New Penang Ferry from Georgetown to Butterworth by Ferry

The new Penang Ferry for foot passengers and bikes launched on Monday, 7 August 2023, with a new fleet of 4 ferries. On the first day of operations, I was in Penang to try out the new Penang Ferry with the newly enhanced timetable.

Georgetown Penang Island Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU)

The ferry terminal in Georgetown on Penang Island has moved back to the original Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU), otherwise more locally and familiarly known as Jetty.

The sheltered walkway from the bus terminal to the jetty is back alive again with shops reopening with various goods and snacks for sale.

The KTM ticket counter, however, remains closed.

Passengers are asked to go online to get their tickets, or proceed to Butterworth Railway Station for the manned ticket counter.

The old Penang Ferry signs still remain on the sheltered walkway.

The old ferries are berthed beside the current jetty.

The roads for heavy vehicles are no longer in use as the new Penang Ferry do not cater for cars any more.

The ramp up to the former waiting area at Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) is now closed. Tbhe waiting area was 1 level up as passengers used the upper deck on the old Penang Ferry. The new Penang Ferry is single-deck.

A hew sheltered walkway connects this junction to the new Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU).

The façade of the new Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU). This sits on the old road for heavy vehicles queuing to enter the old Penang Ferry.

An information counter is available at the new Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU), with the potential to be a ticket counter in future.

New fare gates are installed at the new Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU). However, as the new Penang Ferry is free of charge for 1 month from 7 August 2023, these fare gates remain open, with no ticket needed for passengers heading for the new Penang Ferry.

The new fare gates have a QR code scanner for paper tickets and a Touch ‘n Go Card reader for direct entry by tapping in with a Touch ‘n Go Card.

There is a snack stall currently operating in the waiting area of Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU).

There is ample seating in the air-conditioned waiting area of Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU).

Counter seats with tables and chairs are also available on the right, useful as a working space.

A 3-pin and 2 USB power sockets are available at each power point set along the counter tables.

There are also power points available at selected benches in the waiting area on the left.

Motorcycles are back on the Penang Ferry, with the queue just beside the passenger waiting area.

The queue for boarding is located at the front end of the waiting area.

It’s easy to tell when the incoming new Penang Ferry has arrived with motorcycles zooming out of the terminal beside the passenger waiting area.

Passengers follow after all the motorcycles and bicycles have disembarked, on the new arrival path.

Boarding was called once arriving passengers were disembarking from the incoming ferry.

Heading out to the new Penang Ferry berth on the right.

Heading out to the connection to the floating pontoon.

A nice throwback with the old Penang Ferry berthed beside.

New Penang Ferry

Boarding the new Penang Ferry for the first time.

There is an outdoor seating area immediately on the deck upon boarding, facing in reverse.

The on-board Penang Port staff usher foot passengers into the air-conditioned cabin on board the new Penang Ferry.

The builder logo of Damen Shipyards Group is displayed on the bulkhead.

This new RoPax ferry class is designated as Damen Ferry 3508.

Lifebuoys bear the name of the vessel.

Heading into the air-conditioned cabin of the new Penang Ferry through the automatic sliding doors.

The interior of the new Penang Ferry. Seats are laid out in a 3+2 configuration with a wide aisle. Seats face forward and reverse in the respective halves of the bi-directional vessel.

Toilets are available in the middle of the ferry.

The on-board toilet of the new Penang Ferry.

Luggage racks are available in the middle of the new Penang Ferry.

The deck plans of the new Penang Ferry.

The emergency evacuation routes of the new Penang Ferry.

The automatic sliding door is also activated on the front end of the new Penang Ferry.

The front deck and seats are arguably the most popular among passengers.

Looking out to the Penang Strait from the new Penang Ferry.

The outdoor deck is for motorcycles and bicycles.

After all passengers had boarded, boarding for motorcycles and bicycles commenced.

A wheel choke is placed at the front of the motorcycle deck.

The area on board the new Penang Ferry is split exactly in half for foot passengers and motorcycles.

Once the new Penang Ferry is ready for departure, the horn is sounded and the ropes are coiled on deck.

Slipping off from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) on time at 12.00pm.

Looking back to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT). Thank you for your temporary services!

Looking out towards the mainland.

The windows in the air-conditioned passenger cabin are wide for a good view of the Penang Strait crossing.

The name of the Penang Ferry is printed on a laminated piece of A4 paper.

The new safety video is played on loop throughout the journey.

Passing the opposing new Penang Ferry on reciprocal course.

Butterworth is in sight ahead.

Approaching the new Penang Ferry dock at Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH).

Passengers standby at the front ramp to disembark, but motorcycles and bicycles will be going first.

Another new Penang Ferry was in the harbour just beside.

Approaching Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH).

Butterworth Penang Sentral Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH)

My 12pm new Penang Ferry lowered the ramp to Butterworth Penang Sentral Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) at 12.18pm, making this a journey time of 18 minutes.

Motorcycles and bicycles disembark at Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) first.

Passengers follow behind the motorcycles and bicycles after all of them have disembarked.

Stepping off the new Penang Ferry.

Looking back at the new Penang Ferry.

The new Penang Ferry dock leads to the old road for the lower deck of the old Penang Ferry.

Heading to the left pedestrian lane for exit.

The big banner displaying the route change and new Penang Ferry service from 7 August 2023.

Heading out through the automatic one-way gate beside the staircase.

The exit is 1 level up, and many passengers were waiting for the lift up.

As I had no luggage and bit of energy in me, I headed for the stairs.

There are no escalators at Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH).

The path out of Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) is marked by new signs.

The upper level of Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) formerly for boarding the upper deck of the old Penang Ferry is now an open area with a view out to the Penang Strait, offering views of the new Penang Ferry.

The old Penang Ferry is also berthed beside Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) at Butterworth.

The Kenangan 3 and Kenangan 6, formerly operating on the temporary Penang Fast Ferry service, is now berthed at the old floating pontoon in front of the old Penang Ferry dock.

Heading on the path out of Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH).

Heading through the glass door in to Penang Sentral.

Head straight here for Penang Sentral for buses, taxis, E-Hailing, car parks, and pick-up points.

Head right for Butterworth Railway Station for ETS and KTM Komuter train services.

Conclusion

The new Penang Ferry offers much better connectivity with the move back to Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU), integrating properly bi-directionally with local Rapid Penang buses once again, and with a new ferry schedule of 20 minutes during peak periods and 30 minutes during off-peak periods, offering shorter waiting times as compared to the temporary Penang Fast Ferry service operated by Langkawi Ferry Services.

The new Penang Ferry is also comfortable with working air-conditioning and reasonably comfortable seats with a slight angle while still on hard plastic. Standing passengers are also allowed, which gives more passengers the chance to board the new ferry.

The speed of the new Penang Ferry is also notably faster than the old Penang Ferry, but this is limited by the current frequency especially at 30 minutes off peak.

Overall, the new Penang Ferry is better than the temporary service due to the better frequency and location of the jetty on Penang Island. This proves that it’s the level of service that is provided being more important for connectivity than just the superficial features that passengers enjoy. I’m sure everyone would want to board the next departing ferry as fast as possible, instead of waiting around in a comfortable lounge for 1 hour before the next ferry.

Frequency is currently physically limited as such due to only 1 new dock being installed at both terminals. Hopefully, another new dock will be added, allowing for all 4 ferries to be in use at a point in time.