The Dutch fort at Kota Belanda is the island's most significant historical monument, and it does not disappoint — even in its ruined state. The VOC (Dutch East India Company) first established a presence here in 1670 to tap into the Perak tin trade, and the fort went through several cycles of construction and destruction before finally being abandoned. What remains is a substantial ruin with thick laterite walls and the base of what was once a substantial outpost.
The most interesting feature is a carved sandstone block near the main wall, inscribed with a Dutch East India Company VOC monogram and depicting a tiger attacking a small figure — thought to be Dutch soldiers' informal graffiti. The fort is a short taxi or motorbike ride from Pangkor Town and makes a good stop on a circuit of the island's eastern shore.