Weld Quay · Since the 19th Century
Clan Jetties of Penang: A Living Heritage on Stilts
I grew up watching the fishing boats come in at the clan jetties. My school friend lived on Chew Jetty, and I spent afternoons after school running along the wooden planks, dodging the motorbikes that somehow navigate walkways barely wider than a dining table. These jetties are not a museum exhibit — families have lived here for over a century, and they still do. That is what makes them special, and also why visitors need to approach them with respect.
Quick Facts
Entry
Free
Hours
Open 24h
Location
Weld Quay
Jetties
6 surviving
Heritage
UNESCO since 2008
Visit Duration
45 min - 1.5 hours
A Brief History#
In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants from Fujian province arrived in Penang to work as labourers, fishermen, and port workers. They settled along the waterfront on Weld Quay, building wooden houses on stilts over the sea. Each jetty was home to a single clan — families sharing the same surname who had come from the same village or region in China. The clan system provided mutual support: shared temples, communal festivals, and a social safety net in a foreign land.
At their peak, there were nine jetties along the waterfront. Three were demolished over the decades to make way for development. When George Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the remaining six jetties were included in the protected zone — securing their survival but also bringing waves of tourists that have changed the character of the community. The tension between preservation and tourism is real and ongoing. Some residents have opened shops and guesthouses; others just want to be left in peace.
I have watched this transformation over my lifetime. The jetties of my childhood were quieter, shabbier, and more alive with the sounds of daily life — children playing, card games on the walkways, fish drying on racks. Now there are souvenir shops and selfie spots. But if you visit at the right time and walk past the tourist-facing front, the old jetty life is still there.
Which Jetties to Visit#
Each jetty has its own personality. Here is what to expect from the three most visitor-friendly jetties, plus brief notes on the others.
Chew Jetty (Largest & Most Popular)#
Start HereChew Jetty is the longest and most developed of the clan jetties, home to about 75 families from the Chew (Zhou) clan. The main walkway stretches about 300 metres out over the water and is lined with small shops, drink stalls, and souvenir vendors. At the far end sits a colourful Chinese temple — Hock Heng Kong — that is still actively used for worship, especially during the annual Jade Emperor's birthday celebrations on the ninth day of Chinese New Year.
This is the most touristy of the jetties, but also the best-maintained and easiest to navigate. The walkway is wide enough for two people to pass comfortably. Come at sunset for the most atmospheric light — the sky over the Penang Strait turns pink and orange, and the fishing boats moored alongside create beautiful silhouettes. I bring every visitor here first because it gives the clearest picture of what a clan jetty is, even if it has become more commercial than the others.
Tan Jetty (Quieter & Authentic)#
My PickTan Jetty sits adjacent to Chew Jetty but feels like a different world. There are no souvenir shops, no selfie spots, and very few tourists. The walkway is narrower and the houses look more lived-in — laundry hanging from windows, cooking smells drifting from kitchens, cats dozing on warm planks. This is what all the jetties used to feel like before tourism arrived.
I prefer Tan Jetty precisely because it has not been polished for visitors. You will see residents going about their daily routine — repairing boats, tending fishing nets, playing mahjong in open doorways. Be especially respectful here: walk quietly, do not photograph people without asking, and if someone looks like they want their privacy, give it to them. The small temple at the end is more intimate than Chew Jetty's and rarely has other visitors.
Lee Jetty (Smallest & Photogenic)#
The smallest surviving jetty, home to just a handful of families from the Lee clan. What it lacks in size it makes up for in photogenic charm — the colourful wooden houses, the narrow walkway barely wide enough for one person, and the views of fishing boats bobbing in the water make it the most visually striking jetty for photography. I have seen it empty on weekday mornings when Chew Jetty next door is already busy with tour groups. Walk to the end for an unobstructed view of the strait and the distant mainland.
Yeoh, Lim & Mixed Surname Jetties#
The remaining three jetties — Yeoh, Lim, and the Mixed Surname Jetty (Seh Jetty) — are primarily residential with very few tourist facilities. They are worth a brief visit if you want the full picture, but they lack the temples and viewpoints of the three main jetties. The Mixed Surname Jetty is unique in that it was not restricted to a single clan — families of various surnames lived together, which was unusual in the clan-based system. These quieter jetties show what the community looks like without any tourist infrastructure — just wooden walkways, houses, and the sea.
Visitor Etiquette#
This is the most important section of this guide. The clan jetties are not a theme park — they are homes. I cannot stress this enough.
These Are People's Homes
The houses along the walkways are private residences. Do not peer through windows or open doors. Do not sit on people's chairs or lean on their railings without being invited. If a doorway is open, it does not mean you are welcome to walk in.
Ask Before Photographing People
Many residents are tired of being treated as photo subjects without their consent. If you want to photograph someone, ask politely first — a smile and a gesture goes a long way. Most people will say yes, but respect it if they say no.
Keep Noise Down
The narrow wooden walkways amplify sound. Loud conversations, shouting to friends, and video calls echo through the entire jetty. Speak at a normal indoor volume. Remember that children are sleeping, elderly residents are resting, and this is their home, not your backdrop.
Do Not Block the Walkways
The walkways are narrow — often just wide enough for one person with a motorbike. If you stop for a photo, press against the railing so residents and their motorbikes can pass. Tour groups should walk in single file. Never set up a tripod in the middle of the walkway.
Best Time to Visit#
Golden Hour & Sunset (5:00-6:30pm)
The jetties face west across the Penang Strait, making sunset the most atmospheric time to visit. The warm light turns the weathered wood golden, fishing boats become silhouettes, and the sky behind the mainland fills with colour. This is when I bring friends and visitors. Arrive by 5pm to walk the jetties before the light peaks around 6pm.
Early Morning (7:00-8:00am)
If you want the jetties to yourself, come at dawn. The walkways are empty of tourists, and you will see residents starting their day — hanging laundry, preparing breakfast, checking fishing nets. The morning light is soft and the sea is often calm. I walk here early when I want to clear my head.
Avoid Mid-Afternoon
The wooden walkways have no shade and absorb heat. Between 12pm and 3pm, the planks radiate heat and the glare off the water is intense. If you must come at midday, wear a hat, bring water, and keep your visit short. The residents retreat indoors during these hours too.
Chinese New Year Period
The jetties come alive during Chinese New Year, especially on the ninth day (Jade Emperor's birthday) when Chew Jetty hosts a massive celebration with prayers, firecrackers, and offerings at the temple. It is loud, crowded, and spectacular. If you are in Penang during CNY, this is a must-see event.
Getting There#
On Foot from George Town#
The clan jetties are a 10-minute walk from Armenian Street in the heart of the heritage zone. Walk south on Armenian Street, turn left onto Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street), and continue to Weld Quay. The entrance to Chew Jetty is clearly signposted. If you are doing the George Town walking tour or the street art route, the jetties are a natural extension — end your walk here at sunset for the perfect finish.
By Bus or Grab#
Multiple bus routes pass along Weld Quay — get off at the Pengkalan Weld stop. A Grab from anywhere in George Town costs RM 6-10. However, I recommend walking from the heritage zone rather than driving — the jetties are best approached on foot as part of a George Town exploration, not as an isolated destination.
Photography Tips#
Reflections in Water
On calm days, the still water between the stilts creates mirror-like reflections of the wooden houses. Crouch low to include the reflection and the structure in one frame. Early morning offers the calmest water. Avoid windy afternoons when the chop breaks the reflections.
Wooden Textures
The weathered planks, peeling paint, and rusted corrugated roofs have incredible texture. Get close for detail shots that tell the story of age and weather. The contrast between fresh paint on a newly repaired section and the decades-old wood beside it makes for compelling images.
Chew Jetty Temple
The colourful temple at the end of Chew Jetty looks best framed through the narrow walkway — stand back and use the rows of houses on either side as leading lines toward the temple. At sunset, the temple is backlit against the glowing sky. During Chinese New Year, the temple is draped in red lanterns and smoky with incense.
Silhouettes at Sunset
Position yourself facing west at the end of any jetty. As the sun drops, fishing boats, distant islands, and the wooden structures become dramatic silhouettes. Use your phone's exposure lock — tap on the bright sky to expose for the sunset and let the foreground go dark. The result is more evocative than an evenly lit shot.
Common Questions#
Are the Clan Jetties free to visit?
Yes, all six surviving clan jetties are free to enter. There are no tickets or opening hours — the jetties are public walkways through residential communities. Some small shops and temples along the jetties accept donations but there is no obligation.
Which Clan Jetty should I visit?
Chew Jetty is the largest and most tourist-friendly, with shops, a temple at the end, and the best-maintained walkway. For a quieter, more authentic experience, visit Tan Jetty or Lee Jetty. If you have time, walk all three — they are only a few minutes apart along Weld Quay.
Is it respectful to visit the Clan Jetties?
Yes, visitors are welcome, but remember these are people's homes. Keep noise down, do not peer into houses, ask before photographing residents, and do not block narrow walkways. Avoid visiting before 8am or after 9pm when residents are sleeping. Treat it as you would walking through someone's neighbourhood, not a theme park.
What is the best time to visit the Clan Jetties?
Golden hour and sunset (5-6:30pm) offer the best light for photography and a beautiful atmosphere. Early morning (7-8am) is quiet with few tourists. Avoid mid-afternoon (12-3pm) when the heat on the exposed wooden walkways is intense and there is no shade.
How do I get to the Clan Jetties?
The jetties are on Weld Quay, about a 10-minute walk from Armenian Street in the heart of the George Town heritage zone. If you are doing the street art walking route, the jetties are a natural extension. From Komtar, it is a 15-minute walk or a short Grab ride (RM 6-8).
How many Clan Jetties are there in Penang?
There were originally nine jetties, but only six survive today: Chew, Tan, Lee, Yeoh, Lim, and the Mixed Surname Jetty (Seh Jetty). The other three were demolished for development. The remaining six are protected under UNESCO World Heritage status since 2008.
Related Guides#
Wei Lin Tan
George Town native and former heritage conservation officer. 12 years of documenting Penang's food, architecture, and living traditions.