Chew Jetty: Visiting George Town's Clan Jetties

Chew Jetty is a wooden village built on stilts over the water at Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld), on the eastern edge of George Town. It is the largest and most visited of the clan jetties, a cluster of waterfront settlements founded by Chinese immigrants who worked the port as boatmen, porters and traders. Families of the Chew clan, whose ancestors came from Tong’an near Xiamen, still live here, which is what makes a visit feel different from a museum.

A single plank walkway runs out over the sea, lined with houses, small shrines and a growing number of stalls selling snacks, drinks and souvenirs. At the far end the walkway opens onto the water with views towards the mainland.

The clan jetties of George Town

Seven clan jetties survive along Weld Quay: Chew, Lim, Tan, Lee, Yeoh, the mixed-surname New Jetty and the Ong jetty, now absorbed into the ferry terminal area. Two others were demolished in 2006. Each jetty was traditionally home to people sharing one surname and one ancestral village in China, and each has its own clan temple.

Chew Jetty draws most of the visitors, and heritage tourism has turned a share of its homes into shops. If you want a quieter look at the same way of life, walk a few minutes along Weld Quay to Lim Jetty or Tan Jetty, which have far fewer stalls.

What to see at Chew Jetty

• The clan temple, the community’s spiritual centre, where the Chew clan honours its patron deities.
• The walkway and houses, many still with timber walls, potted plants and family altars visible through open doors.
• The end of the jetty, the best spot for sunrise photos and views across the channel.
• The Jade Emperor’s birthday, celebrated on the ninth day of Chinese New Year. The jetty fills with offerings and incense on the eve of the festival, and it is one of the most atmospheric times to visit.

Visiting Chew Jetty respectfully

This is a residential community, not a theme park. Stay on the main walkway, do not step into open doorways, keep your voice down and ask before photographing people. Keep to daytime and early evening hours, when residents expect visitors.

How to get there

Chew Jetty is on Weld Quay, a short walk from the Weld Quay bus terminal and the Penang ferry terminal. From the street art lanes around Armenian Street it is roughly 15 minutes on foot, or a short Grab ride.

Best time to visit

Early morning is the quietest and coolest time, and the light over the water is lovely. Late afternoon into sunset is also popular, though busier. Midday is hot, as there is almost no shade on the walkway.

How it fits your trip

Chew Jetty fits neatly at the end of a Penang street art walk. It is one of the core heritage stops in George Town, and our 3-day Penang itinerary includes it on the first day. For more of the island, see our Penang guide.