I am in the mood for writing about Penang..Home Sweet Home. Although i am far away in Japan, i think there are many places in Penang..i want to share my love for some of the best places of my state with all my readers, and hope that more will try out these places plus the wonderful food these places have to offer.
Penang is great for a weekend trip so, all of you out there. CHECK OUT THEM OUT!
My feature this time around is the PENANG WAR MUSEUM (PWM).Said to be the largest war museum in South East Asia, the Penang War Museum was once a British military fortress, later used as a prisoner camp by the Japanese. Above are some photos.Honestly, i feel that the PWM is a great place to visit for all, adults, kids, young and old. The surrounding is green (its situated on a hill) and quiet.
This military fortress was built by the designed by the British in the early 1930s and spans over 20 acres. Dug into the hill of Bukit Batu Maung, the British created underground tunnels that housed intelligence and logistic centers, halls, ventilation shafts, sleeping quarters etc. It was taken over by the Japanese during the Second World War and converted into a POW camp. When the war was over, this fortress was abandoned and "lost" till recently. THE fort lay lost in the jungle for some 57 years. Few locals dared to visit the site as it was reputed to be haunted, in fact they called it Bukit Hantu ("Ghost Hill").It now served as perhaps, one of the youngest living museum in the world for visitors to experience the history, relics and a taste of regimental life of that era. Go into the underground communication rooms and stores, and the more adventurous can explore the narrow dark tunnels. As you walk around and see the pillboxes and canon firing areas you really begin to get a feel that you have stepped back in time. There are some 60 relics to see.
From the canon firing bay to the underground tunnels, the history lessons we learnt in school will come alive. At the Malay and Indian barracks, we felt shivers down our spine as the barracks re-enacted the horrors of WWII, from the torture chamber to the "sex-slave" barrack that was set up by the Japanese.
An explosives dump was situated 4 storeys underground. There was a pulley to bring up the heavy loads (pic.), but the men had to use metal stairs to go up and down to the tunnels. They also had an escape hatch for times of emergency. You can see mortar shells on display at one of the canon firing bays. The six-inch breech guns were used to fire on enemies approaching from the sea. From the site the officers could communicate directly with the Cabinet War Room in London. There is even a submarine-landing bay.
As you walk around, you begin to get some idea of how the largest military complex in Malaysia was run. There are lots of notice boards giving the history of World War II followed by the Japanese invasion in this area. You can imagine how the people lived, trained and fought here. Listen carefully and you can almost imagine the screams of soldiers being tortured or executed here. Many people describe the place as creepy.I myself found it creepy especially at the execution room, where the sword said to be used is still hanging there.
A visit to this gem is a must! Satisfaction guaranteed.
To get there:
Direction: It is located approximately 16km south of George Town on Penang island. Take what the locals call the Coastal Highway (Jelutong Expressway - Sungai Nibong Highway - Bayan Lepas Expressway) towards Batu Maung. Go straight for about 100m after the Batu Maung traffic light. You will see the entrance on your left. The road leading to the War Museum is a uphill and winding road.This museum is not easy to find as it is hidden amid dense forest. The turn-in road is small and can be easily missed, so be carefull, but there are posters around.
Operating hours: 9am to 7pm daily
Admission fee:
RM15 for locals (children half the price)
RM30 for foreigners (children half the price)
Camera fee: RM2 per camera or video recorder
Night tours and dormitory stays, is open daily.
For details, call 016-421 3606 or 04-626 5142
Address: Penang War Museum
No. Lot 1350, Mukim 12, Daerah Barat Daya
Penang, Malaysia
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