View source for Dutch Fort

{{short description|Historical ruins in Perak Malaysia}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2014}}
{{Infobox military installation
| name          = Dutch Fort
| native_name   = {{langx|ms|Kota Belanda}}
| partof        = 
| location      = [[Pangkor Island]], [[Perak]], [[Malaysia]]
| image         = Dutch Fort Pulau Pangkor 2007 016 pano.jpg
| caption       = View of the Dutch Fort towards the ocean.
| map_type      = 
| map_size      = 
| map_caption   = 
| pushpin_map   = Malaysia Perak#Malaysia
| pushpin_mapsize          = 275px
| type          = 
| coordinates   = {{coord|4|12|2.196|N|100|34|32.89|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| code          = 
| built         = 1670, 1743 (rebuilt)
| builder       = [[Dutch Empire]]
| materials     = 
| height        = 
| used          = 1670-1690, 1743-1748
| demolished    = 
| condition     = In ruins but parts of its structure have been reconstructed.
| ownership     = 
| open_to_public = Yes
| controlledby  =
| garrison      = 
| current_commander = 
| past_commanders =
| occupants     = 
| battles       = 
| events        = 
}}
[[Image:Dutch Fort Pulau Pangkor 2007 002.jpg|thumb|Front view of the ruins of the Dutch Fort]]

The '''Dutch Fort''' is a fort on [[Pangkor Island]], [[Manjung District]], [[Perak]], [[Malaysia]]. The ruins are the remnants of an outpost of [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] from their attempts to control trade in the [[Malay Peninsula]]. In the [[Malay language]], the fort is called '''''Kota Belanda'''''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kota Belanda {{!}} Malaysia Attractions|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/peninsular-malaysia-west-coast/pulau-pangkor/attractions/kota-belanda/a/poi-sig/1212320/357006|access-date=2020-11-25|website=Lonely Planet|language=en}}</ref> The Dutch called it '''''Fort Dindingh''''', after the [[Dinding River]], on the mainland of [[Perak]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visit Dutch Fort on your trip to Pulau Pangkor or Malaysia • Inspirock |url=https://www.inspirock.com/malaysia/pulau-pangkor/dutch-fort-a2208609475 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929114645/https://www.inspirock.com/malaysia/pulau-pangkor/dutch-fort-a2208609475 |archive-date=2020-09-29 |website=www.inspirock.com |language=en}}</ref>

The fort was built by the Dutch in 1670 for storage and protection of tin supplies from the [[Sultan of Perak|Sultanate of Perak]]. It was destroyed in 1690 by the Malays who were discontent with the methods used by the Dutch in obtaining minerals. It was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1743, and a force of 60 soldiers was placed to guard the fort until 1748, when the force was disbanded and abandoned.

The fort was reconstructed by Malaysia's museum department in 1973 and was gazetted as an ancient monument and historical site under the Antiquities Act 1976 No. 242 Perak Gazette dated 21 March 1978. According to this act, any person found guilty of vandalising an ancient monument and historical site is liable to imprisonment not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding five hundred [[Malaysian ringgit]] or to both.

It is set a short distance from the ocean and consists of three brick walls with round windows at regular intervals. A small park and some souvenir stores have been set up around the area for visitors, and it is a popular tourist sight on the island today.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{commonscat-inline|Dutch Fort (Pangkor Island)}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090213045846/http://travelyourself.phick1.com/dutch-fort-pangkor/index.asp Dutch Fort Pangkor Perak, Malaysia – Photo]

{{Malaysian colonial architecture}}
{{Malaysian historical architectures and sites}}

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Perak]]
[[Category:Forts in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Dutch colonization in Asia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Perak]]
[[Category:1670 establishments in the Dutch Empire]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures associated with the Dutch East India Company]]