Fort Cornwallis, Penang

Written on July 15, 2008 – 8:00 am | by Beng Han | 147 views

I think I deserve to fail in my history subject during my PMR or whatever SPM. (I really did failed)

I didn’t know there is such thing at Penang - Fort Cornwallis.

Being the biggest and the most intact fort in Malaysia, the Fort Cornwallis is considered as an important monument and landmark in the historical development of Malaysia, particularly the island of Penang. Fort Cornwallis is situated at the spot where Captain Francis Light was supposed to have landed in 1786. Originally a wooden structure, the fort was rebuilt between 1808 and 1810 with convict labour.

Even though the fort was originally built for the Royal artillery troops and the military, its function historically was more administrative rather than defense.

In its entire history, the fort had never been engaged in any battle.

The entrance to the Lighthouse

The second oldest lighthouse in the country located at Fort Cornwallis in Penang is also opened to public admission. Originally known as Fort Point Lighthouse, it underwent renovation in 1914 and 1925, and was renamed the Penang Harbour Lighthouse. Half of George Town can be seen from the 21m-high structure. This lighthouse is special as it is the only one in the country that looks like a ship’s mast.

It is also the only one in Peninsular Malaysia that does not serve any navigational purpose. The oldest lighthouse in Malaysia is located in Tanjung Tuan, Malacca. It was built about two years before the Fort Cornwallis lighthouse.

A limited of 5 person can go up to the lighthouse that day.

The lighthouse and the shipmast-like tower at the side.

It’s unstable on the metal staircase.

Opening hours: 8.30am-7.00pm daily

Admission: RM1.00 per person

Location: Padang Kota Lama, 10200 Penang, Malaysia. (Fort Cornwallis is on the edge of Central Georgetown on Jalan T. S. S. Barakbah off Lebuh Light.)

So Now You Know … !

  1. 3 Responses to “Fort Cornwallis, Penang”

  2. By eogpioo on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply

    I just went there last week and it was a free admission. Could be due to the Unesco celebration, I guess.

  3. By Beng Han on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply

    How was it? Do you have anything to share?

  4. By eogpioo on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply

    Well it was fun that’s all. Nice blogging there on this monument since not much to be found on website.

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The Author

My name is Benghan, also known as Ben Ho. I am a Project Executive in a Global Event Marketing Company. Welcome joining my blogsphere and this is a portal for me to share my knowledge, discoveries and experience related to my daily life and work. I can easily be contacted at me@benghan.com. More


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