Penang River Cruise: everything you need to know

Explore a quieter side of Penang’s mainland with a two-hour river cruise past mangroves, fishing villages, and sweeping bridge views, while supporting river restoration.

Step aboard the Penang River Cruise to discover a different side of the state’s heritage and landscapes. This two-hour journey runs along a 6km stretch of river that was once choked with rubbish; over 700 tonnes of waste have already been removed, and part of your ticket goes directly towards ongoing efforts to restore the waterway for future generations to enjoy.

As the boat drifts past mangroves and fishing villages, keep an eye out for monkeys and monitor lizards in the jungle, or try your hand at traditional fishing. The cruise continues out to the river mouth, where sweeping views of both Penang bridges open up.

Launched in summer 2025, this is still a Penang hidden gem that few tourists have ventured out to explore.

Where to find Penang River Cruise

The Penang River Cruise departs from the River Park jetty at Auto-City Juru (Bandar Perai Jaya) on the mainland. Click here for the exact location.

Getting there

If you’re driving, parking is available. Alternatively, it’s easy to take a Grab from Penang Island, which will bring you across the bridge directly to the jetty.

For a more adventurous route, take the Penang ferry from George Town to Butterworth, then continue by Rapid Penang bus 706, 801, or 802, which all stop within walking distance of Auto-City Juru. These stop near Auto-City Juru, and from there it’s an 11–13 minute walk to the River Park jetty.

There are public toilets just around the corner from the ticket office, and water is provided on board.

What to expect on board

After a short safety briefing, you’ll be given a life jacket and welcomed aboard. Each boat carries around 15 passengers, with two long benches running back-to-back down the centre.

As the engine starts to chug, the river breeze is a welcome escape from Penang’s tropical heat. Passing under the first bridge, the busy Auto-City fades from view and you’re suddenly surrounded by arching palms, riverside houses, and fisherman going about their day.

Our guide, Rakesh, struck the perfect balance between relaxed quiet moments and informative commentary. He also led the hands-on fishing activity (a highlight for kids) where we tried out traditional techniques to catch crabs and cockles. He’s also happy to double as the group photographer, making sure your party get that classic front-of-boat shot.

Wildlife spotting is another highlight of the cruise. We saw macaques and monitor lizards along the banks, but langurs are also common here, and with a bit of luck you might even glimpse an otter.

After your cruise

After your cruise, walk back over the bridge towards Auto City. Here you’ll find a wide range of restaurants including Gravy Baby, Thai Garden Food, and The Brew House. We enjoyed the excellent lunch buffet at Thai To Busan Auto-City BBQ Buffet.

Cruise timings

Current schedule:

• Friday-Sunday: 3 trips daily at 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 4:30pm
• Monday-Thursday: 1 trip daily at 4:00pm

Schedules may change and trips can be cancelled in bad weather, so it’s best to confirm timings directly with the operator before you go. You can also check for updates on the Penang River Cruise Facebook page.

Tickets and how to book

Current ticket prices are below (subject to change):

To book, contact Penang River Cruise directly via WhatsApp at +60 16-559 6458 and mention you heard about them through On Penang. You will need to provide your ID number (passport number for overseas visitors). Once full payment has been transferred, you will be sent your e-ticket.

Final thoughts on Penang River Cruise

The Penang River Cruise turned out to be one of our favourite experiences in Penang. Part of the magic lies in leaving the island behind and discovering something refreshingly different on the mainland.

If you’ve travelled widely through Southeast Asia, you may have already been on other river trips that feel grander in scale. Yet, what makes this cruise special is its local flavour; a slower journey that offers glimpses of mangroves, wildlife, and riverside life that existed long before Penang’s rapid urban growth.

For anyone spending more than a few days in Penang this two-hour trip is a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon and connect with a quieter side of the state.

Not every Penang highlight is on the island and this river cruise proves it.