Swettenham Pier, George Town

Swettenham Pier (5 June 2010)


Swettenham Pier (GPS: 5.4187, 100.34499) is the port located on the northeastern tip of George Town. It comprises Swettenham Pier and the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, which was completed in 2010.

Swettenham Pier was established in 1903, at the height of shipping activity in the Penang Ports. It was named after Frank Athelstane Swettenham (1850-1946), the first Resident General of the Federated Malay States between 1896 and 1901. The port in Klang was named Port Swettenham in his honour.

About Swettenham Pier

Swettenham Pier has two berths with are 366 meters in length, and have a depth of 9.5 meters. It is the berthing place for cruise liners that call on George Town.

At time of writing (April 2010), Swettenham Pier is at the final stages of an expansion programme which began in May 2006. The expansion was supposed to be completed in November 2007. Unfortunately it was delayed due to technical problems and financial difficulties faced by the main contractor.

The latest date provided for the completion of the expansion programme is now September 2010. The cost has also escalated to RM55.4 million, which means it costs the Federal Government an additional 21 million over the original estimate.

With the expansion of Swettenham Pier, Penang will be able to receive larger cruise ships.

Updates on Swettenham Pier

1 December 2020
The Sun Daily reports that Swettenham Pier will receive RM150 million to help it resume its role as a major economic contributor to Penang.

9 October 2018
The Star reported that the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal will undergo a RM155 million expansion in order to handle 1.7 million passengers a year by 2021, and 12,000 passengers at any one time.

How to go to Swettenham Pier

Swettenham Pier is within walking distance of the Weld Quay Bus Terminal. You can also take Rapid Penang Bus 10, 11, 101, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, 204, 206, 301, 302, 303, 307, 401, 401E and 502 to the bus stop near it, and in addition, the Penang Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Bus also stops there. From the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, just walk north along Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld) and you will reach Swettenham Pier at the corner between Weld Quay and King Edward's Place (Pesara King Edward).

Narrated Walking Tour of Fort Cornwallis and The Esplanade

Passenger entrance to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (30 September 2017)


Swettenham Pier Fire Station (30 September 2017)


Swettenham Pier Police Station (30 September 2017)


The new cruise terminal of Swettenham Pier (5 June 2010)


When the new cruise terminal of Swettenham Pier was first opened, taxis were allowed to be park in front of it, now no longer so. (4 April 2010)


Pier to the cruise liner at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (30 September 2017)


The cruise liner Pieces from Star Cruises berthed at Swettenham Pier. (4 April 2010)


View of Swettenham Pier from the Malayan Railway Clocktower. (4 April 2010)


The Japanese Wharf Building, Swettenham Pier. (5 June 2010)


Another view of the Japanese Wharf Building. (5 June 2010)


Inside one of the warehouses of Swettenham Pier. (5 June 2010)

Swettenham Pier on Google Street View

Entrance to Swettenham Pier.

Swettenham Pier is on the map of King Edward Place