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Lovely to wander along such a historic and eclectic place. Strange to think people have lived there for generations and still call it home today. A great way to get a feel for the coast and feels far from bustling Georgetown.
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Date of experience: October 2020
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To get a full picture of old George Town one should not miss a visit to the clan jetties off Weld Quay (named after a British governor). Actually there are 7 jetties left (Ong, Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee, Yeoh and New Jetty), after the two southernmost (Peng Aun and Koay) were demolished in 2006 to make place for a new housing development. Only 2 years later this wouldn't have been possible anymore, when the jetties like the rest of old George Town were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of all the jetties the by far most visited is Chew Jetty, which has become quite a touristy place with all its stalls for souvenirs and snacks, also 10 minutes boat rides are offered. Visiting hours are between 9am and 9pm. Smoking is strictly not allowed. Since there are still people living on the jetty, a respectful behaviour is required. Originally just meant to moor sampans and to load and unload wares, the jetties started to develop into water villages by the end of the 19th century with always a clan occupying one of them. Here it was the Chew, originally from the village Xinglinshe in Fujian province, whose main job was to offer shuttle and cargo service for big ships anchored out at sea. Originally the people here had to fetch water from the Quay. Running water and electricity was provided as of 1957. There are several temples on the jetty, also a multi-purpose community hall. Well known is the painting on a house wall of a man in a hammock with kids, fish and a cat around him. My main activity at Chew Jetty had been to buy and eat a Durian Puff, which I quite enjoyed: durian cream in the middle of a choux bun.…
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Date of experience: November 2019
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Of the clan jetties in the area, Chew Jetty was the most tourist friendly. Many stalls along the wooden plank walkway opened their doors to business during my visit and I managed to shop for some local specialties and food. Chew jetty is the longest among all the clan jetties and overlook the Penang Strait. It wasn't crowded and I had a great time taking in the view and cool myself by the sea breeze.…
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Date of experience: October 2020
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Iconic place for photos and to see how they live. Wooden houses on stilts and long bridges of different clans. Very nostalgic yet humbling place.
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Date of experience: September 2020
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