swettenham pier cruise terminal georgetown george town penang

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As a major point of entry for tourists by sea of Penang Island, Penang Port is now able to receive some of the largest cruise vessels in the world with the completion of the new Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in November 2009. The new cruise terminal with a T-shaped berth of 400 meters long with a depth of 12 meters.

The three-storey high terminal building, which occupies a total area of 15,005 sq. meters, has the ideal facilities for cruise passengers arrivals and departures. The terminal is able to cater for larger cruise vessels carrying more than 2,000 passengers and also equipped facilities such as shopping lots and transportation facilities.

With the new Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in operation and located within the UNESCO Heritage Site, Penang will not only be an international cruise vessels destination but also act as catalyst in the development of the local and international tourism industry.

GPS coordinate of Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is 5.41907 N & 100.34553 E, parking lots provided at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbhah opposite the Fort Cornwallis Light House.

• Berth Length - 400 metres x 25 metres Depth alongside - 12 metres

North inner berth length - 248 metres  Depth alongside - 6.5 metres

South inner berth length - 219 metres Depth alongside - 5.5 metres

- 96 metres and 54 metres

- 90,000 tonnes

- Arrival Hall - Departure Hall - CIQ Facilities - 8 shoplots - Office - Others

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Penang – Malaysia

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Good day – Hari yang baik How are you? – Apa khabar? Thank you – Terima Kasih Cruise ship – Kapal pester Port – Pelabuhan

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

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Georgetown – Penang Cruise Port Guide: dock or tender

Accessible Georgetown

Please note that Georgetown has rather under developed footpaths. Some streets do not have footpaths at all. Pedestrians should be advised to pay attention to traffic when walking through the city.

Penang’s cruise taxis

The official taxis of Penang are red and blue coloured. Blue coloured taxis are the newer taxis and therefore they cost a bit more. Taxis in Penang do not have a meter, therefore you need to negotiate with the driver before stepping in. Please know the taxi prices are on display in the port area. Expect the following taxi prices: To Kek Lok Si Temple, both ways: 150 RM Around 50 RM per hour per taxi (with a minimum of 3 hours) Between 80 and 120 per hour per van (with a minimum of 3 hours)

Penang’s trishaws

Alternatively to taxis you can also go around by trishaw. This is a great way to get to nearby places in town. Negotiate a price before you head off. Expect to pay between 35 and 50 RM per hour.

Penang’s public transportation for cruise passengers

The local transportation in Georgetown is rather good. Komtar is the main bus station (see marked in the map above). From here you can take buses all over the island. Bus line 201, 204 stops near the exit of the cruise terminal. Catch one of these busses to go to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple.

There is no wi-fi available at the cruise port. However you can find lots of coffee places in town to connect to wi-fi when you buy a cup of coffee. Try white coffee at church street of Subway for example.

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Georgetown Penang cruise port

Cruise ships dock at the Swettenham pier in Georgetown, Penang. This cruise dock offers a cruise terminal with several facilities and is located close to the city center of Georgetown. Read the full Penang cruise port guide to know all about what to see and do in port.

Swettenham cruise dock, Georgetown

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We are the largest port operator in Malaysia with seven ports, namely Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Johor Port, Northport, Penang Port, Tanjung Bruas Port, SPT Services and Andaman Port. Our ports are equipped to handle diverse types of cargo and are supported by both Kontena Nasional as well as KTMB MMC Cargo integrated business logistics solutions. Internationally, the Red Sea Gateway Terminal operates a container port terminal within the Jeddah Islamic Port. Alongside our ports, we also have Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Port Klang Cruise Terminal and Langkawi Cruise Terminal, three state-of-the-art cruise terminals that provide world-class port services for cruises and other vessels. MMC Ports is a member of MMC Corporation Berhad. Click here for more information.

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Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal

A major point of entry for tourists with some of the largest cruise vessels in the world, upon completion of SPCT in November 2009.

Possessing ideal facilities covering 15,005 sq. metres to welcome multitudes of cruise passengers of arrivals and departures.

UNESCO Heritage Site within proximity of SPCT is the preferred destination for international cruise vessels, as well as the catalyst for local and international tourism industry.

GPS Coordinate: 5.41907 N & 100.34553 E. Parking Lots: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbhah, opposite of Fort Cornwallis Light House.

A major point of entry for tourists with some of the largest cruise vessels in the world upon completion of SPCT in November 2009.

Possessing ideal facilities covering 15,005sq. metres to welcome multitudes of cruise passengers of arrivals & departures.

UNESCO Heritage Site within proximity of SPCT as an international cruise vessels destination & catalyst for local & international tourism industry.

GPS Coordinate: 5.41907 N & 100.34553 E. Parking Lots: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbhah, opposite of Fort Cornwallis Light House.

Headquarters

Level 2, Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, No. 1A, King Edward Place 10300 George Town, Penang. 

Phone +604 263 3211

Fax +604 262 6211

sppp @penangport.gov.my

www.penangport.gov.my/en/facilities-services/swettenham-pier

+603-2071 1000

+603-2026 1921

[email protected]

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Penang Port handles some of the largest cruise vessels in the world at Swettenham Pier with a nice terminal in Georgetown on Penang Island. This is close to Beach Street, Weld Quay, Clock Tower and Esplanade.

The distance to downtown George Town is approximately 1.2 kilometers (about 0.75 miles), which is a short 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk.

At times you will be anchored and tendered in to town, if more than 2 ships are expected.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Penang Malaysia

Sightseeing:

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang) is an island off the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley).

Penang is one of Malaysia's main tourist draws. Its beaches are a little lackluster when compared with those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of colonial and Chinese influences. Penang is also well known for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia if not the whole of Asia.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

The old town is very walkable .

If getting a taxi, do so INSIDE the terminal as they are 'somewhat' regulated. Taxis are available immediately outside the terminal but will charge twice as much.

Take a funicular railway ride up the Mountain to see the old British Traders gracious homes, and marvel at the coolness, and the views.

Getting around Penang can be a minor hassle, as buses tend to be poorly signposted and infrequent; The free bus and city busses are the same vehicle, one's just a little more crowded Take the #204 to Kek Loc Si for 2RM then continue on to Penang Hill for 1.4RM before returning to Little India or beach for 2RM. The free bus travels throughput CBD but does not go to either site.

By trishaw: These three-wheeled vehicles might be the best idea for a pleasant city tour. One can stop at any point to take photo or buy souvenirs. Negotiate the fare first before get on the trishaw; it is advisable to hire them by the hour for extended sightseeing.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Food tasting - Penang is popular among Malaysians for a huge variety of local food such as Char Kwey Teow, Penang Laksa and Nasi Kandar, which are found almost practically everywhere in the Island. However, the best place to go "food hopping" would be Macalister Road. For the most well-known Char Kwey Toew, try "Sister's Chow Koay Teow" at Lorong Selamat.

The three most popular shopping malls in Penang would be Gurney Plaza, Prangin Mall and Queensbay, which houses a full range of fashionable goods and necessity items. If you crave the unusual, head on down to the flea market at Lorong Kulit, which is open from morning until around 2:00pm daily. If mingling with the masses is your idea of fun, check out the pasar malam (night market) along Batu Ferringhi for some inexpensive shopping and dining, gets more interesting during weekends.

The Malaysian currency is the ringgit.

ATMs are widely available in cities, but do stock up on cash if heading out into the smaller islands or the jungle. Credit cards can be used in most shops, restaurants and hotels, although skimming can be a problem in dodgier outlets.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia. However, hotel porters and taxi drivers will appreciate a small tip if you have been provided with exemplary service. Most expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may indicate prices in the form of RM19++, meaning that sales tax (5%) and service charge (10%) will be added to the bill.

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Communication:

The sole official language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is also taught in schools and widely spoken in the cities although in rural areas a little Malay will come in handy.

Broadband Internet is available in most hotels, cafes which offer free WiFi for customers, and some restaurants and cafes. Both cable broadband and wireless broadband (available in hot spots areas such as Starbucks and McDonald's) are available.

Emergency numbers All type of emergency 999; From mobile phone - 999 or 112

Opening Hours and Holidays:

In general shops open from 10.30am till 9.30pm in the large cities. They open and close for business earlier in the smaller towns and rural areas.

For a list of public holidays click here .

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Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal

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The Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is one of the three island-based piers aside from Tanjong City Marina and Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda . In recent years, the terminal has host various ships that includes the SS Voyager, Aegean Odyssey as well as Star Cruises liners from SuperStar Virgo to SuperStar Libra. If you wish to board the Star Cruises, package deals and promotions are also available here or their headquarters .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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You can learn about the history of George Town with a stop at Queen Victoria Clock Tower. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

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Delve into Penang's colonial past in the largest and one of the oldest forts in Malaysia.

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This fine example of Victorian architecture forms an opulent backdrop to the Georgetown Esplanade.

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After visiting Yeoh Kongsi, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in George Town. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Penang State Museum

Housed in a handsome Victorian building, this museum traces Penang’s fascinating history through an extensive collection of artefacts, photographs and artwork.

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Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal

Location & Hours

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1 Pesara King Edward

10300 George Town, Penang

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Right across from Fort Cornwallis. From the ship, the dock is about a block long to the terminal. I assume they can accommodate 2-4 ships at a time in port. Then the terminal itself is quite large to navigate out of. Once you are out you can not walk out the front gate, you must go through another building with your agents and taxi drivers. The terminal is clean. It offers currency exchange. And there are several small local gift shops for souvenirs. Toilets before you head out on a long walk. Make sure you grab toilet paper first. It's not kept in the stalls. Also be prepared there are more squat toilets than the conventional ones Americans are used to. If you are wandering Georgetown, keep an eye out for the Queen Victoria Clocktower. It's located near the entrance to return to the ship.

From the cruise terminal exit

From Fort Cornwallis

Such a beautiful terminal with red tile roof, long balconies, and the domed cupola overlooking the water. From here you can see the city, grab a cab or bus, and explore the stunning city of Georgetown. Lots of helpful people willing to point you in the right direction!

Beautiful cruise terminal!

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Shore power for greener cruises

However, it is also a huge addition to the state’s carbon footprint.

Keeping a berthed cruise ship’s engine running just to supply electricity to the cabins also means high fuel consumption.

Due to these facts, Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) has decided to provide power from the shore for the cruise ships.

A total of RM50mil will be spent on this, only the second such project in the Asean region. Singapore was the first port to provide ships with shore power.

The process, called “cold-ironing,” allows berthed ships’ auxiliary engines to be turned off, thus cutting air pollution by 95%.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan told The Star in an exclusive interview that PPSB would spend RM50mil to set up a power substation on land belonging to the Penang Port Commission (PPC) to supply power to the ships by mid-2025.

“The world is moving towards environmental, social and corporate governance, and shore power will be the requirement of countries as a condition to allow cruise liners to berth,” he said.

According to a study, within the transportation sector, shipping claims third position in carbon dioxide emissions or 11% of the total, trailing closely behind passenger vehicles at 39% and medium to heavy trucks at 23%.

With the increase in global trade and demand for the maritime carriage of goods, he said the sector’s carbon footprint could surge by between 50% and 250% by 2050 if proactive measures are not taken.

Sasedharan said a private company would be given the task of producing electricity for cruise liners.

“Europe is moving away from the cruise tourism business to reduce the carbon footprint. Huge cruise liners are not exactly environment-friendly.

“Imagine around 4,000 passengers landing on shore – it creates a huge carbon footprint. That is why the world’s cruise liners are moving to Asian markets.

“Of course, it’s a boon when cruise liners call on us, but the question is, are we ready for them?”

Sasedharan said many facilities must be ready for cruise ships to come a-calling.

“There are many processes involved in homeporting. Passengers fly in to board the cruise ship and even with a minimum capacity of 4,000, you need 15 chartered flights. Even if they land at KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), they need to board domestic flights to Penang,” he added.

He said currently, Penang was the secondary homeport for Costa cruises, which is homeported in Port Klang.

Sasedharan also said competition in Asia was getting fierce.

“China has opened up and the big liners are going there, which will slice off a percentage of the business in this region. While passengers who board from the Asean region pay RM4,000 per person, liners can ply between China-Japan-South Korea and charge US$4,000 (RM19,000).

“As such, the real spin-off will only be seen if we have liners doing homeporting, and Penang is trying to bring the Swiss-based MSC Group of cruise liners with a 5,000-passenger capacity,” he added.

On the cruise business this year, he said 1.5 million passengers was the target, despite the stiff competition from China.

Sasedharan said the burgeoning Indian market, with 400 million middle-income earners, accounted for about 25% of the 1.7 million passengers last year and this was expected to grow this year.

“We did our RM155mil expansion of SPCT during the Covid-19 pandemic and the berthing area can now even accommodate the world’s biggest cruise ship, ‘Icon of the Seas’.

“Work will begin on a further expansion at the end of this year.

“Disney Cruise will also be here, with its ships having a capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers,” he added.