Clan Jetties (Penang Stilt Houses)

Overview

The Clan Jetties were formed along the Weld Quay waterfront in George Town from the late 19th century onward by Chinese immigrant clans. Seven jetties — Lim, Chew, Lee, Tan, Yeoh, Mixed, and Koay — each historically hosted families bearing the same Chinese surname, with over a century of stilt-house living. The most famous, Chew Jetty, is a 200 m wooden boardwalk lined with about 75 stilt houses, some of which are now cafes and souvenir shops welcoming visitors. The jetty ends house temples and small shrines preserving Chinese tradition, and at sunset the wooden houses and surrounding sea glow in golden light. The Clan Jetties are a core component of the 2008 UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. Free entry. Near the Penang Ferry Terminal.