Clan Jetties of Penang — Attraction in George Town

During our recent trip to Penang, we had the pleasure of visiting the Clan Jetties, a unique and vibrant historical landmark. Located just about 15 minutes from our hotel, the Clan Jetties are a collection of waterfront villages that have been home to Chinese immigrant communities for over a century. Each jetty is named after a Chinese clan, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area.

The atmosphere at the Clan Jetties is both charming and bustling. On the day we visited, the weather was blazing hot, so we made sure to have our neck-fan and hand-held fan with us at all times, and we stopped a couple of times for drinks to cool down.

Wooden houses on stilts line the walkways, and the sense of community is palpable. As we wandered through the narrow pathways, we encountered friendly locals and caught glimpses of daily life that seemed untouched by time. The colorful decorations and the scent of traditional food being prepared added to the immersive experience.

However, there were a few areas for improvement. Some parts of the jetties could benefit from better maintenance. While the rustic charm is part of the appeal, ensuring that walkways and structures are safe for tourists is important. Additionally, more guided tours or informational brochures could enhance the visitor experience, providing deeper insights into the history and culture of the jetties.

Despite these minor issues, our visit to the Clan Jetties of Penang was a memorable and enriching experience. It offered a unique glimpse into a living heritage site and allowed us to connect with the local culture in a meaningful way. We highly recommend a visit to the Clan Jetties for anyone traveling to Penang, especially those interested in history, culture, and...

Chew Jetty in Penang is one of the island’s most fascinating and culturally rich destinations. Located along the waterfront of George Town, this historic settlement is home to a community of Chinese families, many of whom have lived here for generations. The residents are traditionally associated with fishing and other maritime livelihoods, and their wooden houses, built on stilts above the sea, offer a rare glimpse into Penang’s living heritage.

Inside the jetty area, visitors will find a small local market selling everyday goods, snacks, and souvenirs at very affordable prices. It’s a wonderful place to pick up unique handmade items while supporting the local community. At the entrance of the jetty stands a beautiful Buddhist temple, adding a touch of spiritual serenity to the lively surroundings.

As you walk along the wooden walkway towards the main jetty, the stunning sea views and refreshing breeze create an unforgettable experience. The calm waters, colorful homes, and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect spot for photography and quiet reflection. With its rich history, authentic charm, and breathtaking scenery, Chew Jetty offers a truly unique insight into Penang’s cultural roots and coastal life — a must-visit place for every traveler...

The Clan Jetties of Penang

These jetties named after the surnames of the clans were first built by the Chinese Hokkien immigrants from Fujian, China more than a century ago. They had migrated here in search of a better life and were mostly involved in the cargo transfer services as well as the traditional trade of firewood and charcoal.

There were originally 9 jetties along the coastline in the Weld Quay area. All the jetties have wooden houses built on stilts along the walkways except one of them.

The Ong Jetty is a just a jetty per se. It does not have houses built along the walkway as the Ong clan members live across the road in the present Market Street Ghaut area.

Two of the jetties, the Peng Aun and Koay jetties were demolished in 2006 to make way for a high-rise housing development project.

Today, seven of these unique waterfront settlements remain. They are the Ong, Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee, Yeoh and New (Mixed) clan jetties. The latter is where families of various surnames reside. It is also the most recently built jetty here.

Among them, the Chew jetty is the best known and most-visited jetty with thousands of visitors plying the narrow wooden walkway during weekends and...