Where People Still Lives On Stilts Over The Sea – Chew Jetty (姓周桥)

Built in the 19th century, Chew Jetty is a UNESCO world heritage site in the heart of George Town, Penang. Chew Jetty is literally the Chinese Fujian immigrants that bear the surname “Chew” and built this village on stilts. Today, Chew Jetty is said to be the most known and prominent one among the seven clan jetties of Pengkalan Weld, until one was demolished by fire and now six remain. Other jetties including Tan, Lee, Yeoh, Lim (all common Chinese surname) and 1 mixed clan jetty. Together, a visit to the jetties are one of the top things to do in Penang.

Even though I’d been to Penang quite a few times but this was my 1st visit to clan jetties. Chew Jetty and the other remaining clan jetties are located near the Penang Ferry Terminal. It was a short walk through the heritage George Town from our hotel. There’s no entrance fee for Chew Jetty so it was one of the easy and best free things to do in George Town.

In the early 20th century, the clan jetty settlements expanded as squatters for poor people trying to make ends meet, those residents did not have basic amenities like water and electricity, and had to carry their water in tins from the main road. It was only after the Penang municipal election in 1957 that the Clan Jetties began to join the modern era, and finally integrated into the society. Most of the houses now have fitted with satellite TV and turned into souvenir shops for the tourist. The famous Big Bowl Ramen restaurant is also situated on Chew Jetty.

Fun Fact: To this day none of the families pay any tax as they are not living on land.

Present Day’s Chew Jetty

The Clan Jetties now are transformed into a tourists spot that forms part of the George Town Heritage Trail.It was an easy walk from the entrance to the end of Chew Jetty, where we stopped at the Chinese temple overlooking the sea. Along the way, we had a peep into some of those old houses, which are mainly built with zinc panel and wood. The tourist crowd was rampant during our short visit there, which somewhat tampered the genuinity of Chew Jetty.

Although people still live in the 75 houses on Chew Jetty, I couldn’t help but wonder and imagine the original lifestyle there before the whole commercialisation took over the authentic living in everyday’s lives.

So have you been to this part of George Town, Penang? Or tell me some of the unique living conditions that you’d seen so far. If you’re planning to visit Penang for the first time, check out this guide on where to stay in Penang too.

Address: Weld Quay, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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