My Visit To Fort Cornwallis

Posted by : foongpc | Friday, April 25, 2014 | Published in

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Fort Cornwallis is a famous historical tourist attraction in George Town, Penang.

During my second day in Penang, I visited this fort which is the largest standing fortress in Malaysia. It is located near the Esplanade and next to the Victoria Memorial Clock. Some people may think it's not a place worth visiting, but I feel that I must visit it at least once in my life.

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If it is your first time in Penang, you should also give Fort Cornwallis a visit. Entrance fee is only RM2.

By the way, Fort Cornwallis is named after the late 18th century Governor-General in Bengal, Charles Cornwallis. The design of the fort is therefore similar to other British forts in India, albeit at a smaller scale.

Originally built by Captain Francis Light for the British military, Fort Cornwallis however, has never engaged in any battle.

This is the entrance drawbridge to Fort Cornwallis. It was originally surrounded by a moat as most forts are, but the moat is no longer there. Perhaps they have covered it up for some reason.

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In the distance, I could see the Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse. It is the second oldest lighthouse in Malaysia - second only to the lighthouse in Tanjung Tuan, Melaka. Interestingly, the lighthouse resembles a ship's mast, and it is the only lighthouse in Peninsular Malaysia not serving any navigational purpose.

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Inside the fort, I could see an old white colour building - it's the Gunpowder Magazine.

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I went into the Gunpowder Magazine to take a snapshot.

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The steps leading back outside.

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There were several bronze cannons lining the perimeter of the fort.

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But the largest and most famous cannon is the Dutch cannon called Sri Rambai. Some locals believe that this cannon possess magical powers - women who place flowers on the barrel will improve their fertility!

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Standing there, I could imagine firing this cannon at ships coming in from the sea.

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Another smaller cannon inside the fort.

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I walked towards the lighthouse but it was all locked up. I thought I could climb the lighthouse but I guess I was not in luck.

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A statue of Captain Francis Light in honour of the man who built Fort Cornwallis.

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There was a tourist information kiosk, a history gallery and a souvenir centre here but I did not take any photos of them.

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I had no regrets visiting Fort Cornwallis, but climbing the steps up to that lighthouse would have made my visit more complete.

Comments (31)

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Princess Ribbon's avatar

Princess Ribbon · 589 weeks ago

I've heard of Fort Cornwallis (from history books) but have never been here before (I know, shame on me).. In fact, not very familiar with Pg.. Second day only visited the Fort? No more walking?
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1 reply · active 589 weeks ago
I've forgotten all my history. Now, when you mentioned Sir Francis Light, suddenly, I remembered this name ! haha...... Never visited the Fort Cornwallis before.
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1 reply · active 589 weeks ago
I never really go in, only stay outside checking out the cannons. It reminds me of Fort Siloso in Sentosa Island.
1 reply · active 589 weeks ago
It's creepy inside the white building!

My recent post Hello Kitty Bubbly World Series From Mcdonald's
1 reply · active 589 weeks ago
Been there once only, nothing much LOL
My recent post The Fat Duck Cafe @ Kinta Lane, Georgetown, Penang.
1 reply · active 589 weeks ago
Stayed in Penang for almost two decades but did not know the existence of the light house oh gee..thanks for the info haha
My recent post இ Horse Up 馬上
1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
Perhaps might climb the light house one day
My recent post இ Horse Up 馬上
1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
After 'transplanted' into KL from 1997 have not been up to KL Tower, Twin Tower. So near but yet so far haha
My recent post இ Horse Up 馬上
1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
The last time I was there, there were many horse dungs LOL!!
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2 replies · active 588 weeks ago
I know there are many interesting places to cover in Penang. Will have to go there one day. I like how they still keep the "european" look outside..
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1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
Surprisingly this fort is better preserved than the one in Malacca. A piece of history properly preserved, I say.

Thanks for the tour, Foong, I didn't visit this when I was there at the Esplanade. Hmm..
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1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
Twilight Man's avatar

Twilight Man · 588 weeks ago

Hello lazy Panda! Do I have to send you invitation cards to visit my blog? Wakakakaka

So you visited Fort Cornwallis and found it nothing but your post is so lengthy!
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1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
Twilight Man's avatar

Twilight Man · 588 weeks ago

I have lots of memories of this fort as I took photos with the canons before I went to school. When I was in secondary school, my gang and I always hid there to smoke!! Muahahahahaha
My recent post A Samurai's Residence
1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
Twilight Man's avatar

Twilight Man · 588 weeks ago

Thanks to the new CM LGE...he actually tidied up all the tourists spots in Penang making it being voted the TOP 2 Best Destinations by the New York Times!

The Fort Cornwallis looks better today.

My recent post A Samurai's Residence
1 reply · active 588 weeks ago
i thnk it would be cool if ppl could climb the lighthouse steps to see the beauty from the top! B)
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1 reply · active 588 weeks ago

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