good and valuable experience!! Would totally recommend this place to my friends and family!
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 13 April 2024
  • Fraser G
    Inverness, United Kingdom20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum!
    Definitely worth a visit if you're in Ipoh. The building itself is really beautiful and the exhibition very interesting. I knew virtually nothing of the history of Ipoh and it explained a lot. The staff were fantastic - very friendly and knowledgeable.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles54 reviews
Excellent
42
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3
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Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China22,336 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
This is a notable historic building in downtown Ipoh. Arlene House is now a gallery selling artisan products. There is also a small museum upstairs but admission (25 MYR) is perhaps some of the highest in the area.
Written 21 January 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.

Nadia
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
An interesting place to visit when you come to Ipoh! I got to know about Ipoh City, and at the same time, I gained knowledge about the shops that have been operated in the past, such as salon, tailor, and many more! Oh, and they also have hanfu and kebaya rentals for those who want to try to wear them. It is such a fun place where we can have fun and also learn the cultures of different races.
Written 23 March 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.

Vicente8
Singapore243 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
A beautiful historical residence on three floors, restored with taste and passion by a friendly owner, recently opened to the public. The rooms are teeming with objects, documents, videos and anecdotes that give a rich vision of the history and local life during the last century. Entrance is not the cheapest but it is worth it. A place not to be missed in the heart of the old town.
Written 7 February 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.

Stewart T
20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Friends
It is an interesting museum/gift shop, featuring the last captain of Malaya from around 100 years ago.

There are many goods sold in the gift shop, ranging from traditional Malaysian clothing like Kebaya Nyonya, Sarong, Batik shirts and pants to accessories like bracelets, earrings and hats.

The museum explains about the last Chinese captain of Malaya, Chung Thye Phin, and the history of the building itself. Apparently, this building was built by Chung Thye Phin, and was once the office building for his tin mine business. It is a very suitable place to visit for people who are into history and the culture of Malaysia.

Friendly staff also. 👍
Written 4 August 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.

ainul f
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
My visit to the Made in Ipoh Museum was a truly enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for the legacy of P. Ramlee. Through its captivating exhibits and immersive displays, the museum succeeds in paying homage to one of Malaysia's most beloved cultural icons. For anyone with an interest in Malaysian cinema or cultural history, a visit to this museum is an absolute must. The inclusion of antique items such as vintage toys and cameras added an extra layer of depth and intrigue to my experience at the Made in Ipoh Museum.
Written 28 March 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.

YING
25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
This is a museum that enables me and my friends know about the history of Ipoh and also the legacy of Kapitan Chung Thye Ping. At the same time, we enjoyed the beauty of the architecture of the building and also decorations. Who likes history or beautiful place, this is one of the place that must be visited museum.
Written 12 April 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.

Shirley Peter Laugahong
Tanjung Malim, Malaysia27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Solo
This was such a hidden gem in Ipoh. The museum provides a charming and personal look at the city’s history with its collection of unique and eclectic artifacts. The exhibits are well-curated, offering intriguing insights into local life and culture. The atmosphere is welcoming, making it easy to spend time exploring and learning. For a memorable and enriching experience that showcases Ipoh's heritage in a special way, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
Written 5 September 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.

MOHD NOOR TAUFI... J
17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Gain valuable learning experience here. It is a three floor museum where got many different section where they also have gift shop and hanfu or kebaya rental for you guys to try.In the museum, I got to learn about hows tin was discovered which built Ipoh town. On top of that, I also got to saw many amazing artefacts here which from that era. The spiral staircase??, marvelous. Here attached some picture for you guys reference. I recommend you to visit here💯
Written 4 March 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.

Keane Ryan
30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Solo
This building is very beautiful to look at! It's walkways and verandas are beautiful to look at. When I was walking, I found a group of street artists paintings the opposite buildings on this building verandah ! What's more, there's a museum in the Building. Enjoyed the architecture and the museum at the same time!🥳🎉
Written 8 August 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.

Illi
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Friends
The museum offers a beautiful history and culture of Ipoh that reminisce the city's past. Each display is arranged accordingly and thoughtfully which make it easy for me to understand and follow the charming of this city. The gift shop also offers a lot nostalgic and classic things that you can buy from. Overall it is a good experience to be here.
Written 8 August 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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ARLENE HOUSE - KAPITAN CHUNG THYE PHIN BUILDING (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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