Even if you’re not a history buff, you should make it a point to visit at least one of the 7 existing clan jetties of Penang (yes, there is more than one!).
Seeing and walking on these villages on stilts with your own eyes will give you a new perspective on Penang. And an incomparable sense of what it used to look like in the 19th century! Some of these have become very touristy while others still retain their tranquillity. If you can’t decide which one to visit, let us help you with this post!
History
Originally built by Chinese Hokkien immigrants from the Fujian province of China back in the 19th century, these humble settlements on stilts along Weld Quay are now over a century old!
Descendants of the original Chinese clans still live here. There were 9 of these waterfront villages but 2 have being demolished to make way for modern development projects! The jetties are named after their respective common surname. Of these, Chew Jetty is the most famous among tourists!
Before they lived in these floating villages, the clans made their home further inland. Like in Acheen Street or Armeninan Street. They only started to move to the jetty when the shipping/ trade business grew at the waterfront. This was so they could conduct their shipping business with more convenience and better business prospects.
In particular, these included the Ong, Lee, Lim and Chew clans who offered their cargo transfer services to larger ships. Other clans (Tan, Yeoh or Koay) dealt mainly in traditional industries like the trade of charcoal and firewood.
A surge of Chinese immigrants in the 20th century led to the further growth of these make-shift settlements. And as life was better in Penang than in China, many arranged for their families to come over!
These settlements, however, were only under a Temporary Occupation License which had to renewed every year! Fees were based on the size of the house. There was no insurance or compensation if these houses were acquired for development purposes.
This foreboding threat of development is significantly lessened as this area is now under the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town.
Jetty Villages That You Can Still See Today
With 2 clan jetties already demolished, there are just 7 of these unique waterfront communities remaining. Seeing their traditional way of life for yourself will help you appreciate how this tightly knit community has survived for more than a century! And how they contributed to Penang’s growth!
If you want to get an authentic feel of these clan jetties, we suggest that you take your sightseeing to the lesser-known villages instead of just Chew Jetty!
1. Ong Jetty (姓王桥)
Hidden from plain sight by the Penang Port Commission building, you can see what a typical jetty looked like before settlement! Though there hardly any people staying there now.
Note: The original location is where the Raja Tun Uda Terminal is now.
2. Lim Jetty (姓林桥)
One of the larger clan jetties with a long walkway, you’ll find Lim Jetty close to the present ferry terminal.
Part of this village was destroyed during World War II. Reconstruction saw the creation of new temples and houses.
Highlights:
- Ri Yue Than (日月坛) – Sun Moon Temple – a place of worship for the clan’s ancestral gods
- Suan Hai Ing Yang Tian (山海阴阳殿) – Another temple dedicated to the goddess of seafarers, Mazu
- Wu Gu Xian Zu (五谷仙祖)
It can be very relaxing to stroll along here since it is not as popular as the Chew Jetty. You can enjoy the sea breeze at the end of the walkway (be careful!).
With the quiet atmosphere in the evenings and early morning, it’s hard to imagine how vibrant this spot used to be with all the transferring of goods from junks arriving from other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Burma.
3. Chew Jetty (姓周桥)
Ever since the movie “Ice Kacang Puppy Love”, Chew Jetty has become a highly popular tourist location. Another reason tourists come is for the famous street art murals painted on the sides of the houses!
The number of tourists has even prompted souvenirs shops and food stalls to set up right along the walkway. It’s usually very lively on weekends. If you want to escape the crowds though, go before 10am when the shops have not opened yet.
Note: Not many options for halal food here
The walkways at Chew Jetty are narrow and there is the notable smell of saltwater and mud when you visit the clan jetties. It did not take us long to explore this whole area on foot. It will take you less than 20 minutes if you don’t stop at each shop.
Half of this path goes through the quieter side of Chew Jetty (actual homes) though so keep your voices to a minimum.
What we noticed at Chew Jetty are clear signs of maintenance. Like new planks to replace old ones. And numerous fire extinguishers besides.
We recommend timing your visits to any of the clan jetties with the tides unless you don’t mind looking at muddy flats in place of water.
Place Of Interest:
- Chao Yuan Kong (朝元宫)
- Kang Thean Kong (感天宫)
- Hai Gua Kiong (海外宫)
- Ting Hai Keong (王封镇海宫鹤龙寺)
- Qing Yan Gong (清岩宫)
- Chew Jetty Community Hall (槟城周桥公司民众会堂)
Kam Thean Keong Temple is small and simple compared to other temples around Penang. But it has an unobstructed view of the sea.
4. Tan Jetty (姓陈桥)
Tan Jetty along with Chew, Yeoh and Lim, are the oldest clan jetties. This clan jetty is notably smaller than Chew jetty.
There are two temples to visit at this jetty. One of them is the Mazu Temple which is dedicated to Goddess of Seafarers. Which makes sense since ancestors of the Tan clan were fishermen from a remote island off the coast of Fujian Province!
If you’re visiting, you might not be able to walk for the full stretch of the pier (gate is locked), but it’s still a beautiful sight in the morning (sunrise), sunset, or at night when the lights are on.
This jetty has become quite popular owing as many seek it out to take photos for their social media. We think the jetty looks best at high tide.
While you’re here, try the fried bananas sold near the entrance!
Place Of Interest:
- Chow Eng Tien (昭应殿)
- Mazu Temple (妈祖庙)
5. Lee Jetty (姓李桥)
Residents of Lee Jetty were forced to move from their original location when the Penang ferry terminal was built back in the 1960s.
Their main business was transporting sailors from their ships to the mainland and back. A business that meant competing with other clans.
Kim Aun San Si (金鞍山寺) houses their ancestral deity, Baosheng God of Health.
Lee Jetty is not as crowded with tourists as the Tan or Chew Jetty and there are many residents here. So, you’ll get a more authentic feel for what life is like living at one of these clan jetties.
Although there are some signs that tourism has influenced this place too (e.g. shops and food stalls).
It looks quite different at night with the colorful lights so try to see it in daytime and in the evening if you can. Bear in mind that it will take less than 15 minutes to explore this small jetty.
6. New Jetty (杂姓桥)
Unlike the other clan jetties, New Jetty is home to multiple families (regardless of clan) who came over from Chew Jetty!
It’s not as conspicuous as the other jetties so keep a sharp eye out for the entrance. The signboard tells you that residents here don’t share the same surname (I.e. mixed).
And if you’re seeking true quaint jetty life, you’ll be happy to know that there are no signs of tourism influence here.
Kee Thean Keong (启天宫) is a small temple right at the end of the jetty over a neat bridge. You can also see Yeoh Jetty from here.
7. Yeoh Jetty (姓杨桥)
Quiet for most of the year except during the Nine Emperor Gods festival, Yeoh Jetty is less on the sea than it is on land! After being victim to bombing during World War II, residents chose to stay closer to land.
And so, this jetty is relatively shorter compared to the others. If you don’t mind the slightly derelict condition of the jetty, it’s not bad for spotting wildlife in the mud during low tides.
If you do visit the Yeoh Jetty, stop by Hui Teong Keong (会堂宫) which has an unusual canine-shaped deity. However, the main deity here is Patron God Wu Xian.
Other than that, most visitors come for the views and peace and quiet.
8. Peng Aun Jetty Penang (平安桥)
Peng Aun Jetty was demolished in 2006 despite protests from heritage conservationists. The main reason for its demolition is to make way for the flats off the Jelutong Expressway.
9. Koay Clan Jetty Penang (姓郭桥)
Similarly, Koay Clan Jetty was demolished in favor of the same flats.
Eateries Nearby
Between Chew Jetty and Tan Jetty is where you can expect to find a good number of hawker food stalls. These are golden opportunities to try some famous food, especially Hokkien-style food and seafood!
1. Penang Road Famous Ice Kacang Cendol, Tan Jetty
The first stall you need to stop at on your way to Tan Jetty:
Their cendol is one of the best cendol in Penang! And you can get other refreshing chilled desserts like ais kacang here too!
2. Prawn Fritters and Loh Bak, Tan Jetty
Look out for this inconspicuous family-run stall at Tan Jetty where you can try their freshly fried and affordable beancurd, lor bak (pork rolls) or prawn fitters together with their chili sauce!
Note: There is nowhere to sit here.
3. Ka Bee Café
After renovation, Ka Bee Café now offers an air-conditioned environment for patrons to taste their signature seafood broth noodles with crispy deep-fried fish fillets on the side!
The crab porridge is recommended, as is their tom yam and fish head noodles. We really like their pork and fish head noodles. You can see what we ordered at Ka Bee Cafe In Penang.
Because of the reasonable price points, it can be crowded during lunch time.
PS: They do have toilets.
4. Village Fish Head Bee Hoon
Generous helpings of delectable tom yam (bee hoon or maggi mee) or clear soup noodles with fish slices are reason enough for people to throng this eatery during lunch and dinner!
You can pick from many side dishes to go with your tom yam.
However, beware that finding parking here is tricky. And it is quite stuffy in this old school restaurant.
Note: The tom yam is more sweet and sour, rather than spicy
5. Chew Jetty Café
There is not one but a few star dishes at this humble restaurant!
Firstly, there’s always a queue for the unique wanton noodles served in 3 different ways with sumptuous dumplings (with water chestnuts) to accompany them.
Due to their popularity, it is possible to wait for close to an hour. And they can sell out before 4pm. If you come during lunch time, there’s an aromatic version of the spicy Hokkien mee!
If you come during lunch time, there’s an aromatic version of the spicy Hokkien mee!
Note: The Hokkien mee stall only opens at noon
Other than this, there is a delicious char kuay teow you can try at Chew Jetty Cafe as well.
This is a typical hawker style environment so while it beats being out in the hot sun, there’s no air conditioning here.
Other Places To Visit Nearby
1. Street Art
Besides the famous street murals around Armenian street, there are two wonderful murals at Chew Jetty:
- Brother & Sister on a Swing
- Skippy the Cat
2. Museums
It can get hot quickly during the afternoon after wandering around George Town and the clan jetties.
These museums are the closest if you want to take a break from being outdoors.
- Wonder Food Museum
- Ghost Museum
- Asia Camera Museum
- Upside Down Museum
- Batik Painting Museum
Check out more museums.
3. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
More commonly referred to as Khoo Kongsi, this prominent Chinese clan association goes back ~6 centuries ago.
For RM15 per person, you can see their iconic and elaborate temple and a museum!
We highly recommend coming here in the early morning before 10am as this is when the courtyard is empty of tourists.
Read more about our visit to Khoo Kongsi.
4. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Pinang Peranakan Mansion is where you go if you want to experience what luxury was like during the old glory days of Penang!
Hundreds of Peranakan antiques are on display in this heritage house with daily tours to provide more insight!
5. Little India
Little India is vibrant and filled with traditional shops selling flowers, praying paraphernalia, sarees, and gold jewellery!
There’s plenty here to catch the eye and a lot of delicious Indian food to try besides.
Conclusion
The clan jetties of Penang are close to Weld Quay Jetty which gives you no excuse to skip these floating villages if you happen to be in George Town for a few days of sightseeing.
Especially for those keen on the Penang Heritage Trail!
How To Get Around Penang
Not sure what’s the most convenient way to get around Penang. We have suggestions on tips like which bus numbers to look out for depending on which areas you’re interested in!
Things To Do In Penang
The clan jetties are of course, just one of many things to do in Penang! Be sure to check out these other places while you’re in the city.
