Penang’s new museum on a ferry
Those who travel across the Penang Strait, transiting between Penang Island and Butterworth, will fondly remember the old Pulau Pinang ferry. It once ferried numerous passengers daily, until it was decommissioned in 2024.
In October, the ferry was moved from Bagan Dalam slipway to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, concluding its final journey at Tanjung City Marine to be transformed into the Penang Ferry Museum.
Here’s what we know about the new maritime attraction.
What is the Penang Ferry Museum?
The Pulau Pinang ferry’s transformation into Penang Ferry Museum is a collaboration between the Penang government and Printhero Merchandise (M) Sdn Bhd. The latter is known for operating souvenir spaces at heritage hotspots like Penang Hill and Muzium Negara.
Image credit: Penang Ferry Museum via Facebook
The floating museum is docked at Tanjung City Marina, and can accommodate 150 visitors at a time. It retains much of its original yellow facade, but with additional fun illustrations of local folks on its windows.
There are also added attractions on board to help preserve the legacy of Penang’s iconic ferry service.
What to expect at the museum
According to the museum’s Facebook page, the museum will feature interactive displays, ferry-related exhibits, and historical photo galleries in spaces once filled with vehicles and passengers.
Image credit: Penang Ferry Museum via Facebook
A highlight will be recreations of the ferry as it once was in its heyday, as well as an engine room where museum-goers can now access and view the behind-the-scenes look at the operation of the historic vessel.
When can I visit the Penang Ferry Museum?
No official opening date has been announced for the museum yet. But its curator Siti Faridah Hani Damsi has shared that only finishing touches are left before it opens to the public.
Penangites and out-of-towners can catch a promotional roadshow for the museum at Queensbay Mall, from 1st to 4th May. Those interested can purchase museum tickets and learn more about the exciting exhibits to come.
An upcoming floating museum attraction in Penang
The renovation of the Pulau Pinang into a floating museum means that we can still board the ferry, albeit for a different reason. It may no longer be travelling across the Strait, but it’ll serve as a nostalgic reminder of the ferry’s service to locals.
Meantime, you can explore these other places in Penang:
Cover image adapted from: Penang Ferry Museum via Facebook