"Clan Jetties" Penang Travelogue by Willettsworld

Originally from Fujian province in south China, the settlers of the Clan Jetties found it much cheaper to build their houses on stilts above the water instead of on land where they were forced to pay tax. Today it is less a tax avoidance technique and more of a tourism drawcard.

When coming up Weld Quay from the ferry terminal, you can see signs to each pier detailing information about where that particular clan originated from. The first is Lim Jetty, belonging to the Lim clan, a small settlement compared to the next one 50m down the road. Chew Jetty comprises around 80 houses built on two boardwalks that lead out to sea, where a small shrine dedicated to seafarers looks out across the channel.

You'll know you're at the right jetty when sighting the big red painted temple and the Chew Cafe, where gathering locals often play mah jong. Tan Jetty is the last pier and by far the smallest, with an entrance looking more like a scrapyard than anything else.