The clan jetties of Penang along the Weld Quay (click here to see map) are traditional Chinese fishing settlements and part of Penang’s heritage. Originally, there were eight clan jetties named their respective last names (Chew Jetty, Koay Jetty, Lee Jetty, Lim Jetty, Peng Aun Jetty, Tan Jetty, Yeoh Jetty, Mixed Clans Jetty), with the residents of each clan jetty representing the distinct origin of the clan.
water villages on stilts
Today, the Chew Jetty remains as the largest clan jetty along the quay. Built in the mid-19th century by immigrants from the Xin Lin She Village of the Fujian Province, the Chew Jetty is the only clan jetty today to have any clan-related activities. It is known for its huge festive celebration of ‘Pai Thee Kong’ in worship of the Jade Emperor God (Ruler of Heaven) on the 9th day of Chinese New Year (also known as the Hokkien New Year).
the walkway of Chew Jetty made from wooden planks over water
(left) drying rice grains and tiny shrimps; (right) Chew clan community living in wooden houses
fishing boats docked by the jetty
the jetty against the background of George Town
view looking out to sea
yeah i was there last year… a lovely place… so laid-back ya the life there… good…
Nice capture …
It’s a nice place for visit! Good recommendation!
Is there a Chua jetty?
Your photos reminded me of my trip to Pulau Ketam where villages are housed on concrete walkways.
This feelz like Pulau Ketam … ^^
nice! I’ve been to Chew Jetty before. It’s photogenic… anyway I’m going Penang again this Sunday! Any nice place to recommend for photography?
love the colours .. it feels like film
i havent been to Penang with this camera
I always found the small village is very interesting to me. Spending time in there, I can find lots of surprises! I like the wooden walkway. It feels much relaxing than the concret walkway~~
fufu: seems relaxed in the afternoon but i think they’re out early in the day fishing
Ian, Rafael: thanks guys!
Mei Teng: haha… not that i know of!
uLi: u and Mei Teng think alike… i am yet to visit pulau ketam
eunice: ahh saw ur post on Chew Jetty – u managed to catch great fishing lifestyle shots. i see u’ve covered quite a bit of penang on ur blog too.. mebbe u can visit the traditional artists at work – along Queen Street/King Street – they’re part of the Penang Heritage Walks.
mae: i played around with the colours for the first 2 photos
which camera of urs u referring to?
micki: surprisingly, not many penangites themselves have been to the jetties. it was an interesting first-time for me too.
I see Astro is a must have even in Kampung huh?
Ha ha… Can you see the satellite dish?
Life in the jetty can be so cosy these days.
Can watch Astro and catch fish!
ai shiang, london caller: haha i saw that too… i guess lifestyle at the jetty is catching up with the modern times!
Oo another place for me to visit when I go there
Never knew about the jetties 
interesting photo subjects. you make everything look extraordinary.
it is amazing a place like this still exists right in the centre of Georgetown
Hi Lechua, I’m visiting for the first time. Your photos are amazing! You make me want to switch to Nikon! Haha.. very beautiful shots.
er… why penang still have old jetty like shown in photos.
i thought all in simen or advanced building. i am wrong.
Plan go to penang 2 weeks later.
saw this on discovery T&L few days ago. and i heard the food is amazing.
Nicholas: looking forward to ur captures of penang from ur trip!
betchai: thanks for the compliment!
Bengbeng: that’s why i’d like to visit and capture them before they are TOTALLY modernized – i hear they are still left as it is partially for tourism
Bing: u’re a canon user eh… switch switch!! haha kidding… i find colours for scenery taken by canon usually stand out more… while portraits by nikon look more natural.
CHVoon: u’re going to makan makan? enjoy!!
Ron: u mean penang on discovery & not just the jetty right. yea penang is a food haven for local hawker food!
I missed out Penang’s clan jetties during my first visit to Penang in 2009. The wooden platform and rustic kampongs remind me of Pulau Ketam, Sekinchan Fishing Village and Pasir Penambang (all in Kuala Selangor). I would definitely LOVE to visit these historic clan jetties!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Alex Loke
Welcome to Penang my hometown!~ =)
Has anyone ever think of having a group trip to Penang for photography? Maybe we can organize one. That’ll be great. And you’d be surprised with the food too..
The Princess Diaries
Ah superb photography lechua! You made a simple and ordinary jetty look very beautiful and charming. Well done
Amazing photos. Would love to visit this place someday which I didn’t know existed until now. Haha
I like the last pic, feels so relaxing just by looking at it:)
wow.you made it so interesting on the Penang Heritage trail..must learn from the photos d..i really like the effect
TFS
mylo: i am yet to visit all these places which i’ve seen u cover in selangor.. which are all nearer than penang.
cheryl: ahh u’re a penangite.. are u based in kl though? maybe should try a day trip to somewhere in selangor before exploring further haha…
iamthewitch: thanks gal! i’m still so amazed by your maldives photos from ur honeymoon..
Che-Cheh: i myself discovered it only recently when i decided to do the heritage walk in penang after being in penang so many times
kelvin: thanks for dropping by kelvin!
Hong: hi there… looking forward to ur sakura photos from japan!
I’m already back to Penang since 3 years ago. =)
The Princess Diaries
I wanted to go to Clan Jetties during CNY, but didn’t manage to make it. Looks like an interesting place.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheryl: ooh i seeee…
khengsiong: penang is ur hometown too or u were visiting penang for cny – i think it should be super hot during CNY time but would have been an experience to visit during the 9th day of CNY since the celebration is supposed to be quite elaborate
Wow! You have such a different travel experience in Penang. I’ve never been to these water village before… where I’ve been to were only those ‘conventional’ tourists spots in Penang island. I should pay Penang a real visit next time.
i love it when photography of the nature is accompanied by beautiful blue sky.. the sea doesnt look blue anymore.. =/
Cecil: the heritage area is worth a visit – Penang is promoting it quite a bit at the tourist centres and all – it’s perhaps not so frequented by locals coz the main attraction in penang is FOOD for locals.
kenwooi: yea.. and it’s great when u have scenery where the sea and sky merges…
interesting…tq..
Sir,
I am a university lecturer and at the moment I am enjoying my retirement in Perth. l have been away in Australia for more than half of my life. All this time, I am unaware of the relevance of the Penang Chew Jetty. Before coming to Perth, I stayed and schooled in Kulim. My father moved from Penang to live in Kulim before I was born. Even before I knew it, I always wondered why, whenever we caught a ferry across from Butterworth, that I was attracted to walk around Weld Quay and look between the fishing boats despite the pong of bad eggs!
My father have not spoken to me about the Chew Jetty. Long after the his passing on, I came to know that he actually lived in Chew Jetty and worked in an office in the Penang Clock Tower nearby. Often, he would have caught a fishing boat to go across the straits to Prai/Butterworth. Instinctively, I need to return to Penang to visit the places my father lived and worked. What a great way to love and remember my father by being able to share a little bit of his way of life back during those days!
S.Chew
April 2011
email: chewhg@iinet.net.au
Hi Stewart, glad to know this post has brought back some childhood memories of yours. Yes perhaps it would be a good idea for you to return for a visit in Penang
. The jetty and all have become famous heritage sites.