Fort Cornwallis Fort Cornwallis, named after the Governor-General in Bengal in the late 1700s, C harles Cornwallis, is one

of the most interesting historical landmarks in George town. It is located close to the Esplanade, next to the Victoria Memorial Clock. The fort's walls, roughly 10 feet high, are laid out in a star-shape formation. A stroll along the perimeters takes roughly 10 minutes. Inside the fort, you can still see some of the original structures built over a century ago, including a chapel, prison cells, ammunitions storage area, a harbour light once used to si gnal incoming ships, the original flagstaff and several old bronze cannons, one of which is a Dutch cannon called the Seri Rambai, dated 1603. An interesting no te about the Seri Rambai is that some locals believe that this particular cannon can have a positive effect on a woman's fertility. Today, this privately managed historical site is popular among visitors. It is e quipped with a tourist information kiosk, a cafe, an open-air amphitheatre, a hi story gallery, a souvenir centre as well as guides who can take you around the f ort grounds and provide you with a glimpse into the fort's history. Key Tips Fort Cornwallis offers the service of friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, dr essed up in smart, red colonial soldier outfits, who can give you a quick and in sightful tour of the fort grounds for a small fee. Without the aid of a guideboo k or background knowledge of Fort Cornwallis' history, engaging these guides to take you around will be well worth the money. Opening hours are from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm daily. Kapitan Keling Mosque The Kapitan Keling Mosque was first erected by the troops of the East India Comp any who were some of Penang's first Muslim settlers, in the late 1700s. Several years later, the growing Indian Muslim community required a more permanent mosqu e. In 1801, the community, led by their leader, Cauder Mydin Merican or also ref erred to as 'Kapitan Keling', was granted with an 18-acre lot. Made of brick, th e original mosque was a single-storey structure, but over the years, the mosque has seen plenty of renovation works. Surrounded by a low wall, this white-washed mosque is adorned with yellow Moghul -style domes and turrets. A madrassah (a place where religious classes are held) can also be found within the mosque's compound. The tall minaret, once used by the muezzin to deliver his call to prayers, is located on the corner of Buckingh am and Pitt Street. Key Tips Visitors are welcome into the Kapitan Keling Mosque grounds. However, do remembe r to remove your footwear and wear modest clothing before you enter the mosque b uilding.

Penang museum and art gallery Walk into the compound of the Penang State Museum, and you will first be greeted by a regal bronze statue of Captain Francis Light, the founder of the Penang St raits Settlement, gazing down upon you. Once you set foot inside the museum building, you will see why the State Museum located along Jalan Farquhar in Georgetown is reputed to be one of the best stat e museums in the country. Divided into galleries dedicated to Penang's historica

l communities, as well as particular historical events that took place in Penang , the museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, historical docum ents, Chinese furniture, embroidery, costumes and other historical relics. On the first floor where the Art Gallery is located, works of local artists and paintings of old Penang are on display, namely those by William Daniels and Capt ain Robert Smith. From time to time, special exhibitions are held here. Key Tips Opening Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (Lunch break f rom 1 pm to 2 pm). Fridays from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (Lunch from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm) Kuan Yin Temple The Kuan Yin Temple was built in the 1800s by early Chinese settlers of the Hokk ien and Cantonese communities. The temple was originally named Kong Hock Keong t emple (Cantonese-Hokkien Temple) and was once used not only for religious but al so for social functions within the Chinese community. However, the temple lost s ome of its importance when the current Chinese Town Hall was constructed in the 1880s. The Goddess of Mercy Temple, or Kuan Yin Temple, is the first temple ever built in Georgetown, Penang, by Chinese settlers. The temple honours Kuan Yin, a devou t Buddhist who was said to have attained the coveted state of Nirvana but had ch osen instead to remain on earth in order to provide guidance and help to those w ho are themselves striving to reach Nirvana. The temple interior is usually fill ed with the scent of sandalwood incense, burnt by devotees who visit the temple to pray and seek guidance from Kuan Yin. The temple also honours Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers, who was high ly regarded by the Chinese settlers, many of whom had travelled great distances, crossing the seas from China to Penang. Enjoy the temple's many beautiful features like the dragon-entwined pillars, car ved from a type of green stone, which support the temple's high roof. Also look for the statue of Kuan Yin, located in an inner chamber, which depicts a woman w ith 18 arms, who has a countenance which exudes inner peace and worldly contentm ent. Key Tips

The Goddess of Mercy's feast is celebrated on the 19th day of the 2nd, 6th and 9 th lunar months each year. These events denote Kuan Yin's birthday, her initiati on and the event of her attaining the state of Nirvana. If you happen to be in P enang during these times, you will be able to observe Chinese operas and puppet shows. Penang Peranakan Mansion The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a stately mansion, refurbished to reflect bygone days of the Straits Chinese settlement in Penang. This magnificent townhouse is the former residence and office of Chinese Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee. He was a 19th century Hakka tin-miner and secret society leade r of Hai San. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is filled with more than 1,000 antiques and collect ibles. The residence is unique and incorporates various Chinese architecture.

The townhouse, built in the 1890s incorporates Chinese carved-wood panels, with English floor tiles and Scottish iron works. Take note that photography is not allowed within the mansion. Special permission has to be requested beforehand. Key Tips

Visiting hours: Monday-Friday from 9.30 am to 5 pm. Saturday from 9.30 am to 3 p m (closed on Sunday and public holidays). Admission: Adults (ages 12 and above) - RM 10. Children below 12 - Free. Sri Mariamman Temple at Little India The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in George Town is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. Its beginnings can be traced back to as early as 1801, when it was a small shrine. Penang's rapid growth as a trading hub especially of goods such as nutmeg, clove and pepper attracted traders from Europe, America, Arabia, India and China. The se traders eventually settled down in Penang. At the same time, seeing the need for a proper worshipping space for the increas ing Indian community on the island, the shrine was expanded into a proper temple . It was then enlarged into a temple in 1833. This year is significant as it is noted as the year the temple was founded. It was decorated by artisans and built in elaborate South Indian architecture. S tatues of Hindu Gods, goddesses and sacred animals adorn the temple throughout. There is also a priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam, the revered Hindu deity, a dorned in gold, diamonds and emerald finery. Throughout the years, the Sri Maha Mariamman temple is also known by several nam es: Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple, Sri Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple. These names refer to the same temple. The temple is easily recognisable, from its intricate gopuram (sculpted wall tow er), and visitors are encouraged to observe the prayer sessions carried out by t he temple priests. This temple is located at Little India in Georgetown at the j unction of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Queen. Key Tips

Please take your shoes off when entering a place of worship. Photography is allo wed in the temple grounds, but not in the inner sanctum. Opening hours: 8.00 am - 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm