East Indies Mansion
Penang's first Kapitan Cina's 1790 residence, China Street's oldest survivor
About the Property
The oldest surviving building on China Street, over 230 years old. Once the residence of Koh Lay Huan, Penang's first Kapitan Cina, who arrived to meet Captain Francis Light the day after he landed on Penang.
Original Purpose
Residence of Koh Lay Huan, Penang's first Kapitan Cina
Highlights
History Timeline
Koh Lay Huan arrives in Penang the day after Captain Francis Light lands, establishing himself as the most influential Chinese community leader and becoming the first Kapitan Cina of the settlement.
Koh Lay Huan constructs his Southern Chinese courtyard mansion on China Street, making it the oldest surviving building on that road and one of the oldest residential structures in George Town.
The mansion passes through successive generations of the Koh family as Penang enters the Straits Settlements era, remaining a prestigious address in the heart of the Chinese quarter.
Japanese forces occupy George Town; the China Street mansion, over 150 years old by this point, survives the occupation intact despite widespread disruption in the surrounding neighbourhood.
George Town is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Koh Lay Huan mansion on China Street is recognised as an exceptional surviving example of an early colonial-era Chinese courtyard house.
East Indies Mansion opens after a careful multi-year restoration, preserving the original timber pillars, carved entrance panels, and interior courtyards of this 230-year-old landmark.