A walk to the Chew Jetty brings you back to the earlier Chinese settlements in Penang who built these village on stilts. There are 6 clan jetties of Pengkalan Weld that withstood the test of time and a strong testament of living heritage for Penang and the world to mesmerise. Each jetty is named after a Chinese clan but the Chew Jetty is the most tourist-friendly with the most stilt-houses and the longest walkway.
A clan is a group of close-knit families; in this case they are all of Chinese origin. A clan jetty is a community village, consisting of houses built on stilts over the water.
Mural depicting the locals of Chew Jetty.
A stroll along the heritage community wooden walkways gives me the vibes of the ambience from the surrounding that exudes a sense of nostalgia in this unique waterfront settlement. The houses were built close to each other, with some separated by a small alley to allow sea breeze to pass through.
The UNESCO World Heritage status saved the jetties from planned demolition. They even have their own private balcony!
Chew Jetty
At the end of the jetty you are able to capture a panoramic view of the port and the activities between the mainland and the island. A perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
The families were used to living close to the water and most men who lived on the jetties worked as fishermen or as coolies in the port.
There are souvenir shops (amazingly cheap to hunt for magnets), a hairdresser and a couple of houses offering home-stays; Chew Jetty is a favorite tourist spot in Penang.
Attractions in Penang | lonelytravelog.com
Lonely Travelog 
The clan jetties in Penang are wonderful, a jewel you really should take a closer look at. I was there last year and truly was mesmerized by the charm and ambiance there. You have captured the soul of the jetties with your photos – stunning! Absolutely stunning! (:
During my countless trips to Penang, I have never been to this jetty. So, I make a deal with myself, to visit this jetty come this November!
You should visit at least one of the Jetty. Somehow reminds me of Kg Air in Brunei.
Speaking of Kg Air, I was told by the villagers that the Brunei government is planning to modernize the village. So, soon the village will not be the same anymore. In fact, some parts are already full with new double storey brick houses.
I think partly they want to attract more tourist. I still remember there this house offering traditional kuih muih. I’m not sure if you have visited.
Ah no.. haha. But I saw one house which was colourful enough that it attracted me to meet the owner and had a good ol’ conversation with him. hehe.
Well, I don’t think modernizing it will attract more tourist. In my humble opinion, the charm lies in the originality and rustic feeling of the place.
I think previously in Singapore there was a fishing village called Kg Khatib or something right? What happened to that Kampung?
I love the picture of the deck chairs out overlooking the water. Glad UNESCO has saved the area from complete redevelopment.