Finally the lights changed to green in front of our row of cars after I watched a number of cars leave Pulau Talang Talang. Then it was our turn to enter the ferry. James edged his car cautiously forward and soon we were in the ferry. James was motioned to park his car on the left hand lane. There were altogether four lanes for cars.

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After thirty or more cars had entered the ferry. The entrance was closed and I could feel the ferry moving. By that time I was of the car and stationed right in the front of the ferry leaning against the guard-rail looking as nonchalant as i possibly could, even though I was actually full of excitement.

Below me the water churned and foamed as the ferry picked up speed to leave its dock. After a while the water become calmer and I could see the ferry was moving at a steady speed. Rubbish of all sorts drifted by. Surprisingly through, I could also see jelly fish floating alongside the rubbish.

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Looking up ahead of me I could see Penang Island at a distance. The KOMTAR building stood out distinctly among the other lower buildings of George Town. Behind the buildings were the pale blue hills of Penang.

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Penang Bridge

Looking to my felt I could see the majestic Penang bridge that connected Penang Island to the mainland. I marveled at its beauty – what a magnificent piece of engineering it is. James promised to travel on it on our way home.

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The short expanse of water on which we were traveling on was filled with sea traffic. I could see some ferries coming from the island while others, like ours, were headed for the island. The flow of ferries seemed endless. As if to add to the congestion, there were a few ships anchored in mid-channel. From the names I could make out Scandinavian ship, a Japanese ship and non-description hulk that appeared to be rotting in the water.

James came to stand beside me and he offered me some titbits he had bought at the back of the ferry. I took some.

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My First Ferry Ride Ended

All too soon, the docks of Penang Island loomed larger and larger and then it was time to reenter our car to get ready to disembark. The ferry slowed down noticeably and after a couple of bumps or so we were firmly alongside (docked). The ramp was lowered and the cars started leaving. Our turn came and James ecpertly guided his car out of the ferry on to the island. We were now in Penang. The most beautiful town in Malaysia. My first ferry ride had ended.