Exploring Malaysia 
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Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis is the site where Captain Francis Light first landed in 1786. Initially the fortress comprised a wooden structure till 1804 when it was reconstructed with bricks using convict labour. Today you will find a craft shop, an open-air auditorium, café, souvenir centre and an old bunker within the fort. Interactive displays introduce you to the colonial era while historical photographs and documents are well preserved and displayed. A statue of Sir Francis Light, surrounded by ancient cannons, stands amidst the ruins.
Penang State Museum
A statue of Captain Francis Light greets you in the courtyard in front of the museum. The museum is housed in half a section of an old colonial-era building as the other half was destroyed in World War II. The ground floor has displays of the rich cultural heritage of Penang's many ethnic groups. The second floor is devoted to a historical perspective of the island, from the era of Captain Light's historic landing to the present day. There is also a collection of paintings and prints of old Penang. Outside, you will find the museum gift shop housed in an old carriage from the Penang Hill funicular railway.
Penang War Museum
The War Museum in Bukit Maung in southern Penang Island is of historical significance as the site where the battle against the invading Japanese army was lost. Built by the British it was transformed into a Japanese army base and torture chamber during the war. It is now a War Museum. An interesting feature of the museum is the section of underground tunnels – some which even leads out to sea. The Canon firing bay is located high up enough for a clear view of the Straits of Melaka.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Penang Base
The unassuming, blue terraced house in 120 Armenian Street was the base used by Dr. Sun Yat Sen, to plan the historic 1911 Chinese Revolution or ‘Canton Uprising’ which ended imperial rule and established China as a Republic. It is also where Malaysia's oldest Chinese newspaper, Kwong Wah Jit Poh, was founded, in 1910. Although the house is today privately owned it still opens its doors to visitors. In the meantime the Penang Philomatic Society, originally formed by Dr Sun’s Penang supporters, is working to establish a Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum.
