Source: Buletin Mutiara

Nature enthusiasts and culture seekers now have a fresh reason to explore Seberang Perai with the launch of the Penang River Cruise at Auto-City Juru. Officially opened at the River Park Jetty, this two-hour journey along Sungai Juru offers passengers a close encounter with the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and traditional heritage.

The cruise takes visitors through a landscape rich with mangroves, aquaculture farms, paddy fields, and charming fishing villages. Along the way, passengers may be greeted by playful silvered leaf monkeys, giant squirrels leaping through the treetops, and a wide variety of birdlife, from soaring eagles to woodpeckers and waterbirds. The river is also home to reptiles including mangrove snakes, pit vipers, and even the rare dog-faced water snake, turning the voyage into a real-life nature documentary.

Beyond sightseeing, the cruise features hands-on activities such as crab trapping, net fishing, and clam gathering, making it a highly interactive and family-friendly attraction. One highlight is the “Mirror of the Sky” phenomenon, where calm waters perfectly reflect riverside cottages, fishing boats, and lush greenery to create a postcard-perfect view.

At the launch event, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the cruise as a “shining star” in Seberang Perai’s tourism offering. Drawing comparisons with world-famous river cruises on the Mekong, Yangtze, and Nile, Wong emphasised that Sungai Juru, though modest at just 15km, has its own charm.

“Sungai Juru may be small, but it is small yet beautiful. A complete cruise can be done in just two hours, ideal for today’s travellers who seek immersive experiences without needing days to explore,” Wong said. He also highlighted the educational value of the trip, which introduces visitors to ecology, conservation, and sustainable practices in a fun and engaging way.

The Penang River Cruise complements Auto-City’s existing reputation as a hub for food, retail, and entertainment, creating a holistic experience for both locals and tourists. According to Auto-City founder and general manager Gary Teoh, researchers have identified six distinct habitats along the river, ranging from mangroves and nipah palms to diverse wildlife.

“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,” Teoh said.

The launch was attended by state representatives, Penang Global Tourism, and Tourism Malaysia officials, underscoring the cruise’s significance to the state’s tourism growth.

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