Church Street Pier, George Town

Constructed in 1897, Church Street Pier was established as one of the docking points along the coastline of George Town, serving small vessels. During this period, the Port of Penang thrived as a significant trading hub in British Malaya, rivaled only by the Port of Singapore. The busy Penang Channel saw a high volume of maritime traffic, with records from 1879 indicating the presence of over 1,000 vessels in a single 24-hour period.

However, with the decline of the Port of Penang towards the late 20th century, maritime activities around Penang Island dwindled, resulting in the closure of piers along George Town's eastern coast, including Church Street Pier. The diminishing trade, combined with the city's urban decay, raised concerns about the future of these harbor facilities and the overall waterfront area.

In the early 2000s, the Malaysian federal government initiated a project to rejuvenate Church Street Pier and transform it into a top-tier marina. Completed in 2005, the Tanjong City Marina was designed to accommodate up to 140 yachts, catamarans, and other small vessels. While initially successful in attracting yachting communities from across Southeast Asia, by 2011, the marina's floating structures had deteriorated significantly, posing a risk of sinking. As a result, Tanjong City Marina was eventually abandoned, with its berths succumbing to the sea.

Nevertheless, visitors can still enjoy the scenic views of the pier and its surroundings, offering ample opportunities for photography. Additionally, there is a pleasant dining area onsite where visitors can enjoy a snack after a leisurely stroll. Swimming and fishing activities are prohibited.