Second Penang Bridge Opens — March 2013
The Second Penang Bridge — at 24km the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia — opened on March 1, 2013. It connects Batu Maung in south Penang to the mainland, relieving congestion on the first bridge.
On March 1, 2013, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge — better known as the Penang Second Link — was officially opened. At 24 kilometres, it is the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia and the sixth-longest in the world. The bridge connects Batu Kawan on the mainland to Batu Maung in the south of Penang Island. Unlike the first Penang Bridge (1985), which enters the island near the urban core, the second bridge connects to a newly developed corridor in the south. Construction began in October 2006 and took six years; the toll is RM 8.50 per car. The second bridge significantly reduced congestion on the first Penang Bridge during peak hours and opened up Penang's southern industrial and residential development. The bridge's distinctive cable-stay central span is visible from the southern beaches on clear days.
Insider Tips
- 1Bridge toll is RM 8.50 per car (Penang-bound only)
- 2Batu Maung near the bridgehead has excellent seafood restaurants and the Penang War Museum (10 minutes)
- 3Sam Poh Footprint Temple at Batu Maung marks the legendary landing of Cheng Ho — worth a quick visit
- 4Premium Outlet at Batu Kawan on the mainland side is 15 minutes from the bridge exit — good for shopping
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When
March 1, 2014
🏛 Historical event — 2014
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Where
Second Penang Bridge (Batu Maung, south Penang to Batu Kawan, mainland)
