Tanjong Tokong World War II Relics

World War II Relic, Tanjong Tokong (27 November 2005)


The Tanjong Tokong World War II Relics (GPS: 5.46432, 100.30793) are remains of a military installation on the coast of Tanjong Tokong, Penang. These were coastal defences built by the British in anticipation of Japanese invasion.

The war relics of Tanjong Tokong comprises a number of bunkers and pill-boxes erected among the coastal boulders. There is also a three-storey look-out tower. These are located on the promontory facing the sea in front of the Tanjong Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple.

The seaview from the Tanjong Tokong World War II Relic (27 November 2005)


After the war, these relics were left in a state of disuse. Although they are still standing today, nothing much has been done to preserve them. In the 1960s, a retaining wall was built along the coast in front of the Tua Pek Kong Temple. This forms a sort of mini promenade for enjoying the sea breeze. The local philantrophist Aw Boon Haw also erected a pavilion in the area. This is still standing today, and is now integrated into the Sea Pearl Lagoon Cafe, a local seafood restaurant.

World War II look-out tower, Tanjong Tokong (14 September 2008)

Getting there

You can take Rapid Penang Bus 101 which heads towards Batu Ferringhi via Tanjong Tokong. Tell the driver to drop you at the bus stop nearest the Tanjong Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple (if he doesn't know where that is, try the Penang Chinese Swimming Club or Tanjong Tokong village instead). From there, take the pedestrian bridge across Jalan Tanjong Tokong, near the Tanjong Tokong flats, then continue on the village lane heading towards the Tanjong Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple (ask the locals if unsure of direction). On arriving there, you will see the look-out tower as well as other war relics along the beach, next to the temple.

The retaining wall at Tanjong Tokong (23 December 2003)

The Tanjong Tokong World War II Relics is on the Map of Tanjong Tokong

List of Pillboxes in Penang and Pillboxes in Malaysia