Han Chin Pet Soo, Ipoh - Tin Mining Museum

Han Chin Pet Soo, Ipoh Overview

Han Chin Pet Soo is a three-storey Hakka tin mining museum located along Jalan Bijeh Timah, close to Kinta river in Ipoh's Old Town, Perak. This heritage building houses antiques, collectibles, furniture, decoration, photographs, authentic tools and equipment from the tin mining era.

The museum was originally a miner's club named 'Hakka Miners' Clubhouse' founded in 1893 by Leong Fee, a tin miner. Managed by Ipoh World Sdn. Bhd., entry to the Han Chin Pet Soo museum is only through prior appointment. With a collection size of 1500+, the museum vividly brings to life streets scenes, the regular ongoings of the club in its heydays and tin mining process.

Guided Tour

To visit Han Chin Pet Soo museum, make an appointment at least 30 days prior. One can either book only on the official website of Ipoh World (www.ipohworld.org) or in person at the window. Citing safety reasons, the maximum number of persons allowed at a time for 1 tour slot are 20. However more people can be allowed by contacting +60(0)52414541 or [email protected] .

At the time of visiting the museum, you must show the soft copy or hard copy of your appointment confirmation email.

Exhibits at Han Chin Pet Soo Museum

Tin Mining Section
An 11-minute black and white documentary explaining the methods and process of tin mining is shown in a small cinema, formerly a bedroom. The section illustrates the mining process with the help of original mining equipment on display.

Dining Room
The ground floor has a long dining table, laid with enamel tableware, kept in between 2 large mirrors. This was the dining area when the club held parties.

Kitchen
A 1929-style kitchen has been recreated full of kitchen equipments belonging to that era kike brass utensils, tins, charcoal and wood-fired stoves.

Town Square
A town square has been shown in the rear courtyard bringing the scene from a typical Ipoh Street to life. Wall murals depicting a tin shop, a tin dredge, a street along with original artefacts and period hats, form a perfect background for a picture.

Club Activities- 4 Evils
The first floor of the building is designed in such a way so as to give the real picture of how the club would have looked had it been in full swing. The 4 Evils refer to the 4 activities that the club members (miners) indulged in- gambling, smoking, prostitution and triads (secret societies).

Interestingly, there is a gambling room with a bar and a Japanese singer. Here the members were entertained by the 'dancing girls'. There's also an opium den full of smokers.

Guest Floor
The top floor lays light on the eventful 1000-year long history of Hakka people and their wide-scale migration from China. This was actually the guest floor used to lodge guests of the members of the club. The floor has two recreated bedrooms of the 1930s and 1960s era.

How to Reach Han Chin Pet Soo

One can walk up to Han Chin Pet Soo from the Ipoh Railway Station which is around 700 meters away. The other option is to take bus no. 94 near the airport.