Fort Cornwallis, Star fort in George Town, Malaysia.
Fort Cornwallis is a star fortification in George Town on Penang Island, positioned at the northeastern corner of the city center along the waterfront. The complex consists of thick stone walls that enclose an open field where a steel lighthouse, old cannons, and several low stone buildings stand.
The British East India Company built the first wooden palisade in 1786 when Captain Francis Light landed at this site and claimed the island as a trading outpost. The present stone walls replaced the original timber structure between 1808 and 1810, while the chapel dates to 1799.
The name honors Charles Cornwallis, the governor general who ruled over Bengal India at the time of construction. Local legends suggest that the Dutch cannon within the complex received offerings of flowers from women hoping for children, a practice that continues through present day.
The fortification opens daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, with entrance fees of 20 RM for adults and 10 RM for children. The site lies within walking distance of many downtown George Town attractions and is best visited in daylight when details of the walls and cannons are visible.
The Sri Rambai Cannon was installed in 1871 and is a Dutch-made artillery piece that changed hands between regional powers before arriving here. The cannon bears an inscription in Dutch as well as the crest of the Dutch East India Company.
Location: Penang
Floors above the ground: 1
Email: theesplanadepark@gmail.com
Website: http://penang.ws/penang-attractions/fort-cornwallis.htm
GPS coordinates: 5.42062,100.34349
Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:58
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
970 m
Khoo Kongsi
994 m
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
891 m
Penang Peranakan Mansion
387 m
Kapitan Keling Mosque
807 m
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Penang
690 m
Kong Hock Keong Temple
574 m
St. George's Church
501 m
Penang City Hall
274 m
Church of the Assumption
647 m
Sun Yat-sen Museum Penang
975 m
Jubilee Clock Tower
174 m
Swettenham Pier
366 m
Penang Town Hall
242 m
Penang High Court
409 m
Lebuh Aceh Mosque
1.1 km
Muzeum Państwowe w Penang
550 m
Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park
1.4 km
Batik Painting Museum Penang
898 m
Camera Museum
835 m
Penang Islamic Museum
1 km
Penang State Assembly Building
140 m
Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi
1.1 km
Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse
120 m
Penang Chinese Town Hall
534 m
Francis Light Memorial
468 m
India House (Penang)
374 m
Asia Camera Museum
946 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes