Penang | Clan Jetties

Clan Jetties. The Clan Jetties of Penang were the residential areas of Chinese immigrants who came to Nanyang in the past, consisting of wooden houses built in clusters along the coast. The so-called 'jetty' is not a bridge, but rather high-stilt wooden houses constructed along the coast on piers. They are elevated with wooden pillars, with the base solidified with cement, and wooden planks laid out to form the streets of the village, connecting it to the mainland. When the Chinese came to Penang to engage in trade and fishing, they lived by the sea, hence they built plank walkways and houses on top of them, forming unique little villages. The largest of these now is the Chew Jetty. Surrounded by tall buildings, the small stature of the Clan Jetties and the long piers quietly extend into the sea, showing a bit of vicissitude and calmness. These wooden houses were once on the verge of demolition and abandonment, but after Penang was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site, the Clan Jetties were preserved. However, it is uncertain how long this type of wooden architecture can last. Before they disappear, come here to see and feel the hardships of the Chinese immigrants who came to Nanyang in the past, and to understand the intelligence, wisdom, and strong adaptability of the Chinese people.