The symbol of Penang - the Ferry service

Here's an account of my very ferry-licious experience while I was in Penang after 17 long years of not using this service. Most must be wondering what's so great about this ferry service - historically, it is quite a big deal for us Malaysians, as it is the oldest ferry service in the country (it began its operation in 1920). The cutesy orange ferries have been quite iconic around the globe as well, splashed all over travel brochures and websites promoting tourism for Malaysia.

A fleet of ferries connect the mainland (Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal at Butterworth) to the island (Port Swettenham, Georgetown). They have since come up with more creative colors besides the orange ones way back when I was still quite regularly using their service. The earliest ferry from the mainland takes off as early as 6 am. The service starts even earlier on the island, at 5.30 am. The last ferry would be at 1 am for mainland and 12.30 am for the island. The ferry service played a very important role back in those years before the Penang Bridge was built and there was no other way to get to the island, except swim. If I remembered correctly, there used to be a fee collected before we could use the service, but there was no such thing when I was there a few days ago.

Oh, and the ferries have nicknames too, how cute is that? They're named after the islands in Malaysia, for example Pulau Pinang, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Undan, Pulau Angsa, Pulau Rimau and etc. The ferry is one of the best ways to enjoy the sea landscape of Penang and Butterworth, especially if you love watching boats like me. If you're driving, you can park your cars at the first floor of the ferry, switch off your engines and just laze around. The view is quite spectacular I assure you and the seabreeze is very refreshing, even at midday. And you can get quite a good peek of the Penang Bridge, another icon for our country from the deck. For pedestrians, the second floor is reserved for you. Motorcyclists on the other hand will take the space behind the other vehicles on the first floor.

The entrance to the ferry

Not too many people use this service anymore, especially after the Penang Bridge was built...it used to be a very busy port.

The tunnel for pedestrians

Joining the queue


Motorcyclists at one side, and cars at another






Hmh..nice view at Port Swettenham






You could close your eyes and pretend you were somewhere in Monaco... :)


Docked boats...one of my favorite sceneries...




In the ferry's belly


Leaving Port Swettenham behind




Spied Pulau Talang-talang during our journey (yes, I was refering to the ferry!)


A very cute ferry






A typical skyline of the island...don't they look like grazing giraffes?

Camwhoring...nice breeze!

Riding on Pulau Undan

Motorcyclists

The Penang bridge in a distance

Another iconic feature in Penang

Me with the bridge

Nearing Butterworth

Stairway to the second floor

Pedestrians

An old uncle enjoying the view...

Nearing the terminal at Butterworth

Pulau Payar, docked here

Cheezels! At the end of my ferry ride...

Verdict: Go for it!! :D