Introduction
Being the country’s first Hakka Tin mining Museum, the museum exhibits the highlights of tin mining process of the early days. It also tells about the unethical activities of the club members in the past named as Four Evils that enticed the Hakka miners, and the journey of Hakka people from China to Ipoh.
What to Expect?
Originally the home of the Hakka Tin Miners Club, founded in 1893. The building was rebuilt in 1929 to replace the earlier double-storey club house on the same site. This unique museum encompasses approximately 5000 square feet over three floors. On display are artifacts, collectibles, ephemera and also photographs from the 19th and 20th century. True to life murals painted by local students of the Perak Institute of Art provides the experience of a tin mine.
With welcoming and informative staff guides, this place is an amazing spot to learn about the tin trade of old as well as the Hakka culture.
This exhibition is definitely something that should not be missed and is a valuable opportunity for tourists to get an insight of this intriguing historical treasure.
While the entrance fee to explore this exhibition is free, you will need to book a reservation before visiting Han Chin Pet Soo which can be done at http://www.ipohworld.org/reservation/. After your visit to Han Chin Pet Soo, you may also take a short stroll to one of Ipoh’s most popular streets– Concubine Lane.
Exhibition
Tin mining
With tin mining playing a prominent role in the development of Ipoh and the Kinta Valley, this section that uses original tin mining equipment highlights the process of mining for tin from prospecting for tin to the drying of tin ore. This section includes a historic video explaining the process of tin mining in the 1940s.
Kitchen
To serve the function of providing meals for the club members, a well-stocked kitchen would have played an important role. Restored it to its 1929 / 1930 standard, the kitchen has a three charcoal and one wood-fired stove, kitchen utensils and tins appropriate to the period.
Town square
The backyard has been transformed into a town square, ideal for photography the area includes a mural of a tin dredge, a street in Ipoh and a tin shop to complete the story of tin.
Activities of the club
The first floor of the building is dedicated to activities of the club members over the 122 years of its history. Dubbed as the four evils; gambling, opium smoking, prostitution and triads (secret societies). Full sized dioramas demonstrate how the club would have looked in its heyday.
Hakka floor
Moving on to the second floor is the guest floor where the club housed guests with the condition; they were Hakka males that were friends' of a member of the club. Coincidentally, Hakka means guest in English, seizing the opportunity, it was set up to illustrate the 1000 year long history of the Hakka people.
Look Around
Address: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100, Ipoh, Perak
05-241 4541
Everyday Except Monday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Reviews
4.5
(531)
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Sandra
a month agoNext door of Ho Yan Hor Museum. By appointment only as it's a guided tour by Mr Leong, d only one who mans this place.
Set up by Ipoh World Sdn Bhd., this place is very well-maintained. Mr Leong is v thorough with a good sense of humour. Suitable for older kids who can follow parents around.
Free admission but donation is necessary to help keep this place going. Considering admission tickets in Sg costs a bomb n RM 18-25 in Penang, this donation is negligible. -
Mr. R
a month agoThe museum is located in the old town area of Ipoh. Although it is open to the public, visitors are required to make online reservations in advance as there are limited sessions available each day. Each guided tour session lasts for one hour, and once the session begins, the doors are closed to prevent other visitors from entering. The guides provide articulate and detailed explanations about the history of Ipoh, starting from the migration of the Hakka people to the tin mining era and the dark times of Ipoh's past. The museum consists of three floors with some slightly steep staircases, which might be a bit challenging for elderly visitors. Nevertheless, it is one of the best museums I have ever visited in Malaysia. Even though admission is free, they accept voluntary donations.
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Cam G
a month agoA great visit to this museum and a must to understand more about Ipoh’s history.
The tour guide explains very well the history of Tin mining in Ipoh as well as the migration of Chinese Hakka people from China to Malaysia. It was really interesting and entertaining!
We easily booked the English tour online (3 per day at the moment). The tour is free but donations are encouraged. -
Dandelion
a month agoVery well keep museum and a lot of history. Excellent tour guide who can relate the old time history well enough. A place worth to visit and fees is only by way of donation for upkeep of the museum.
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Wee YC
3 months agoWe book it the guided English tour 2days before visiting. Mr tour guide provides very details of Hakka tin mining origins and further history development, fun and knowledgable tour specially for new generations.
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