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Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse

Fl Red 2s🇲🇾MYOperational

Location & Light Range

About Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse

Also known as: Fort Cornwallis (Fort Point, Penang)

This square pyramidal skeletal tower, standing 21 meters high and painted white, was first lit in 1882. Constructed of cast iron, it features a lantern, gallery, and enclosed watch room, with its light positioned 27 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits a single red flash every 2 seconds, visible for 14.7 nautical miles. Although it was deactivated in 1914, the structure was restored between 2005 and 2006 and is now open to the public. It is located on a promontory in George Town, the capital of Penang, on the northeast side of the island.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides ships through the Penang Strait, helping them avoid shallow waters near Fort Point. Its location within the historic Fort Cornwallis also makes it a point of interest for visitors.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 2s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
2s
Raw Code
Fl R 2s
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
14.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1914
First Lit
1882

Significant events: deactivated 1914, restored 2005-06

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
cast iron

Structure: square pyramidal cast iron skeletal tower with lantern, gallery, and enclosed watch room, painted white

Location

Country
🇲🇾MY
Sea Region
promontory in George Town, capital of Penang, on the northeast side of the island
Latitude
5.4208°
Longitude
100.3446°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Butterworth(2.6 km)
Admiralty No.
F1494
NGA No.
22056
ARLHS No.
WMA-004
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse at night?+
Fort Cornwallis displays the characteristic Fl Red 2s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Penang (Georgetown) at 1.1 NM to the S. Other ports served include Jelutong (2.1 NM SW), Butterworth (2.6 NM ESE), Perai (3.2 NM SE), Perai (3.2 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse?+
Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse is located within the Strait of Malacca — the primary shipping route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, carrying over 25% of global traded goods. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.