Chew Jetty was one of 5 wooden jetties constructed in 1888 as part of a development project on the quay side in George Town. 2 other wooden jetties were built in the same area in the 1960s. One jetty burnt down so only five remain.
Chew Jetty Penang is located at Weld Quay, George Town, Penang and is 21 kilometres away from Lexis Suites Penang. It is the biggest of the waterfront settlements in Georgetown and was part of the Clan Jetties Penang settling at the southern section of Weld Quay. The wooden piers built by the Chinese were divided between the different surname-based clans such as “Lim”, “Tan”, “Lee”, “Yeoh” and finally “Chew”, which was the most famous of all. Chew Jetty has also become one of the focal points of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Penang in recent years.
Back in 1918, the Chinese ancestors of Chew Jetty Penang heard that jobs were aplenty in Penang and many were attracted to earn a living there. The Clan Jetty was built on stilts by Chinese immigrants and each jetty comprises row houses on stilts joined by wooden walkways over the water. The most joyous moment with a carnival atmosphere at Chew Jetty Penang is when the Weld Quay settlements celebrate the Jade Emperor’s birthday by making offerings on a 20-metre long altar decorated with sugarcanes, a colourful dragon, joss sticks, roasted piglets, traditional cakes and fruits that are offered to the deity. During this event, throngs of people, be it devotees, locals or tourists, will visit Chew Jetty Penang to enjoy the lion dance and fireworks lit at midnight.
The historical Chew Jetty Penang has become a popular tourist attraction with many of the row houses at the jetty selling souvenirs, handcrafted items and food. Some row houses have even been turned into restaurants and are known for selling local delicacies, attracting the hungry tummies of the visitors strolling on the wooden walkways of Chew Jetty Penang.
Planning your visit to Chew Jetty
| Website: | http://discoverpenang.evomediatech.com/chewjetty/ |
| Address: | Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia |
| Telephone: | +60 11-6246 2884 |
| Hours: | Daily 9 am to 9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
The best time to visit George Town
The climate of George Town
George Town, in Malaysia, has a prominent Af Köppen climate classification. This delineation identifies the area as having a Tropical rainforest climatic zone, imbued with high temperatures and abundant rainfall year-round – two main characteristics driven by its latitude close to the equator.
Throughout the year, the city is marked by high temperatures, consistently ranging from a minimum of 23.8°C to a soaring 31.6°C. Each month, there are limited fluctuations in such thermal readings, as the lowest temperature seldom falls below 23.8°C while the upper temperature rarely surpasses 31.6°C. Correspondingly, relative humidity remains comparably high throughout the year, primarily within 76% to 81%, thus contributing to the overall sensation of warmth.
Rainfall in George Town varies from month to month, judging by the parameters provided. The range dips to a low of 65mm, and climbs to a high of 193mm, marking December as the month with the heaviest rain showers. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days has a similar trend, with a peak in November and December, where rain is expected for more than 28 days.
Observing the number of sunshine hours, they fluctuate narrowly from a modest 7.6 hours in November to a bright 9.3 hours in February, reflecting the region’s tropical nature. In conjunction with daylight hours, they remain quite constant throughout the year, hovering approximately around 12 hours daily.
The best time to visit George Town
Taking into consideration predominantly the temperature, humidity, and rainfall, the period from February to April emerges as the most suitable time to visit George Town. In these months, rainfall measures stay below 106mm and the days with rain are notably fewer than other times, below 24 per February. Concurrently, the temperature hovers between the comfortable 23.8°C and 31.3°C, allowing for outdoor exploration without extreme heat. During this time, hours of sunshine are also at their peak, exceeding 9 hours daily.
Other places to visit while in Penang
1. KHOO KONGSI
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi for short, is one of the most distinctive Chinese clan associations in Malaysia. It is known for its extensive lineage that can be traced back 650 years ago, as well as its closely-knit and defensive congregation of buildings and a magnificent clanhouse.
2. CHEONG FATT TZE (THE BLUE MANSION)
Built between 1896 to 1904, teams of master craftsmen from China were hired. The majestic blue house was built with 38 rooms and 5 courtyards. At that time, 3 of his wives occupied the Blue Mansion. The Blue Mansion (otherwise known as Cheong Fatt Tze’s Mansion) was large enough to accommodate his extended family.
3. PINANG PERANAKAN MANSION
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a museum dedicated to Penang’s Peranakan heritage. The museum itself is housed within a distinctive green-hued mansion at Church Street, George Town.
4. GEORGE TOWN STREET ART
George Town’s street art scene boomed in 2012. That year Ernest Zacharevicm, a Lithuanian artist, created 6 wall paintings during the celebration of the annual George Town festival. These murals soon achieved worldwide fame.
Where to stay in Penang
1. MID-RANGE – NOORDIN MEWS
2. LUXURY – EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel – known simply as the ‘E&O’ to generations of travellers – exudes a charm that is inimitably its own. For most of its history, its passageways and halls were the preserve of the rich and privileged from the Western world – intrepid travellers that included acclaimed writers and aspiring literati who arrived in steamships seeking to experience the exotic East. Even with the passage of time, this unique pearl at the heart of George Town continues to shine as a testament to the grand elegance of the British colonial era, the embodiment of both a special time and a special place. Indeed, at the E&O, life’s true pleasures never go out of fashion. For over 138 years, the hotel has welcomed the world in timeless style. This legacy is conserved and further elevated with the re-opening of the Heritage Wing that is now setting the new standard as a leading destination in classic hospitality.
3. BUDGET – SWING & PILLOWS @ BEACH STREET
Swing & Pillows @ Beach Street is located in George Town, within 1.5 miles of Northam Beach and a 17-minute walk of Penang Times Square. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Straits Quay is 5.1 miles from the hostel and Penang Botanic Gardens is 5.3 miles away.
All guest rooms at the hostel feature air conditioning and a desk.