CALLING all nature lovers and adventure seekers! Whether you’re a river cruise enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys reconnecting with the outdoors, the newly launched Penang River Cruise at Auto-City Juru promises an unforgettable journey through nature, culture, and heritage.
Located at the River Park Jetty in Auto-City Juru, the Penang River Cruise takes passengers on a two-hour voyage where Southeast Asian water village architecture, lush mangroves, and vibrant wildlife come to life.
Onboard, visitors may spot silvered leaf monkeys swinging gracefully in the trees, black giant squirrels leaping between branches, and an array of birds including eagles, woodpeckers, waterbirds, and shorebirds.
The river is also home to reptiles such as forest lizards, mangrove snakes, pit vipers, and the rare dog-faced water snake, turning the experience into a real-life nature documentary.
More than just a sightseeing trip, the cruise offers hands-on activities like crab trapping, net fishing, and clam gathering, making it a truly interactive and family-friendly attraction.
The grand opening today was officiated by Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who described the cruise as a ‘shining star’ in Seberang Perai’s growing tourism landscape.
“River cruises are a globally recognised tourism product, from the Mekong in Southeast Asia to the Yangtze in China and the Nile in Egypt. Today, Penang joins this tradition with our very own Penang River Cruise, adding a distinctive chapter to the global map of river tourism,” said Wong.
While acknowledging that Sungai Juru is modest in size, stretching only about 15km compared to the Mekong’s 4,350km or the Nile’s 6,650km, Wong highlighted its unique charm.
“Sungai Juru may be small, but it is small yet beautiful. A complete cruise can be done in just two hours, ideal for modern travellers who want immersive experiences without needing days to explore,” he said.
Passengers may also be treated to the breathtaking ‘Mirror of the Sky’ phenomenon, where riverside cottages, fishing boats, and greenery reflect perfectly on calm waters, creating a picturesque scene.
Along the route, they will pass traditional fishing villages, aquaculture farms, paddy fields, cockle farms, and the scenic backdrop of Bukit Juru, painting a vivid portrait of Seberang Perai’s natural and cultural heritage.
Wong added that beyond leisure, the cruise doubles as an educational journey on ecology and conservation, particularly valuable for families.
“In an age dominated by digital screens, this river trip offers a refreshing chance to reconnect with nature while learning about sustainability in a fun way,” he said, noting that Auto-City’s existing reputation for food, entertainment, and retail will synergise with the river cruise to further strengthen Penang’s tourism appeal.
Auto-City founder and general manager Gary Teoh said the river ecosystem features six distinct habitats studied by researchers covering birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, aquatic life, and coastal plants such as mangroves and nipah palms.
“These elements combine education, conservation awareness, and entertainment to mesmerise visitors. The hands-on activities, from crab catching to casting fishing nets, make the experience truly memorable,” he said.
The launch ceremony was also attended by Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Rachel Teh Chuann Yien, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) Penang director Dr Annuar Mohamed, and Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar