Photos

The famous Penang Ferry began its operations in 1920, making it the oldest ferry service in Malaysia. The iconic passenger and vehicle ferries ply between the town of Butterworth on the mainland and the island of Penang. Officially the ride is 15 minutes, but often it’s a longer journey due to not favorable weather. During the crossing the Strait of Malacca – that’s what separates Butterworth from Penang - the passenger have a spectacular view of the Penang island, if the weather is fine. When I took this shot it was rather hazy – what happens often in this season - that Penang can be seen only apparitional at the horizon.

Originally painted in a ubiquitous betel nut orange color, the ferries have been brightly painted long ago, turning them into eye catching attractions. The eight ferries are named after the Malaysian islands.

The Penang Port is unique, as it is the only port in Malaysia that runs a ferry service from 6 a.m. till 0.30 a.m. Despite the heavy traffic load of the Penang bridge, the vehicle business of the Penang ferry still is growing. Generally foot passengers are complaining a lot about the slow service and the long wait for the next crossing, because there are more vehicle only ferry then vehicle lower and passenger upper deck ferries.