The jetties were established in the late 19th century as a solution for Chinese immigrants who could not afford land taxes to live on the mainland.
The Chew Jetty is the most tourist-accessible, containing a small temple and residential homes open to the public.
The Yeoh Jetty is the oldest of the clan jetties, dating back to the late 1800s.
The settlements survived a massive urban renewal attempt in the 2000s that threatened to relocate the residents due to the site's UNESCO status.
Despite their appearance, the houses are equipped with modern amenities like electricity and internet access.
The walkways are designed to be flexible, allowing the structures to withstand the constant movement of tides.
Each jetty originally functioned as a mini-port for the specific clan to load and unload goods from cargo ships.
The Clan Jetties of Penang are a collection of historical floating villages built on stilts, representing the last bastion of traditional Chinese maritime settlements in George Town. Originally established in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants, these settlements are organized by clan lineages, with surnames like Lim, Chew, and Tan each occupying a specific pier. The houses are constructed primarily from wood and corrugated iron, hovering directly over the mudflats of the Malacca Strait. Residents maintain traditional lifestyles despite the area's integration into the George Town UNESCO World Heritage site. The jetties serve as both residential communities and functional piers for small-scale local trade. Elevated wooden walkways connect the dwelling clusters, which extend hundreds of meters into the harbor waters. While some sections have been modernized, many houses retain original architectural elements that reflect the vernacular adaptation to tidal environments. The site remains an active residential area, with families living in these structures for multiple generations.
The end of the Chew Jetty walkway offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the wooden structures set against the sea.
Keep your voice low and avoid peering directly into open windows to respect the privacy of residents living in these active homes.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes as the wooden planks can be uneven, gaps between boards exist, and the ground can be slick.
Bring a portable fan or umbrella for sun protection, as there is minimal shade along the narrow, exposed walkways.
Do not wander onto smaller, non-public jetties that lack signage, as these are strictly private residential zones.
Maintain a respectful distance from private living spaces; keep volume low as this is a quiet, functioning residential community.
