Houses on stilts
Wooden villages over the sea since the 1800s.
HundenvonPenang — CC BY-SA 4.0 · yeowatzup — CC BY 2.0 · yeowatzup — CC BY 2.0 · Cmglee — CC BY-SA 3.0
Villages of wooden houses on stilts over the sea, linked by narrow boardwalks, built by Chinese port workers in the nineteenth century, each jetty home to a clan sharing one surname. The same families have lived here for generations, which is what makes it a living place rather than a museum. Chew Jetty is the largest and most visited, its main walkway now lined with small shops selling souvenirs, snacks and drinks, and at the end an open view over the sea and the boats. The best time is sunset, when the sky colours behind the jetties. Remember that you are walking past people's homes and open doors, so keep your voice down, respect their privacy and do not photograph residents in their houses; families have repeatedly asked visitors to do so. Entry is free, and visits are best in daytime and early evening. The walkways are narrow and unrailed in places, so keep hold of small children. The jetties are minutes from the heart of George Town and the ferry terminal, so they fit easily into a walk.
Wooden villages over the sea since the 1800s.
The sky colouring behind the jetties at the walkway's end.
The largest and liveliest, with small shops along it.
Weld Quay, George Town, Penang
Khoo KongsiYou enter from a narrow lane and suddenly face a wide stone square with the most5 minutes walk4.3
Little India, George TownA lively quarter in the heart of George Town, fragrant with spices and incense a5 minutes walk
Acheen Street Mosque (Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh)One of Penang's oldest and most storied mosques, built in 1808 on land given by 6 minutes walk
Kapitan Keling MosqueFounded by Muslim traders from South India in the early nineteenth century, a fe6 minutes walk4.7
Pinang Peranakan MansionA green mansion on Church Street built in the late nineteenth century by Chung K8 minutes walk4.6Yes, with care: walkways are narrow and some have no rails over the water. Hold small children's hands, and expect no more than half an hour of walking and photos.