Peranakan – dixonthum

If you’re visiting Phuket and think it’s all about beaches and island hopping, let me introduce you to a hidden gem that offers a completely different experience—Museum Phuket. I had the chance to visit this museum recently, and it turned out to be a fascinating journey through Phuket’s rich history and vibrant Peranakan culture.

A Bit of History
Museum Phuket is currently managed by Museum Siam and Phuket City Municipality. It’s housed in two historical buildings, each with its own story to tell. One of them used to be the Chartered Bank (1907-1911), and later in 1914, the building with the tower was built, which was initially a police station located just across the road. Over the years, these buildings served various purposes, including being the Phromthep Information Center and Nakorn Luang Thai Bank. Since 2018, they have been transformed into Museum Phuket, home to the “Phuketnagara-Peranakannitat” exhibition, which beautifully blends interactive activities and modern technology to showcase Phuket’s founding history and Peranakan heritage.

Walking Through Phuket’s Tin Mining Era
One of the highlights of the museum is its section on Phuket’s history as a tin mining town. Before tourism took over, tin mining was the backbone of Phuket’s economy, bringing prosperity and attracting people from different cultures. The exhibits display old photographs, mining equipment, and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse into this golden era. I found it amazing how this once-thriving industry shaped the island’s development.

The Mock Chartered Bank Safe Room
Stepping into the mock Chartered Bank safe room was another cool experience. It’s a small but intriguing exhibit that tells the story of the building’s original function as a bank. Walking into that safe room, surrounded by historical details, felt like stepping back in time. If you’re into old bank vaults and historical architecture, you’ll love this part.

Discovering Phuket’s Peranakan Culture
The museum also offers an immersive experience into the lives of the Peranakan community—descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in Phuket. This section explores their traditions, lifestyle, and cultural influence on the island, which reminded me of the Peranakan communities in Melaka and Penang. A fun part? You can try on traditional Peranakan costumes for photos! It’s a great way to bring home a unique memory of your visit.

Create Your Own Souvenir
Before leaving, don’t forget to stop by the souvenir corner (at the building with the tower), where you can create your own personalized keepsake. Choose a design like ang ku kuih, koi fish, or a dragon, and color it yourself. You can then turn your masterpiece into a keychain, fridge magnet, button, and more—all for just 20 THB each. It’s a fun and affordable way to bring home a piece of your Museum Phuket experience.

General Info
Museum Phuket is open from Tuesday to Sunday with different operating hours:

Tuesday – Saturday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 1 PM – 8:30 PM
Closed on Mondays

Best of all? It’s free entry!

📍Museum Phuket
Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Website: https://www.museumthailand.com/th/museum/Museum-Phuket
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Museumphuket
IG: www.instagram.com/museumphuket

Why You Should Visit
If you’re looking to dive deeper into Phuket’s past beyond the usual tourist spots, this museum is a must-visit. Whether you love history, enjoy interactive exhibits, or just want to explore something different, Museum Phuket has something for everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to escape the heat for a while and learn something new about this beautiful island.

So, the next time you’re in Phuket, make sure to add Museum Phuket to your itinerary. You won’t regret it!

Penang has always been a place rich with culture and tradition. Peranakan, also known as Baba-Nyonya, is a cultural group commonly found in Penang, originating from Chinese immigrants who settled in the region and intermarried with local Malays, Indonesians or Thais. This fusion of Chinese, Malay, and sometimes European influences has given rise to a distinct hybrid culture characterized by unique language, cuisine, attire, and customs.

To understand better about the Peranakan heritage, we went to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, located in the bustling streets of Georgetown, Penang. It is also fondly referred to as the “Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum,” an enchanting destination beckons travelers and locals alike to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of Peranakan history.

Finding the Mansion
Located on Church Street, the mansion is easy to spot with its grand facade. Getting in won’t break the bank either; the entrance fee is pretty reasonable, making it a great stop for anyone curious about Penang’s past.

Adult	RM25/pax
Child (6 to 12 years old)	RM12/pax
Child (below 6)	Free

Entrance Fee to Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Guided Tour
I lucked out and joined a guided tour led by Mr. Stanley! He had a knack for storytelling, turning the tour into a mix of history lesson and stand-up comedy. His jokes had us chuckling while we learned about the mansion’s past. Guided tour is free, but it is scheduled according to batches. You may check with the counter for the full schedule timing.

Dress-Up Time
If you are feeling adventurous, you can opt to rent a Baba Nyonya costume. It wasn’t very pricey and it add-on value to the whole experience! I saw many lady visitors wearing the traditional Nyonya costume that day, and that’s definitely a pretty sight. More info here.

A Scene from TV Drama
Here’s a fun fact: ever watched the internationally-acclaimed Singaporean TV drama, “The Little Nyonya”, that featured Jeanette Aw, Joanne Peh, Qi Yuwu, Pierre Png, Yao Wenlong and Dai Xiangyu? Well, guess what? Some scenes from this popular drama were filmed right here! Walking through the mansion, you might feel like you’re in the show, adding a cool twist to your visit.

Preserving History
More than just a tourist spot, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is like a time capsule, preserving the stories and traditions of Malaysia’s Peranakan community. It’s a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Penang so special. There are many replicas and real antique items, like furniture, costumes, vase, treasure boxes, accessories, and paintings, to name a few, on display in the huge mansion.

Lady is Always Right
In the Peranakan culture, there’s a traditional practice where during photographs, men typically sit or stand on the left side of their wives, symbolizing leadership or power. However, in one particular photograph on display, this convention is reversed. The couple chose to do so because it was believed that the man had married into the woman’s family, a practice known as “入贅” (rù zhuì).

Kingfisher Feather Jewelry
There was a set of stunning accessories—a headdress, earrings, and necklace—that are noteworthy. Kingfisher feather jewelry, a traditional adornment, features the iridescent feathers of the kingfisher bird crafted into decorative pieces like hairpins, earrings, brooches, and pendants. Originating in China during the Qing Dynasty, this style gained popularity across East Asia and beyond. The vibrant blue and green hues of the feathers add a luxurious touch to the pieces. However, modern versions often use synthetic materials to mimic the feathers, addressing concerns about wildlife conservation. Mr. Stanley, our guide, mentioned that typically only 2-3 feathers were used per accessory, ensuring no harm to the birds.

Overall, my wife and I had a pleasant time visiting this mansion and learned new things about the Peranakan culture from this visit. I would suggest you to pay a visit in your next trip to Penang and join in the guided tour for a more wholesome experience.

📍Pinang Peranakan Mansion
29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operation hours: 9.30AM to 5PM (Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/pinang_peranakan_mansion/
Website: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/