An excellent guided tour was provided by our guide Francis, who had a good comprehension of the history of the mansion, of the family which lived in it, and Peranakan culture!
I first arrived at about 3:20 in the afternoon, but I saw that guided tours began at 4, so I went to the café opposite to enjoy a Nyonya Coffee (also very nice) and wait a little. I then came back for the tour, and I found the wait to be worthwhile! All conventional forms of payment were accepted and the tour did not cost extra to my recollection.
The mansion tour isn’t just a few rooms, with the temple also being included along with the upstairs of the mansion, with plenty of beautiful pottery and furniture.
I’d say as far as *must visit* in Penang goes, the Peranakan Mansion definitely ranks high in the list.