Best Memories Of Iconic Penang Ferry

The iconic Penang Ferry Service will end.

The oldest ferry service will cease operations and be replaced by “fast ferries,” similar to the ones used in Langkawi from Jan 1, 2021.

This sudden news saddened many Penangites and travelers.

Many have fond memories and unforgettable nostalgic rides of the iconic ferry service.

“Thhoot!” He blares the horn in deep resonance, followed by garbled noises from the speakers above.

Then the floor beneath you moves as the ferry leaves its dock.

Unless you are a regular commuter, the ferry ride is quite an exhilarating experience.

Safety regulations are unheeded as passengers flock to watch their approach to the island.

Even those on the lower deck leave their vehicles for a closer feel of the wind in their faces.

What is it about this is-minute ride that leaves you dizzy for a moment?

Might it be the overwhelming oil fumes in the air, or is it the stirring sight that augments before you?

Waves lap at the feet of century-old waterfront structures, with contrasting modern buildings looming behind, against the painted backdrop of verdant hills and clear blue sky.

This is Penang.

[Excerpt from Ooh Penang Beyond the Viewfinder 2003 – Author: Chan Suan Choo]

History Behind Penang Ferry Service

“PULAU Talang Talang sedia untuk berlepas (Pulau Talang Talang is ready to depart),” the voice booms over the public announcement system.

It quickly follows this with two short blasts of the ship’s horn.

Almost immediately, the entire vessel shudders as its powerful engines below deck effortlessly nudge the submerged propellers to life.

Fortunate to get a choice position right next to the metal railing at the upper deck bow.

I join the dozens of excited holidaymakers and regular commuters enjoying the scenic landscape as the ferry slowly glides towards Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda, our disembarkation point on Penang Island.

[Excerpt from History Behind Penang’s Popular Ferry Service Unveiled, New Straits Times 2018 – Author: Alan The Leam Seng]

Penang Ferry History – How did the Penang Ferry Service Begin

The Penang Ferry Service began in 1894, 126 years ago, as a cross-strait shuttle ferry service within Penang’s State crossing the 3km ferry route.

Quah Beng Kee, an entrepreneur from Penang Island, started the regular service.

Together with his four brothers forming a company named Beng Brothers.

From 1924, the ferries were operated by the Penang Port Commission (formerly Penang Harbour Board) through its subsidiary, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPC)

Initially a passenger-only service, the ferries were refitted to carry automobiles in 1925.

In 2017, the Malaysian federal government transferred the ferry service from PPC to Prasarana Malaysia, a government-owned entity that manages urban public transportation across Malaysia.

Following the handover, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad rebranded the ferry service as Rapid Ferry.

Pulau Talang Talang & Pulau Angsa

What I remember most about the Penang Ferry Service was my beloved Pulau Angsa.

Many people remarked how slow it was.

Every time the passengers sighted Pulau Angsa, coming across the Malacca Strait, they knew they would be late for work.

Why Are The Penang Ferry Named After Islands?

The Penang Ferry is named after islands in Malaysia.

The ferries have names of famous Malaysian islands such as Pulau Pinang, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, and others.

Why are these ferries named after islands?

Wouldn’t it be better to name them after some local Penang personalities?

One name of the ferries, Pulau Pinang, has a misleading name.

A friend told me he waited for nearly three hours one day for his relative coming from another state to George Town.

He wondered why his relative took such a long time to arrive at George Town on the island.

They finally solved the mystery when his relative told him he was waiting for the ‘Pulau Pinang’ ferry.

He said he did not dare to embark on ferries such as ‘Pulau Redang’ and others that came to port.

Confusion may arise and cause the same problem to others, but most tourists come to Penang.

What Are The Names Of The Penang Ferries?

These are the last two iconic cross-strait ferries in operation that were built in 1975 and 1981.

The older Pulau Talang Talang and Pulau Angsa are well-known ferries.

Other notable Penang Ferry with year built, class, and status.

1. Pulau Labuan 1971 (passenger) retired.
2. Pulau Rawa 1975 (mixed) out of service
3. Pulau Undan 1975 (diverse) in service
4. Pulau Rimau 1980 (hybrid) out of service
5. Pulau Angsa 1981 (mixed) in service
6. Pulau Kapas 1981 (mixed) in service
7. Pulau Payar 2002 (vehicle) in service
8. Pulau Pinang 2002 (auto) in service

At one time, there were seven ferries in operation.

The older vessels have been a bane for the operators, as they are prone to breakdowns as there were no spare parts to maintain the ferries.

The Penang Ferry Service – Penang Port Commission (PPC)

My Dad was a fitter with the Penang Port Commission (PPC).

He served in Bagan Dalam Dockyard (Butterworth).

The pier is where all the PPC’s sailing crafts are repaired, serviced, and overhauled.

The Penang Ferry plies the Penang to Butterworth route, and vice versa, is sent here for repairs.

In the 60s, you will notice many Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service members on their daily commute from their homes in Tanjong Bungah to the Air Base in Bagan Ajam.

Shopping in Duty-Free Penang Island

During its heydays as a duty-free island, Penang drew Malaysians hungry for shopping adventures to the island.

Many people from other states would park in Butterworth, walk to the terminal, or pay extra to drive their cars to the island using the ferry service.

My cousins, who lived on the mainland, would take the train to Butterworth train station (Perai) and get a free ferry ride to Penang.

My cousins remembered wearing new double shirts, pants, and brand-new shoes at home.

Sometimes the kids would perch on top of taxable items.

Many parents would place their shopping in places inside the car to evade paying taxes.

The Ferry Ride in the 60s.

The seas were clearer and calmer.

Children would count giant white jellyfish vs. the smaller red jellyfish in the waters as they ply across to Butterworth’s side.

Sometimes we could see a school of sizeable sharp-pointed head fish swimming in the waters.

We love to spot the large ships in the harbor and identify the countries from the ship’s names and their flags for the children and adults.

There were even Chinese sailing junks reminiscent of what I saw in Hong Kong harbor.

At night, we always enjoyed the glowing florescent as the waves hit the ferry.

As of 1967, Penang’s free port status has been abolished altogether.

After so many years, I still remember the smell of fresh salty sea breeze and the sound of waves breaking on the ferry.

The hot oily odor from the engine floor of the ferry is an unforgettable stench.

I recall the same smell on my Dad’s clothes if he had overhauled the engine.

The car wheels’ sound clanked sharply as each vehicle rolled over the ramp from the ferryboat to the terminal.

Moments of taking a journey together, the endless laughter, most extended chats, and beautiful times shared with family are priceless.

While many Penangites feel sad that the iconic ferry is “retired,” – I wanted to record the sweet, delightful memories.

We capture the essence of what makes Penang – truly PENANG.

It is the fierce love Penangites for all things we hold dear in our hearts.

Many of us didn’t have the photos to show, cameras were expensive, and professional photographers’ studio shots were reserved for special occasions.

We capture a memory piece whenever we blink – our eyes take little photographs we file away.

Let’s indulge in our fond memory of how life was in the 60s and 70s.

Watching Dolphins Race Ahead by Yew TH

I remember seeing grey Dolphins swimming ahead of the ferry when I was a child.

I used to take the Penang Ferry from ages 5 to 17 years old.

The same fascination for me was to walk out of the cabin to the front of the ferry n to the back of the ferry to see the churning water.

Journey Home During Uni Days by Kathireen Kalaivani Rajamanickam

I was an undergraduate in Politeknik Sultan Mu’adzam Shah, Jitra, Kedah, from 2000 to 2003. I used the Penang Ferry frequently to head home.

When I was young, the movable backrest of the long row of seating fascinated me.

It intrigued me when moving the backrest, so we got to sit facing the direction the ferry was heading.

Maybe that was how I got interested in engineering as a child.

It is always a comfortable ride crossing the straits—I enjoyed the view of the sea and distant white British Colonial Buildings.

My university days’ best memory was the ferry ride home, knowing that my late Dad would wait patiently to pick me up at the terminal.

My Daily Commute From Butterworth by Izza Safina Ibrahim

I moved to Penang in 2016, and we got an apartment in Butterworth with a direct view of George Town from the balcony with a bonus of the Penang ferry going back and forth across the straits.

I traveled for a bit previously, and I’m drawn to the waterfront cities with water buses.

Penang waterfront rivals Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Paris, London, New York, Perth, and Sydney.

The iconic ferry is a treasure, and I wish to be around for heritage purposes, if not as a transportation mode.

I used to ride the ferry returning from work to rest as cars were stationary in the queue and the 25-minute sail.

Somehow crossing the ram still gives me chills, and I am sad we can no longer experience it comes 2021.

Everyone has fond memories of Penang Ferry. Most are taken aback, as it’s too sudden. There will be a long queue to ride the ferry now.

Bonding Time With My Father by Jeffery Chew

Penang Ferry reminds me of my late father and our happy time traveling together.

My father was a land valuer and auctioneer.

I followed him whenever he headed to Butterworth for his projects.

We would spend many happy hours together.

He would drive his car onto the Penang Ferry to travel to the mainland.

Back then, there was never a bridge.

That was 45 years ago.

Truly nostalgic, just remembering the good old days.

My Grandmother’s Journey by Priya Pubalan

For my late grandmother, the Penang Ferry ride symbolizes Merdeka and a happy day out with her friends.

In the 1940s, she used to make the annual Merdeka Day trips from the mainland to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman, our beloved First Prime Minister, at his residence on Ayer Rajah Road.

As my grandmother was a Merdeka baby, Tunku and his wife, who served her local ‘Kuih,’ received her well.

For years, my grandmother celebrated her birthday this way until the demise of Tunku.

The Penang Ferry holds a special place in my heart, a nostalgic feeling about my late grandmother.

The twenty cents ferry ride may be ordinary to others, but it reminds me of most of Granny’s stories about Penang.

The Dinner Cruise by Ayu Yusoff

As a restaurateur, my most memorable catering event was the Sale and Dine Penang Ferry Dinner cruise.

Seeing our foreign guests so excited and enjoying themselves as I served them was truly remarkable–that was the night I discovered my passion for organizing events.

Sail Away Holiday by Paul Ang

In the 90s, I was still studying in primary school.

My aunt would take me to Esplanade for Spicy Mee Goreng Sotong and a glass of creamy coconut shake for lunch.

Later, we would head out to the pier and ride her motorbike onto the day’s highlight, the Penang Ferry ride.

My little prized reward for my school accomplishments was a simple round trip to the Butterworth and back.

To an impressionable schoolboy, the experience of leaving Penang Island on this unique vessel made me dream of a world beyond the blue yonder.

As we crossed the ferry straits, I felt like I was traveling away on holiday.

My Memories of the Penang Ferry by Mazeta Hassan

Back then, we were an isolated island, and our only physical link with the mainland was via these beautiful old ferries.

It isn’t easy to describe the excitement, especially during the school holidays we felt as kids.

My late Uncle, Haji Abdullah Bin Haji Bashir (Pak Lah), had a long association with the ferry services, having worked with the Penang Port Commission.

“Pulau Talang Talang akan bertolak sekarang! ” followed by the sound of the horn, as I could still remember.

As a little girl, I remembered standing at the foredeck, peering over the rail, looking for jellyfish.

The ferries have been an integral part of Penang’s history.

Who in their right mind would even consider removing these iconic symbols of Penang’s past?

I cannot imagine a Penang without the dual-purpose vehicle passenger ferry. 🌹

Penang Ferry Terminal Collapse Tragedy in 1988

Memories are memories.

Some are neutral, many are nostalgic, and others remember powerful emotions and trauma.

I was in my 20s when the tragedy of the collapse of the ferry terminal boardwalk happened.

It was the unusual peak hours, and no one anticipated the surge of the crowds.

On Jul 31, 1988, the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (Penang Ferry Jetty) in Butterworth suddenly collapsed.

The jetty’s steel bars structure buckled because of severe overcrowding and the sudden increase in live load.

It was a disaster that caused the deaths of 32 people and injured 1,634 people.

Two Simultaneous Festivals

The cause of the collapse because of extreme overcrowding at the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal.

There were about 10,000 people who wanted to attend the two simultaneous festivities.

Most victims were pilgrims attending the St Anne’s Feast in Bukit Mertajam and the island’s Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) festival.

According to the Chinese calendar, tourists from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and local devotees attended the once-in-a-lifetime occasion Kuan Yin Festival held every 60 years.

Similarly, St. Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam was holding a significant festival for its anniversary.

After the terminal ferry tragedy, many motorists moved to use the Penang Bridge, further from George Town, to cross over to Butterworth daily.

Penang Ferry Jetty Terminal Collapse Tragedy in 1988 By Queenie Lo

From 1980 to 1984, I taught in Baling, Kedah, and traveled daily by driving my car to board the Penang ferry.

One of my Dad’s workers, a muscular young man, was at the terminal on the eventful day when Sultan Abdul Halim’s ferry terminal bridge collapsed.

The young man, Mr. Ling Wai Hoong, helped rescue many victims to come out of the wreckage.

At the time of the tragedy, Mr. Ling had left working with my Dad to become a Kung Fu Sifu.

Mr. Ling has a compassionate heart. I remember he has helped several older people apply to stay in the old folks’ homes.

We were so shocked as the ferry was my late Dad’s and his workers’ daily transport to the workshop in Butterworth.

After the Penang Ferry Terminal tragedy, people started to use Penang Bridge.

Replacing the Penang Ferry Services With Pedestrian Only Catamarans

Penang is hoping that the federal government will not retire the last two iconic ferries when

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong’s plans to introduce a pedestrian-only catamaran pass.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, informed of the new plans recently, hoped the ministry would allow the last two vessels to operate and look into reviving the other vessels put out of service.

It was also reported that the ferries were a loss-making venture, with operators losing RM30 million annually.

What is the configuration of the Penang Ferry?

Each ferry has two decks.

All ferries carry only vehicles (cars and motorcycles) for easy roll-on/roll-off.

The upper deck can only be for passengers, mixed passengers, and vehicles, depending on the ferry model type.

What is the Penang Ferry Services Schedule?

Traveling overland to Penang, you can use the Penang Ferry (Feri Pulau Pinang), which runs between Butterworth on mainland Malaysia and George Town on Penang Island.

Penang Ferry Services Operating Hours (Schedule) 2020

Butterworth to George Town Ferry Schedule

05:20 am – Butterworth First Ferry

00:10 am – Butterworth Last Ferry

Penang Island to Butterworth Ferry Schedule

05:40 am – Penang First Ferry

00:40 am – Penang Last Ferry

The Penang Ferry runs approximately every 20 to 30 minutes and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cover the 3 km distance from Butterworth to George Town.

After 10 pm, the frequency is lower, with only a single departure every 60 minutes.

What is the duration of the Ferry Journey?

Depending on the currents and sea conditions, the journey takes between 10 to 20 minutes. If you drive your car onto the ferry, you can leave, walk about, and enjoy the scenery.

Penang Ferry Services Schedule During MCO / CMCO (PKP / PKPB) & the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO / PKPP)

To check the latest Penang to Butterworth ferry schedule:

Penang / Butterworth Ferry Telephone Numbers:

Penang Side: 04 261 0290 / 210 2363 (duty officer).

Butterworth Side: 04 331 2796 / 310 2377 (duty officer).

How much is the Penang Ferry ticket to Butterworth Terminal?

It is free from Penang to Butterworth.

You only have to pay one way for the ferry to Penang Island, and there is no charge for the return journey back to the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in Butterworth.

Penang Ferry Fares

The fares are cheap, and you only have to pay for the ferry from Butterworth to Penang.

The return journey is not charged.

Both Penang Bridge has the same system of charging in only one direction.

Pedestrian Ferry Fares

• Adult RM 1.20
• Child (Ages 5 to 12) RM 0.60
• Students in Uniform RM 0.60
• Individuals with disabilities (with valid OKU ID) RM 0.60

Vehicle Ferry Fares

• Bicycle RM 1.40
• Motorcycle RM 2.00
• Car RM 7.70

How do I get to Penang by Ferry?

Foot passengers now have to buy ferry tickets from the ticket counter.

You must scan your ticket on top of the turnstile to enter the waiting area.

Location Butterworth side

The Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth is next to Butterworth KTM/ETS trains station and the bus station and is part of the Penang Sentral transport hub.

If you arrive by train, keep to your left after leaving the station’s main entrance and follow the signs to reach the Ferry Terminal via the Penang Sentral building.

It will only take a five-minute walk to get to the jetty.

The Rapid Penang bus terminal is now located under Penang Sentral.

Location Penang side

Ferries depart from the Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in George Town at Weld Quay, known as the Penang Jetty.

How To Reach The ETS Train Stations?

The traditional way to travel to Penang Island from Seberang Perai (Butterworth) is by ferry.

It was the only way for railway and then later express bus passengers from Singapore, Ipoh, or Kuala Lumpur to reach George Town.

Today, many Penangites still find it the most convenient way for rail travelers to reach Penang Island.

Taking the ferry across is free, and you only need to walk through Penang Sentral Building to reach the ETS Trains.

If you get a taxi to drive via Penang Bridge to take the early morning Train Station, the fare can go up to RM50. The cost by Grab is between RM25 – RM30.

Most vehicle traffic these days uses the two road bridges to Penang.

The Penang Ferry, which carries pedestrians, cars, and motorbikes, is a relaxing way to travel and an alternative for those not hurrying to explore George Town.

Note to travelers

While the idyllic old ferry is a journey worth taking, please be warned that taking a heavy suitcase is not a good option.

I took the ferry to the train station and dealt with a steep staircase when the Penang Sentral Building was under construction.

If you arrive by train with heavy luggage, you must take a taxi to reach the ferry as there is no smooth, easy connection from the train station to the Ferry Terminal.

Summary of Memories of Penang Ferry Services:

Many Penangites feel a sense of loss and a sense of deep sadness.

Many others don’t know, won’t see, can’t understand.

What we have on reflection is a nostalgic view of the Penang Ferry.

When heritage is replaced by economic viability, we sometimes question the WHY.

Some of us ask the men in leadership.

I do know that many others suffer silently, and no one knows the WHY of things.

Most can tell you the How and What of things.

As seniors and veterans with the most respectful use of the terms, we see why we grow our children.

As our fathers have guided us and taught us well, we look at the younger ones.

We want to show them to be good passionate leaders.

As Penangites, we want to build our children with integrity above all else and always pray for leadership wisdom to remember the WHY of things.

Why was the Penang Ferry Services started?

The Ferry Service was a regular crossing for the Penang Strait for the people who lived on Penang Island to cross to Butterworth and vice versa.

 

Source:

Don’t end the ferry tale, says CM as new catamarans arrive.

Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal bridge collapse

Journey Planner With Rapid Ferry

History Behind Penang’s Popular Ferry Service Unveiled