Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse

The Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse is a steel-framed tower standing about 21 meters tall in the northeastern section of the fort, overlooking the Penang Strait. It emits a red flash every two seconds and can guide vessels across a range of about 30 kilometers.

The structure was built in 1882 by the British colonial administration under the initial name Fort Point Lighthouse. Its construction was part of modernizing the harbor infrastructure during the period of British control in the region.

The lighthouse forms part of Penang's maritime identity and reflects the importance of the harbor for regional trade and shipping. Visitors can sense the connection between the historic port city and its relationship with the sea at this location.

The structure is easy to reach within the fort grounds and offers good visibility from the main pathways of the complex. Visitors should note that the best views of the tower come from specific vantage points throughout the fort.

Unlike traditional solid lighthouse towers, this structure uses a slender steel frame design that resembles a ship's mast. This unusual design makes it visually distinctive compared to other lighthouses found across Malaysia.

Location: Penang

Inception: 1882

Operator: Maritime Authority of Malaysia

GPS coordinates: 5.42080,100.34456

Latest update: December 22, 2025 00:24