PENANG
In the olden days, Penang also known as the Pearl of the Orient
was a harbor for ships on their way to China because of its strategic location
at the entrance of the straits of Malacca on the northwestern coast of the
Malay Peninsula. Since its original beginnings as an important port, this beautiful
island has developed and grown as a famous destination that is rich in history,
culture and captivating legends. Its capital city, Georgetown, is one of
Malaysia’s oldest cities renowned for its century old colonial buildings
juxtaposed against modern skycrapers.
SRI RAMBAI( THE MAGICAL CANNON)
Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 to commemorate the site of
Sir Francis Light’s historical arrival in Penang. Sir Francis Light was a
prominent captain in the British Imperial Navy. Erected between 1808 and 1810,
Fort Cornwallis holds numerous cannons among which is Sri Rambai, a brass
cannon with an intriguing history. The Dutch first presented Sri Rambai to the
Sultan of Johor in 1606.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese seized the cannon and it
ended up in Jawa in 1613 and remained there until it was brought to Kuala
Selangor in 1795.
The Sri Rambai cannon were shipped off to Penang in 1871.
Before it could reach the shores of Penang, pirates stole it and threw it into
the sea near the Esplanade. It is believed that the Sri Rampai possesses
magical powers and many attempts to retrieve the cannon failed. However, in
1880, it was salvaged from the straits of Malacca and placed in Fort
Cornwallis.
Nearly 2 centuries old, Fort Cornwallis may be the only
remaining fort built by the British in this part of the world. Restoration
efforts were made in 1984 and now the fort stands as formidable as ever with
its new ornamental wooden gate and observation tower.
Today, an open air amphitheater, a history gallery and a
handicraft and souvenir centre occupy the interior of this fort that holds the
Sri Rambai.Located near Padang Besar, Fort Conrnwallis has become a fascinating
tourist destination.It opens daily from 8.30 am to 6.30pm
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