Fort Cornwallis
Named after the Governor General in Bengal, Charles Cornwallis, Fort Cornwallis is one of the most well-known landmarks in Penang. The fortress’ 10-feet walls are laid out in the shape of a star, and within those walls, some of the original structures built over a century ago can still be seen – a chapel, some prison cells, ammunition storage area, a harbour light, the original flagstaff and some old bronze cannons, which includes the infamous 17th-century Dutch cannon called ‘Seri Rambai’, believed by the locals to have an encouraging effect on women’s fertility. Popular among visitors, this privately-managed historical attraction is equipped with a tourist information kiosk, a café, and open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery, a souvenir centre and tour guides to show visitors around and provide them with a peek into the fortress’ history.
Kapitan Keling Mosque
Situated along Pitt Street, the Kapitan Keling Mosque is Penang’s first-ever mosque built in the 19th century. A monumental structure surrounded by low walls and crowned with Moghul-style copper domes, the mosque was named after the head of the Indian Muslim community back then, Cauder Maydin Merican, a prominent trader appointed by the-then British rulers as leader of the community. The word ‘Keling’ refers to South Indian immigrants back then, so the word ‘Kapitan Keling’ literally means ‘Captain of the Kelings’.
Penang Museum
A significant landmark listed in the Penang Heritage Trail, the Penang Museum houses permanent exhibits which include photographs, maps, antiques, furniture, documents, paintings and other historical relics showcasing Penang's culture and heritage throughout the years. Among those featured are Fort Cornwallis, the streets of Penang, Penang municipal history, Penang riots, the Japanese occupation, Penang houses of worship and traditional trades. Also included in special rooms are paintings by local artists, the Straits Chinese collection, hand-written scriptures and old Malay weapons such as the keris. The statue of Captain Francis Light greets you outside as you walk into the museum’s grounds.
Khoo Kongsi
One of the most prominent Chinese lineages in Malaysia, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi for short, dates back to some 650 years ago. Khoo Kongsi, together with Cheah, Yeoh, Lim and Tan Kongsi, were the ‘Goh Tai Seh’ (Five Big Clans) that had formed the backbone of the Hokkien community in olden-day Penang, Characterised by close-knit communities and clearly-divided territories marked by rows of terrace houses, each kongsi has its own clanhouse which acts as the central point of the community. The Khoo Kongsi’s clanhouse, the Leong San Tong, a magnificent structure standing on a square of granite, is perhaps the most majestic clanhouse in South-East Asia.
St George’s Church
Built by convicts back in 1816, Penang’s St George’s Church is South-East Asia’s oldest Anglican church. Even through all these years, the original structure of the building hasn’t altered much, and the walls haven’t weathered much either. One of Penang’s most beautiful heritage landmarks, the most striking features of the church are the huge Grecian columns that stand outside the building. Since its conception in the 19th century, it has been holding regular services. A grand Francis Light memorial sits in front of the church, a tribute to the man who had established the island in 1786. |
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