Fort Cornwallis

Scenic spot
★ 4.8 (21K+ reviews) • 205K+ booked
Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of Fort Cornwallis in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. As the oldest and largest fort in the country, Fort Cornwallis offers a glimpse into the legacy of Captain Francis Light and the colonial-era Malaysia. Built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, this bastion fort stands as a testament to Malaysia's colonial past and is the largest standing fort in the country. Explore the historical significance of Fort Cornwallis, which never engaged in combat during its operational history, and learn about its architectural marvels, including the Chapel, the Seri Rambai cannon, and the skeletal steel lighthouse erected in 1882.
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Fort Cornwallis, The Esplanade, Little India, George Town, North-East, Central George Town, Penang, 10200, Malaysia
Overview
Things to do
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Fort Cornwallis Reviews

4.8 /5
21K+ reviews
Read all reviews
黃 **
1 Jul
Our tour leader, William, was very friendly. He took us to Balik Pulau to enjoy the farmland and fishing village scenery, taste local delicacies and seasonal durian, and assisted us in taking photos and framing at any time. I highly recommend that you must come.
1+
Klook 用戶
1 Jul
I was fortunate to meet Mr. Huang, a local living dictionary, who has been studying and inheriting Penang's history and culture for more than 20 years. He learned about the development and rule during the British colonial period, the love and hatred between Chinese immigrants in Fujian (Zhangzhou-Haishan Society, Quanzhou-Xingshi Bridge area) and Guangdong (Guangzhou-Yee Hing Society, Chaozhou), how they could donate money to build temples because of their beliefs, and fight over territory. He also learned about the origins of Penang's various neighborhoods, and the public call for submissions for iron paintings after obtaining the intangible cultural heritage in 2008. In 2012, a Lithuanian painter left a mural by accident, which opened up the art of murals, and came back to add color 12 years later. These are just a small part of the story. If you like to travel in depth, it is recommended to prepare a pair of good shoes, do a good job of sun protection, and follow Mr. Huang's story journey to discover the food and surprises behind every corner.
2+
Pang ******
27 Jun
The package includes tickets to major attractions in Penang. It is recommended to buy more than four attractions for a better discount. Note that several cost-effective attractions are far from Georgetown, but they are still worth visiting! For example, the butterfly garden, fruit farm and water activities can be arranged on the same day, but it is not recommended to go on weekends because there will be traffic jams.
2+
MonicaLeigh ********
25 Jun
This tour was a great way to see Penang city and learn about the different cultures. Our tour guide, Anson, was SO knowledgeable and we had such a fun time with him. He was so kind taking photos of us and he has a real passion for his job and his city. I would highly recommend this tour.
1+
Vis ***
24 Jun
overall the hotel is okay. a bit old school but decent. would definitely stay here again. not bad for 4 star hotel
Pang ******
19 Jun
Worth a try! The indoor mini golf course has a unique design, which is simple but not difficult. It is also exquisitely decorated and very suitable for taking photos and checking in. It is very interesting!
2+
Klook User
15 Jun
There are many types of clothes! I chose the ones I liked right away. The stylist was also very professional. She made my hair very beautiful and matched the clothes very well. The photographer was a local and took us to various scenic spots very efficiently. He even prepared for rainy days. The overall experience was very good! You can rest assured to leave your first Nyonya dress photo shoot to them👏
ChinmayaKumar *****
13 Jun
love the place.we have learned the glass painting.the art work was awesome.the glass paintings are too good.
2+

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Captain Francis Light Statue

Visit the statue of Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang Island, located within Fort Cornwallis. Learn about his historical landing in 1786 and the impact he had on the region.

Seri Rambai Cannon

Marvel at the famous Seri Rambai cannon, a Dutch-made cannon with a fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. Explore the military heritage of Fort Cornwallis through this iconic artifact.

Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse

Admire the Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse, added to the fort in 1882. Experience the maritime significance of the lighthouse and its role in signaling the arrival of mail ships to the region.

Historical Significance

Fort Cornwallis marks the spot where Captain Francis Light first landed in 1786, shaping the history of Penang Island. Explore the fort's star-shaped design and learn about its role in defending the region.

Cultural Heritage

Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Fort Cornwallis, from the Indian convict laborers who built the fort to the modern legal system that emerged within its walls. Discover the blend of influences that make this site unique.

Architectural Marvel

Witness the architectural marvel of Fort Cornwallis, with its brick walls and historical structures like the Gunpowder Storeroom and Chapel. Explore the fort's layout and imagine life within its walls centuries ago.

Local Cuisine

While exploring Fort Cornwallis, be sure to indulge in popular local dishes such as Nasi Kandar and Char Kway Teow. Experience the unique flavors of Penang's culinary scene, offering a delightful blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.

Clan Jetties

Visit the Clan Jetties, unique villages on stilts settled by Chinese families. Explore Lim Jetty, Chew Jetty, and Cheah Kongsi to witness the cultural heritage and historical connections of these communities.

Armenian Street

Stroll along Armenian Street, named after the Armenian immigrants to Georgetown. Discover the intricate clan houses and immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in delicious local ice creams.