Some people write off museums as boring places which only nerds would want to visit. In truth, there are many museums worth your time and attention, waiting to provide you with knowledge that you never knew existed. One such place has to be the Penang War Museum.
Malaysia’s largest war museum
Located in Batu Maung, Penang, this is among Asia’s largest war museums. Though there are highway signs leading you to it, the museum is located in a rather secluded part of Penang. It is surrounded by forests and is a good distance from George Town.
Originally a Brit fort
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The seclusion makes sense when you know the history of the place. You see, before it was a museum, this 7.83-hectare site used to be a military fortress. It was called Batu Maung Fort and it was built by the British military in the 1930s.
According to history, the fort was built in a period of about nine years. The construction workers were mostly prisoners on death row from across the British Empire.
The fort’s location was a strategic one, providing the defenders a 320-degree panoramic view across the Straits of Malacca. Unfortunately, as most Malaysians know, when the Japanese invaded in December 1941, the British failed to put up a proper fight.
The Japanese occupation
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By January 1942, Penang was left to the mercy of the Japanese. The fort was a priority for the Japanese, who knew that the fort housed powerful cannons. The Japanese quickly occupied the place, turning it into a detention centre for prisoners of war.
During this time, many atrocities took place on the site. The guillotine, where many people lost their lives (and heads), is still on the museum grounds. There is even a room with visible bullet holes in the walls.
In addition to being a detention centre, the fort was also a transit point for enslaved people sent to work on the Death Railway in Indochina. There was also a torture chamber as well as a mass grave, which was quietly cleared away during restoration works.
Ruins and restoration
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After the Japanese withdrew from Malaya in 1945, the British didn’t make an effort to reoccupy the fort. Instead, it was left to be consumed by the jungle. It was only in 1986 that a man named Johari Shafie would rediscover it.
He spent seven years getting government approval to turn the ruins into a proper museum. It also took up to RM22 million for him to fully clear and restore the place. He founded the museum, believing it could remind Malaysians of the country’s grim past.
Back to the present
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Today, the Penang War Museum is a living museum, with the artefacts and buildings restored to their original form. You can still explore the tunnels, bunkers and barracks that are in the area. Just be warned, though, the museum is rumoured to be haunted.
Is it really haunted?
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In fact, the place is so haunted that in 2010, the History Channel featured it in a show called “Best of Malaysia’s Hidden Cities”. Paranormal sightings have been reported here. Some people have claimed to have heard the sound of soldiers on the march.
What to see?
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If you are not scared of ghosts, there are plenty of things to see here. Uniforms, weapons, equipment and everyday items are on display throughout the museum. Some of these come with informative panels explaining their function and history.
The main attraction of the museum has to be the underground networks of tunnels which link some of the fort’s buildings. Some of these are open to the public, but be warned, they are very, very dark. It is advisable not to venture into them alone.
How much for entry?
Currently, Malaysian visitors with MyKads are charged entry fees of RM22 per adult and RM12 per child. Foreign visitors are charged RM38 and RM20 for adults and children, respectively. Night tours are also available, but only for groups, and require early booking.
Worth your time?
Whether you are looking for a supernatural experience or to learn a little more history, the Penang War Museum is worth a visit. Just remember to bring mosquito repellent and sunblock, as the place is still surrounded by the jungle.
Penang War Museum
Address: Penang War Museum, Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily
Contact: 016-4213606
You should also check out: This herbal tea museum near Ipoh’s Concubine Lane lets you test their 60-year-old teas for free
Feature Image Credit: Yungyen Tan on Google Review (Left), Allan Tse on Google Review (Right)
