Attraction Type: Penang Museum

About Penang War Museum

The Penang War Museum is situated on the southeast area of the Penang Island.  It is a military fortress that was built by the British armed forces in the 1930s; this was done in anticipation of a Japanese attack during World War II.  The fortress, now a public museum, is situated on 20 acres of land, and is constructed en-suite.  The local name of the fortress is Bukit Batu Maung.

Bukit Batu Maung is built on a hill.  During the war, the British Royal Engineers, in tandem with a local work force, dynamited and dug into the hill to create this fort that had been badly-needed to avert a mighty Japanese attack.

It is said that fortress was built in a very short span of time, as was dictated by the precarious situation then, and that it housed every necessary element that was demanded of an effective military fortress.  Like an intelligence and logistic center, the fortress had underground military tunnels halls, ventilation shafts, offices, canon firing bays, cook houses, as well as a medical infirmary and sleeping quarters.

Tips for Travelers

When you visit the fort, make sure you are wearing light clothing since the place is underground.  It will better if you will be using flexible walking shoes, because you will have to do a lot of walking.  You can bring binoculars, a notebook and pen, and you will be comfortable if you use insect repellent (since the place can make you itchy at times!).

And yes, there are a number of things that you are not allowed to do when touring the museum, like taking any photographs of the exterior or the interior; bringing pets, radios or bicycles into the museum, or smoking.

How should visitors get to the Penang War Museum?

Take a yellow bus (No. 69) to get to Batu Maung from Port Weld.  If you happen to be in Georgetown, you can drive south towards the Bayan Lepas Airport.  Get past the food arcade and TNB building onto your left.  Follow the traffic light line at the four-way junction, and you will see the Post Office on your right.  Then after a little while you will get to see signboards for the War Museum.  Keep following the signs; they will take you to Batu Maung hill, where the Penang War Museum is situated.

Approximate Touring Time

Traveling through the Penang War Museum will take about 2 hours.

Visiting Hours

It is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

Entry Fees

For Adults: RM 10
For Children: RM 5