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Fort Cornwallis

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Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)

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Fort Cornwallis is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Malaysia. A fortress in George Town, Penang. It is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. Named after Charles Cornwallis. Originally built as a palisade stockade by Francis Light in 1786. The current stone walls were built around 1810. Houses a chapel, prison cells, and a lighthouse. This site holds particular significance in the history of Malaysia, from the Malacca Sultanate through British colonial rule to independence in 1957. Like many notable places in Malaysia, it combines regional character with the legacy of the multicultural Malay-Chinese-Indian society and the tropics. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Malaysia, between Kuala Lumpur, Borneo, palm oil plantations and tropical rainforest.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252627272727262626262625
Rain mm11867138182216150174200249311317233

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and is open to the public. Visitors can explore cannons, casemates, and the lighthouse inside.
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Typical hours
Fort Cornwallis is typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Public holidays may have different hours; checking ahead is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the fort. Some areas may restrict tripod use.
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Time needed
Allow one to two hours for the visit. The site is spacious and gives many historical details.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through George Town. The historic old town with its street art is just a short stroll away.
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Getting there
The fort is located in central George Town and is easily walkable. Parking is limited; use public transport or taxis.
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Insider tip
Visit early morning to avoid the heat. Signing the guestbook inside the fort makes a nice memory.

Geography

Coordinates
5.42060, 100.34440

Facts

  • A fortress in George Town, Penang. It is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. Named after Charles Cornwallis.
  • Located within the Federation of Malaysia.
  • Shaped by the tropical monsoon climate of Southeast Asia.
  • Linked to the heritage of the Malacca Sultanate and the British colonial era.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Battle of Penang SiteBattle of Penang Site<1 km · SExplore →
Gurney DriveGurney Drive4 km · SExplore →
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial ZoneBayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone7 km · SEExplore →
Kek Lok Si TempleKek Lok Si Temple8 km · SExplore →
Bayan LepasBayan Lepas10 km · SExplore →
Bujang ValleyBujang Valley10 km · NWExplore →
Batu KawanBatu Kawan10 km · NExplore →
Mount JeraiMount Jerai12 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Fort Cornwallis (8)

Stage📍 landmark

This wooden outdoor stage situated within the historic fort grounds is frequently utilized for cultural music and dance performances.

Sri Rambai Cannon📍 landmark

The Sri Rambai Cannon is a historic Dutch bronze artillery piece revered by women as a fertility symbol and often adorned with flowers.

Color Port📍 landmark

Color Port is a colorful harbor-side attraction whose creative installations and murals brighten up the maritime environment.

Esplanade Grounds🌳 park

The Esplanade Grounds encompass a spacious lawn park situated right against the seaside promenade, offering sweeping views of the water.

Bersih Beach🎡 recreation

Bersih Beach is a quiet sandy ocean shoreline good for picnics and evening strolls by the lapping water.

Surau⛪ religious

A local mosque functioning as a spiritual center for the neighborhood.

Bagan Ajam Public Market🎭 culture

A lively public market in Bagan Ajam selling groceries and local goods.

Pasar Awam Apollo Jalan Bunga Raya🎭 culture

The Apollo public market on Jalan Bunga Raya, a hub for daily trading.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Fort Cornwallis?
A historic star-shaped fortress in George Town, Penang.
When is the fort open?
Daily, usually from 9 am to 7 pm.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, information and guided tours are often available on site.
How much time is needed?
Plan for about 1 hour for the tour.
Is the fort accessible?
Partially, some areas are difficult for wheelchair users.
Fort Cornwallis: where is it located?
Fort Cornwallis is located in Malaysia.
Fort Cornwallis: what is there to see?
Highlights include Stage, Sri Rambai Cannon, Color Port.
Fort Cornwallis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Fort Cornwallis: why is it worth visiting?
Fort Cornwallis is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Malaysia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Malaysia →

Nearby cities

George Town — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
George Town
The capital city of Penang state, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bayan Lepas — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Bayan Lepas
The industrial heart of Penang, home to the airport and the Bayu Bay Beach.
Batu Kawan — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Batu Kawan
A rising hub in Penang, known for the second bridge and the Pantai Teluk Aman beach.

Nature

Penang Island West Coast — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Penang Island West Coast
The less developed and more rural side of Penang Island, featuring pristine beaches, fishing villages, and agricultural lands.

More places

Battle of Penang Site — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Battle of Penang Site
A World War I naval battle that took place in Penang Harbour on 28 October 1914.
Penang Port — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Penang Port
The oldest and longest established port in Malaysia, serving the northern region.
Kapitan Keling Mosque — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Kapitan Keling Mosque
A prominent mosque in George Town, Penang, built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders.
Sun Yat-sen Museum Penang — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Sun Yat-sen Museum Penang
A museum in George Town dedicated to the life and work of Sun Yat-sen in Penang.
Gurney Drive — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Gurney Drive
A popular waterfront promenade in George Town, Penang, famous for its hawker centre offering a wide variety of local street food.
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone
The 'Silicon Valley of the East', a major hub for the electronics and semiconductor industry in Penang.
Kek Lok Si Temple — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Kek Lok Si Temple
A large Buddhist temple complex in Penang.
Penang Hill — Fort Cornwallis (Malaysia)
Penang Hill
A group of peaks on Penang Island.