Former Penang Ferry Returns As Floating Museum

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The double-decker Pulau Pinang contains exhibits on four decks, from the engine room to the captain’s bridge, and showcases original components from older ferries.
The Pulau Pinang, moored at the Church Street pier marina, will be the world’s first museum dedicated to passenger ferries. (Bernama pic)GEORGE TOWN: A former Penang ferry, the Pulau Pinang, will become a floating ferry museum off Weld Quay on Sept 16 in conjunction with Malaysia Day
Museum director Abdul Hadi Abu Osman said the project, awarded to a private company by the Penang Port Commission in 2021, had taken over two years to complete.
The Pulau Pinang, moored at the Church Street pier marina, will be the world’s first museum dedicated to passenger ferries.
It was one of 16 vessels built in the distinctive two-decker roll-on roll-off configuration for passenger and vehicular use, and was converted to a vehicular ferry in 2002.
“A technical incident caused the Pulau Pinang to sink after restoration, but it was salvaged within two weeks. The cost rose from RM7 million to RM10 million,” he said.
The museum offers interactive exhibits across four decks, from the engine room to the captain’s bridge, and showcases original components from older ferries. Its content and storytelling cater to all age groups, bringing the ferry’s history from 1893 to 2025 to life.
“The museum aims to preserve the legacy of Penang’s iconic ferry service, which has played a vital role in the state’s transport, cultural and social landscape for decades,” he said.
The museum is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Visits are limited to 150 people per session for safety, with up to 2,000 visitors expected daily. - FMT

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