Clan jetties

In many ways I am very much the quintessential city girl - I appreciate the modern conveniences and luxuries that Singapore has afforded me. Which was why, growing up, I was never a huge fan of visiting my paternal grandparents who reside in the Clan Jetties of Georgetown, Penang. Because being there means, among other inconveniences, sharing a room with the rest of my family, literally taking a crap into the sea and having to put up with nasty surprises such as massive monitor lizards turning up at your doorstep.

Many things have since changed, however. First my grandparents subscribed to cable TV, then the little house on stilts was rigged up with air-conditioning, followed wireless internet (!!!). Ironically after all these modern conveniences were introduced Georgetown was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. How many people can actually boast that their grandparents live in a UNESCO World Heritage Site?! Coolness factor raised x100.

I know you’re tutting as you read this, but I’ve never professed to being the world’s greatest granddaughter…

Admittedly I don’t know as much as I should about the history of the Clan Jetties, given that it’s a part of my heritage, but this provides a very brief introduction to the place for those who are still interested in finding out more. The Chew Jetty is the most prepared to receive tourists (read: most commercialised, homestay options are even available there), but apparently they’re also the tightest community and still do community stuff (whatever that entails). So if you ever drop by Penang and are prepared to immerse yourself in local culture, the Weld Quay Clan Jetties are definitely worth a visit or even an overnight stay. But only if you don’t mind pooping straight into the sea.