Clan Jetties
Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Penang being a heritage town is rich with attractive historic sites and cultural events, but this inimitable settlement stands out as a truly unique living heritage. The Chew Jetty is actually a whole settlement of wooden houses built on silts and the name “Chew” is the surname (the first name) of the residences and that’s where the name was derived. Migrant’s families with this surname would live together in this area.
These clusters of wooden houses were built by the Chinese poor immigrants who work near the port during the nineteen century. These immigrants migrated from the south-eastern coast of China, known as the Fujian Province over here due to the hardship they face in their homeland during that era. Later they brought their families over and made this waterfront their home. The Chew Jetty is still home to hundreds of people living in this area today but many have changed their social and economic lifestyle.
Source : visitpenang.gov.my
Clan Jetties and their Floating Village is a complete village on stilts above the water where Chinese clans live. In the 19th century many Chinese immigrants came to Malaysia. To enlarge their chances clans were established, There used to be seven jetties until one was demolished by fire and now six remain.
The small villages are characterized by old traditions and habits, from candles outside the door to complete prayer temples inside the house. In total there are six of these villages, in every village lives one clan, and every village has their own temple. . Each jetty is named after a Chinese clan – the Chew Jetty is the most tourist-friendly with the most stilt-houses, the longest walkway, a temple that is worth stopping by and plenty of places for those Kodak moments.
Those who are staying here does not pay any tax as they are not living on land.
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Getting there : The clan jetties are within walking distance of the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, so it can easily be reached by bus, taxi and ferry. The Penang Hop-OnHop-Off Tourist Bus also stops there.
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