Penang has introduced a new tourism attraction, the Penang River Cruise, a 15-kilometre boat ride along Sungai Juru in Seberang Perai. The cruise offers views of traditional fishing villages, shellfish aquaculture farms, mangrove forests and the lush Bukit Juru panorama.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the cruise “elevates Sungai Juru as a symbol of harmony between nature and local culture, it also opens up space for tourists to enjoy interactive experiences such as catching crabs, fishing and collecting shellfish”.
According to Wong, visitors will have the opportunity to see the diversity of local flora and fauna including silver leaf monkeys, black giant squirrels, various species of birds, lizards and rare water snakes.
The project is led by Auto-City Group in collaboration with the Seberang Perai City Council, Think City Sdn. Bhd, Penang Global Tourism and the Bukit Tengah assemblyman’s office. The cruise takes around two hours and features sunset views and the ‘Cermin Langit’ (Sky Mirror) phenomenon, where reflections of houses, boats and greenery appear on the water.
Autocity founder Gary Teoh said the cruise “has been operating for the past three months and has received good demand from tourists including from abroad, namely China, Hong Kong and the United States.” He added that it aims “to transform Sungai Juru and Bukit Juru into a regional ecotourism destination” while supporting local fishermen, village youth and women.
Passengers can participate in activities including observing migratory birds, fishing with nets, collecting shellfish and enjoying the downstream sea views.