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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.…
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Date of experience: November 2019
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Still couldnt compare of course with the leong san tong Khoo Kongsi, but it is second best clan house and you dont have to pay for a photo because it is just right on beach street. Take a photo and move on!
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Date of experience: September 2020
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Harrison F. Carter wrote a review Aug 2020
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia9,456 contributions518 helpful votes
Interesting to learn of its background ... and although we didn't have time to go in, it was good to have seen it at least.
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Date of experience: August 2020
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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.…
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Date of experience: March 2019
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we found this by accident but actually much preferred it to Khoo Kongsi as we were practically the only visitors so more chance to enjoy the peace and tranquility of a beautifully renovated clan house.
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Date of experience: February 2020
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