Penang Ferry experience: nostalgia

I can’t even remember when was the last time I took the ferry between Penang island and Butterworth on the mainland but it must have been more than 20 years ago.  Over the past 15 years, I have travelled to Penang island many countless times, probably more than 50 times but I have not taken the ferry since the Penang bridge was opened.

Recently, on a working trip to Penang, we were leaving the island before 4 pm and thought that this would be a good time to take the ferry before the traffic builds up.  We also hoped to be able to get some interesting pictures.  We were rewarded with minimal queuing, some memorable photos and a pleasant ferry ride.

View as the ferry is leaving

Us queuing (2nd car)

Make sure you have your handbrakes on

The yellow one is supposedly the oldest ferry in service

Sponsorship of ferries are most welcome

Nostaligic feeling

Arriving at the butterworth side

For those who haven’t been on the ferry, you should do so before they are decommissioned.  For tourists to Penang Island, do take the opportunity to experience the 15 – 20 minutes ride (dependent on which way the wind is blowing!) as these are probably some of the oldest ferries in the world.  Of course, going on the Penang bridge is also an experience by itself.

I will probably be taking it again in the near future and this time, maybe from butterworth to penang instead.