Chew Jetty

Tourist attraction · George Town ·

Chew Jetty

Tourist attraction · George Town ·

19th-century stilt houses over water, temples, shops, sunset views

Information

Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

How to Eat Your Way Through Penang, Malaysia—Asia's Most Exciting Food Destination | Condé Nast Traveler

"A 19th-century waterfront settlement of stilt houses where the sea air turns warm and salty, this living neighborhood offers quiet glimpses of daily life—I watched a man walk his songbird in a pagoda-style cage and paused to the clack of mah-jongg tiles through an open doorway. It’s a reminder that Penang’s history is not just preserved, but inhabited." - Arati Menon

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/guide-to-penang-malaysia-asias-most-exciting-food-destination

Chew Jetty

@silverkris

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The traditional craftsmen of George Town in Penang - SilverKris

"A jumble of attap palm‑roofed huts and gangplanks jutting out into the water, originally built so clan members could live where they worked and avoid taxes. Once a working waterfront community, it has become saturated with tourists picking their way between stalls selling plastic trinkets and durian ice cream; many residents have reacted by forbidding photography or selling up to souvenir merchants, leaving a sense of a place being reshaped by outside demand." - Nicholas Walton

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/arts-culture/heritage/traditional-craftsmen-george-town-penang/

Chew Jetty

Ayo C.

Google

Chew Jetty was one of the most interesting places I visited in Penang. It’s not just a tourist spot, it’s a living village built on stilts over the water, which makes the experience feel unique and authentic. Walking along the wooden walkway, you can see traditional houses, small souvenir stalls, and parts of daily life of the local community. I liked how the place keeps its heritage while still being welcoming to visitors. The view of the sea at the end of the jetty is also relaxing, especially if you go near sunset. It can get crowded, but the atmosphere is still nice and peaceful. Just be respectful since people actually live there. Definitely worth visiting if you want to see a cultural side of Penang, not just malls and modern attractions.

Jack

Google

It's ok and worth a visit if exploring the city. However, don't expect anything exciting, there's just not much there besides clothes shops, souvenir shops and drink vendors. We did buy a nice piece of art from a souvenir shop. Best thing were the peaceful views from the end of the jetty

Aleks G

Google

Interesting place to visit and walk around. There are lots of commercial stalls for souvenirs or water. It’s interesting to see how the construction of the houses is set up. We even spotted some street art along the way. Worth a visit and a short walk through.

Nuralia N.

Google

Such a nice place! Been to Penang a few times but don’t know this place exists. Just a few min walking distance from the Armenian street. Came at the evening and it was nice, you could also watch sunset from here. You need to walk pass through some floating houses with a quite narrow path and at the end of the pathway you will arrived at the jetty. Such a nice view for a pictures! And i think it was free to enter cause I didn’t need to pay during that time.

n S.

Google

Spend time after hospital visit, totally recommended since its tourist spot. It would be nice to come in the morning or afternoon, we came at noon it was really hot. There is no entrance fee, however for toilet need to pay 1 ringgit but you get tissue and its clean.

Mohammed I.

Google

Chew Jetty, the largest and most famous of the historic Clan Jetties in George Town, Penang, is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site offering a unique glimpse into a traditional waterfront lifestyle. It is not a single floating structure, but a community of floating houses—or, more accurately, stilt houses—built entirely over the water on wooden piers. These rustic, interconnected wooden homes have been continuously inhabited by descendants of the Chew clan since the 19th century, creating a living, breathing village seemingly suspended between land and sea. Visitors can explore the long wooden walkway to witness this unique way of life. While primarily a residential area, the jetty has become a popular tourist attraction, with many ground-level rooms in the houses converted into small shops selling souvenirs and local treats. For those interested in the water perspective, boating is a popular activity. Tour operators often offer short boat rides from the jetty, providing scenic views of the stilt houses and the George Town coastline from the sea. The cultural and religious heart of the community is marked by its temples. There are two significant Chinese temples on Chew Jetty. The temple near the entrance is dedicated to the God of Heaven (Jade Deity), and another temple at the very end of the main jetty is dedicated to the Taoist Sea Deity, Haisen, to ensure good fortune and safe journeys at sea. While the primary temples follow Taoist and traditional Chinese folk religion, a prominent, striking structure adjacent to the Chew Jetty is the beautiful Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple, often referred to as the Floating Temple. While this temple is not physically on Chew Jetty, its stunning location perched right on the water makes it a major highlight when viewing the jetties from the coast or on a boat tour.

leb

Google

Fun spot to watch the sunset and see the water! It’s a classic part of George Town and it’s fun to go at least once to experience the culture and see the homes above the water. There’s plenty of little shops and food spots to enjoy as well.

Samir S.

Google

A visit to Chew Jetty is a step back in time. Navigating the narrow, bustling wooden alleyways to reach the water’s edge is part of the charm, leading you to a stunning panoramic view. The highlight is undoubtedly the photogenic bridge stretching across the sea toward the mainland—a dream for any photographer. While the strong, briny scent of the sea and fish can be a bit overwhelming, it’s a small price to pay for such an authentic heritage experience.