The Clan Jetties are one of the most significant historical areas in Penang–a traditional village consisting of structures and houses built on stilts right over the water.
Clan jetties are a very unique type of water settlement created by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. Originally, they consisted of a single structure used as a sort of small warehouse where the loading and unloading of products and materials (including firewood, charcoal, and boat transportation) for a particular trade or industry happened. Over the years, families (or clans) took over certain industries and unofficially claimed a certain area of the dock, with each clan getting bigger and building more huts along the way.
There are now six jetties on the waterfront–all of them still home to Chinese descendants and considered a historical reminder of the industries that helped shape Penang. While they are technically private property where families live, most of the jetties welcome visitors for a glimpse of their local temple, photos of the sunset over the water, and a nostalgic walk over the walkway surrounding the stilt-houses.
The place offers plenty of Kodak moments to visitors, especially the Chew jetty.
Highlights: Tourist friendly aura and stilt houses await the keen eye of travelers. There is a temple which is worth watching. None of the people here pay any taxes to this day as they contend that they are not living on land. The place has a rich history associated with its existence.
Best time: Be wary of the fact that people still live here. So travelling here during the evenings is best for clicking best shots.
Price: No entry fee.
