Penang War Museum

The basics

The fort was originally constructed in a bid to protect the island from foreign invasion, and today you can walk among various displays and historical items, and even venture into the old underground tunnels and ammunition bunkers, which are located 30 feet (9 meters) underground. It’s also possible to explore the barracks, cookhouses, and gun emplacements, with plenty of signposts to guide the way.

Things to know before you go

• There’s a small admission fee to enter the museum.

• Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and take plenty of water, as the museum site is large and takes some people up to 4 hours to explore.

• You can pay extra for a guided tour of the tunnels, observation tower, and cannon-firing bay—just ask at the ticket office on your arrival.

How to get there

Set on the hills above the fishing village of Batu Maung, on the road to Teluk Kumbar on Penang’s southern coast, the museum is a 30-minute drive from Georgetown along the coast. You can take the number 302 bus all the way to the site, but it takes almost 2 hours, so you’re better off taking a taxi if you’re short on time.

When to get there

The museum is open every day from morning until early evening, except on Malaysian public holidays. The museum’s sprawling size means it rarely gets busy, so you won’t need to arrive at any particular time in order to beat the crowds.

Exploring Penang’s hidden beaches

A short drive from the war museum on Penang’s southern tip, you’ll find the hiking area of Essen Hill, which boasts some of the island’s best beaches. The Rainbow Hill and Paradox Hill routes are undoubtedly the most stunning, and both lead to the secluded Pantai Essen beach, characterized by swaying palm trees and turquoise waters.