Boatmen Alley, George Town, Penang

Boatmen Alley, the narrowest alley in George Town, where its occupants used to be Lee Jetty boatmen (7 July 2008)


Boat Alley, or Sam3pan1 Hang33 is an otherwise nameless alley in George Town, Penang. Also known as Boatmen Alley , it vies with Soo Hong Lane for the title of being the narrowest lane in George Town. Between the two, Boatmen Alley is narrower. However, unlike Soo Hong Lane, it is not signaged, and all the houses along it have their address at Stewart Lane. The alley connects one corner of Stewart Lane to Chulia Lane.

Boatmen Alley, just like Trishaw Men's Lodge, got its name from its occupants. Before land reclamation extended the George Town coastline outside, creating Weld Quay and the present Clan Jetties, this was where the "original" harbour coolies lived. Most of the coolies at Boatmen Alley were of the Lee clan. They relocated to Lee Jetty when that was created at the turn of the 20th century.

Map of Boatmen Alley, George Town, Penang

Sights along Boatmen Alley

Related Street Art

The "Indian Boatman" mural on the wall at Klang Street off Stewart Lane was painted to remember the role of the boatmen who worked on the Penang harbour.

Getting there

The nearest bus stop is along Pitt Street. It is served by Rapid Penang bus CAT. From the bus stop, walk south on Pitt Street till junction of Stewart Lane on your right. Take Stewart Lane for about 80 meters, and Boatmen Alley is right in front of you.

Frontage of a house at Boatmen Alley. (7 July 2008)


Entrance to Boatmen Alley from Stewart Lane. (7 July 2010)


Boatmen Alley, at night (7 July 2010)


Boatmen Alley, at night (7 July 2010)


View of Boatmen Alley approaching the junction of Chulia Lane. (7 July 2010)

Boatmen Alley on Google Street View

Boatmen Alley, George Town, Penang, as seen from Chulia Lane. (Jan 2021)

List of Streets in Penang and Streets in Malaysia