Introduction
Reputed to be the largest war museum in South East Asia, the Penang War Museum was initially a military fortress designed by the British in the 1930s. The 20-acre museum houses historical artefacts such as cannons and features underground military tunnels and ammunition bunkers located nine metres underground.
What to Expect?
Most of the buildings and structures here have stood the test of time. Much of what visitors see is in the same condition as when the fortress was built, except for some missing brass doors and windows which was looted by scavengers. The road that visitors walk on today also survived.
The Penang War Museum was restored as a memorial to its dark days and opened to the public in 2002. Some of the preserved tunnels lead all the way to the sea as they once served as access routes to get to submarines. Navigating through these passageways sometimes forces one to walk or even crawl through very narrow, confined spaces.
Highlights
- Go back in time and witness Malaya's history come to life
- Explore Malaysia’s largest and first outdoor living war museum
- See about 37 war relics including underground tunnels, cannon firing bay, and the soldier's barrack
- Enjoy a 320-degree sea view facing the Straits of Malacca from the British fortress
Look Around
Address: Jalan Batu Maung, 11960, Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang
016-421 3606
Everyday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Reviews
4.3
(1,497)
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Anton Wong
3 weeks agoThis place is definitely worth the visit but just a heads up. This place is quite a creepy because it is once colonized by the Imperialist and the atrocities committed at this very location. It is rated one of the most haunted places in South East Asia so for those looking for some extra thrill they have night tour as well. One more thing, bring along your mosquito repellent.
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Emmanuel
a month agoThis place while holding historical significance, requires restoration and a more accurate representation of the past. As a traveler with a passion for history, it was evident that the museum is in need of attention and improvement.
The exterior of the Penang War Museum shows signs of wear and neglect, which could be addressed through regular maintenance. Inside, there are areas where better lighting and clear signage would greatly enhance the visitor experience. Ensuring that all exhibits have visible and informative plaques would help visitors understand the significance of the artifacts on display.
While the museum does have some interactive elements, these could be further refined to create a more engaging and educational experience. It would be beneficial to focus on historical accuracy and provide deeper insights into the events that took place during the war, fostering a greater understanding of the human impact and sacrifices made.
Regarding the portrayal of Japanese General Yamashita, it is essential to ensure that his role is presented in a balanced and historically accurate manner. It is important to acknowledge the war atrocities associated with his command, such as the Sook Ching massacre, while also providing context and understanding of the broader historical context.
In conclusion, the Penang War Museum has the potential to be a more engaging and historically accurate destination. By investing in restoration efforts, improving signage and lighting, and providing a balanced portrayal of historical events, the museum can better serve its purpose of educating visitors about the wartime era. With these enhancements, the Penang War Museum could provide a more enjoyable and informative experience for history enthusiasts and visitors seeking to learn about the past. -
addy buck
2 months agoGood place to visit..about past facilities during war. Very grateful, there is no war now in Malaysia.
Be prepared, a lot of mosquitoes. -
Yungyen Tan
3 months agoMuseum will closed at 5pm during puasa month
Adult RM 22 per person
Recommend to come and visit
Try to walk the tunnel
Also the few meters of crawling and climbing straight up the ladder
Do bring mosquitoes repellant too -
Ariff Ariffin
5 months agoGood place to visit when you at Penang, a lot of historic artefacts especially ww2 remain of British and Japan, its a huge area of fortress build by the British. Really recommended for Malaysian to come and learn something abt our history, bring your kids and show them how we fight for the freedom.
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