UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chew Jetty
Chew Jetty is one of the surviving Chinese clan jetties in George Town, Penang. Its wooden boardwalk stretching into the sea, stilt houses, and red lanterns make it a must-visit destination.
Address
Weld Quay, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours
Daily 09:00 – 21:00
Entry Fee
Free
Recommended Duration
1 – 2 hours
Google Maps Rating
4.1 / 5
Coordinates
5.4127° N, 100.3398° E
A Heritage Water Village
Chew Jetty was built in the mid-19th century by the ancestors of the Chew clan who migrated from Xinglingshe Village, TongAn District, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. It is one of six surviving clan jetties in George Town.
The jetty consists of two sections with a combined length of over 300 metres and houses around 75 units of stilt homes. Each house is built on wooden pillars above the water, forming a unique water village that is part of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A living witness to Hokkien Chinese immigrant history
- Stilt houses, a shrine and souvenir stalls
- Filming location of a popular movie
History & Heritage
From Hokkien migration in the 19th century to UNESCO recognition, here is the historical journey of Chew Jetty.
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Mid-19th century
Hokkien migration from Fujian
The ancestors of the Chew family migrated from Xinglingshe Village, TongAn District, Quanzhou, Fujian, China to George Town. They worked as port coolies, fishermen and small traders along Weld Quay.
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Late 19th century
Construction of the clan jetty — "one surname, one jetty"
Clans sharing the same surname built wooden jetties stretching into the sea and set up stilt houses on both sides. This concept is considered among the last of its kind in the world; several clan jetties once existed, with six remaining today including Chew Jetty.
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20th century
Generations of life on water
Dozens of families raised children on the jetty. The water village was complete with a shrine, sundry shops and mooring for fishing boats. Other jetties were dismantled over time to make way for urban development.
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7 July 2008
UNESCO World Heritage recognition
George Town, together with Melaka, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca"). The clan jetties, including Chew Jetty, are recognised as living heritage protected under the core zone of the heritage site.
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Today
A living community in the midst of tourism
Around 75 units of homes are still occupied. Residents continue their daily routines — washing, drying clothes, repairing boats — while sharing the jetty space with visitors from around the world.
Beliefs & Traditional Festivals
The life of the jetty residents is rooted in Hokkien folk beliefs. Several festivals and practices are still carried on from generation to generation.
Pai Thian Kong — Birthday of the Jade Emperor
On the eve of the 9th day of the Chinese New Year, the Hokkien community celebrates the birthday of Thian Kong (Jade Emperor) with a grand ceremony. In front of Chew Jetty, a long table is laid with offerings — roasted pigs wrapped in red paper, fruits, gift platters and joss paper. This collective ritual is considered one of the most vibrant celebrations in Penang.
Shrine at the end of the jetty
At the end of the jetty stands a small shrine dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu (Mak Co), protector of fishermen. Residents and fishermen pray here before setting out to sea — a practice over a century old.
Hungry Ghost Festival
In the 7th lunar month, residents hold rituals to honour ancestral spirits: burning joss paper, preparing sacrificial offerings, and occasionally staging opera or wayang performances near the jetty.
Chinese New Year & Chap Goh Meh
During Chinese New Year, the jetty is decorated with lanterns and red banners. On Chap Goh Meh (15th night), grand celebrations with fireworks and processions take place along Weld Quay, attracting thousands of visitors.
Stilt House Architecture
The architectural form of Chew Jetty was born from the need to live at the river mouth — simple yet full of adaptive wisdom.
Wooden pillars into the seabed
Houses are raised on wooden pillars driven directly into the seabed. During high tide, the water level can rise to almost the floor level of the houses.
Interwoven wooden walkways
The main jetty consists of interwoven wooden planks extending over 300 metres. Parts of the walkway have been widened and roofed for the comfort of residents and shopkeepers.
A complete community space
On the jetty one finds a shrine, stalls, clothes-drying areas, washing areas, and a boat mooring — a complete village floating on water.
Heritage conservation
As part of a World Heritage Site, any renovation and repair is subject to the conservation guidelines of George Town World Heritage Incorporated to preserve its original character.
Filming Locations
The unique atmosphere of the water village makes Chew Jetty a favourite of local and international filmmakers.
Ice Kacang Puppy Love (2010)
An iconic local film directed by Aniu, largely shot on Chew Jetty. The house of singer Eric Moo at 59A Chew Jetty was among the filming locations. The film's success introduced the jetty to a wider audience.
Films, dramas & commercials
The unique water-village atmosphere makes Chew Jetty a preferred filming location for various films, TV dramas, music videos and commercials by local and international productions throughout the year.
Best Time & Visit Tips
Chew Jetty offers a different atmosphere throughout the day. Mornings are good for quiet photos, while late afternoons offer beautiful sunset light.
Morning (09:00 – 11:00)
Highly recommended
Lower crowd levels, ideal for photos of the wooden boardwalk without the crowds. The weather is also more comfortable.
Midday (12:00 – 15:00)
Crowded
Shops and food stalls are busy, but the weather may be hot. Do bring a hat and sunscreen.
Late afternoon (17:00 – 19:30)
Highly recommended
Soft light, snack stalls open, and you can watch the sunset over the water.
1 – 2 hours is enough for a leisurely walk, photos, and an afternoon drink by the water.
Tickets & Fees
Chew Jetty is a living neighbourhood open to the public. You can walk along the wooden boardwalk and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere without any entry fee.
Jetty access
24-hour access to the main walkway; shops open 09:00–21:00
Self-guided visit
No official guided tour packages on the jetty
Photography
Take photos of views, boats and stilt houses
Public restrooms
Depending on local facilities
Parking Information
George Town is always busy. Parking near Chew Jetty is limited, so plan ahead or use public transport.
Street parking
Available along Beach Street / Weld Quay. Spaces are limited and usually require parking coupons (RM0.60–RM2.00 per hour on weekdays).
Paid car parks nearby
Several private lots exist within 5–10 minutes' walk. Rates are usually RM3–RM5 for short stays.
Free CAT bus line
Rapid Penang's free CAT (Central Area Transit) bus stops nearby. This is the best option to avoid driving stress.
- •Avoid driving into George Town on weekends and public holidays if possible.
- •If coming from Butterworth, the ferry to George Town is easier than driving across the bridge.
Food Nearby
Don't miss the chance to try Penang's iconic dishes before or after visiting the jetty.
Penang Asam Laksa
A sour, fish-based laksa that is Penang's iconic dish. Available at stalls near the jetty and Balik Pulau Road.
Char Koay Teow
Flat rice noodles fried with beansprouts, prawns, cockles and egg over a fierce flame for that "wok hei" flavour.
Penang Cendol
A cold dessert with green jelly noodles, coconut milk, palm sugar and shaved ice — the perfect antidote to hot weather.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Simple yet delicious Hainanese chicken rice, easily found in coffee shops around George Town.
Nyonya Kuih
A variety of colourful traditional kuih reflecting Penang's Baba Nyonya heritage.
Wantan Mee
Yellow noodles with greens, wantan dumplings, and roast pork or chicken.
Detailed Transport
Chew Jetty is easily accessible from the airport, the mainland, or anywhere in George Town.
From Penang International Airport (PEN)
About 20 km away; 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Grab / Taxi: Easiest option, around RM25–RM40.
- Rapid Penang Bus 401E: From the airport to George Town; alight near Weld Quay, then walk.
Rapid Penang Bus
Multiple routes connect George Town. Stop near Weld Quay and walk 5 minutes.
- Free CAT: Free city-centre shuttle with a stop near the jetty.
- Routes 10, 11, 12, 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, 204, 301, 302, 303, 401, 401E, 502.
Penang Ferry
From Butterworth to George Town via the Penang Ferry. Suitable for travellers from the mainland.
- Walk from Swettenham Pier to Weld Quay (10–15 minutes).
- Continue with the free CAT bus for a free ride to the jetty.
Grab / Taxi
Most comfortable, especially at night or with family.
- Set the destination as "Chew Jetty, Weld Quay, George Town".
- Taxi services can also be booked at hotels or on the street.
Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit to Chew Jetty with George Town heritage attractions within walking distance.
Armenian Street Street Art
5 min walkIconic murals by Ernest Zacharevic and the atmosphere of George Town's heritage lanes.
Khoo Kongsi (Leong San Tong)
10 min walkA Chinese clanhouse adorned with intricate wood carvings and majestic Chinese architecture.
Fort Cornwallis
12 min walkAn 18th-century fort with landmark cannons and a historic park.
Kapitan Keling Mosque
12 min walkA beautiful Mughal-style mosque and one of George Town's historic religious landmarks.
Little India
10 min walkSpice shops, jewellery, Indian food, and colourful temples.
Other Clan Jetties
AdjacentExplore Tan Jetty, Lee Jetty and Lim Jetty for a different perspective on the water villages.
Photo Gallery
See the atmosphere, wooden architecture, traditional boats and colours of life at Chew Jetty.
Visitor Etiquette
Chew Jetty is home to around 75 families. It is not a theme park — residents genuinely live here. Respect their space so the harmonious relationship between residents and tourists can be maintained.
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Treat the jetty as a residential neighbourhood; keep the atmosphere calm, especially in the early morning and late evening.
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Do not take photos of residents personally, inside their homes, or of personal belongings without permission.
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Do not enter residents' homes or private yards; stay on public walkways.
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Dispose of rubbish in the bins provided and take your own rubbish with you.
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Wooden walkways can be slippery after rain — walk carefully and wear suitable shoes.
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At the shrine, avoid noise and follow local customs and taboos.
My Trip Checklist
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Chew Jetty Location
Weld Quay, George Town, Penang — next to the other clan jetties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions before you visit Chew Jetty.
Is Chew Jetty open to the public?
How much does it cost to enter Chew Jetty?
How much time should I spend at Chew Jetty?
Is there parking near Chew Jetty?
How do I get to Chew Jetty from Penang Airport?
Can I watch the sunset at Chew Jetty?
References & Sources
Information on this page is compiled from the following verifiable sources. This page is an independent guide and not the official page of Chew Jetty.