Day 38: A Life On Stilts

Today’s destination is the Clan Jetties in George Town. These historic jetties, built by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who came to Penang in search of economic opportunities, became home to various clans, each of which formed a close-knit community.  

Each clan jetty—autonomous and self-contained—served as a residential enclave for laborers, fishermen, and cargo handlers who worked at the bustling port. These communities had their own customs, festivals, and leadership structures. Temples and shrines played a central role in their spiritual life, especially during important Chinese festivals like the Hungry Ghost Festival and Chinese New Year.  

We take a Grab car to Yeoh Jetty, situated along the coastline facing the mainland. The car drops us off at the edge of a settlement where rows of wooden houses stand on stilts above the water. The morning sun blazes overhead, and we eagerly search for shade as we navigate the narrow walkways winding between the homes.

In front of the modest wooden huts, we notice miniature gardens filled with flowers, vegetables, herbs, and spices planted in pots, often placed beside small family shrines. The air carries a faint mix of floral, herbal and fish scents, adding to the charm of the scene. Open windows and doors offer brief glimpses into the interiors—simple rooms bathed in dim light—but no one seems to be inside, giving the area an almost tranquil stillness.

Occasionally, the path is interrupted by small drainage canals that remind us of the area’s rudimentary infrastructure. After a few minutes, we spot a wooden jetty stretching out toward the water, and at its end stands a small hut and a place of worship.

From the jetty we can see many stilt houses, constructed on wooden platforms over the water. It is not Venice but living life above water.

View at the end of the Yeoh Jetty

Place of Worship at the Yeoh Jetty
No, the fireplace is not for barbecues.

Hardly any space between houses
but always space enough for the family shrine.


Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple

As we continue walking along the waterline, a sign reading "Tokong Kuan Yin Hean Boo Thean Temple" directs us toward our next destination. The Temple, a serene waterfront shrine constructed in 1972, is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, one of the most venerated deities in Chinese Buddhism.  





More jettys

After exploring the temple, we proceed to the Lee, Tan, and Chew Jetties, but the intense heat eventually compels us to pause for a break. We stop at a family-run restaurant, where three generations work together to keep the business alive. A lively 7-year-old Chinese boy approaches us and, in perfect English, takes our orders. Curious, we strike up a conversation, and he enthusiastically explains how the business operates.  

As we prepare to leave, we offer the boy a small tip for his kindness and effort, but his grandfather, a warm and friendly elderly man, immediately steps in and returns the coins. 

This interaction leaves us with a lasting impression of the strong family values and cultural pride that still thrive within the Clan Jetties.

Entrance to the Lee Jetty

View from the Tan Jetty

Embracing Nature 
An alternative to German "Baumschutzverordnung" (Tree Protection Ordinance)

 Mural Street Art 

Penang is famous for its street art. Here are two examples we saw today.




Location: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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