Culture / Malaysia

Street Art and Chill Vibes in Penang

Swoony Penang Flowers

I had to escape the overwhelming heat. I’d been walking for hours under the bright Penang sun, and I desperately needed a seat, a cold drink, shade.

Lebuh Armenia

I wandered dazed down Lebuh Campbell and turned into a small dark alley that was filled with people. I’d like to pretend that “stand in the middle of everything and look confused” is a secret tactic I use to get my bearings; in reality, I was overwhelmed by the bustle of the place. A waitress nudged me towards an open chair at an occupied table and I settled in next to an old Chinese man and a younger guy with long nails tapping away on a smartphone.

Alleyside Tea

I ordered tea and received a splendid iced version with condensed milk. And then, despite my general awkwardness and exhaustion, the three of us started a conversation. With the younger man serving as an occasional translator between me and the old man, we talked about Penang and travel and Chinese New Year. They ordered me the grilled bread that this particular alley cafe was famous for. They taught me a little Mandarin, a little Malay. When I left, they paid for my tea.

These little unexpected moments of loveliness happened to me all over Malaysia, and especially all over Penang.

Chinese Writing

Flower on a Tuktuk

Colors and Plants in Penang

Originally my plan was to stay in Penang for only three nights, but once I got a taste of this laid-back island, I quickly extended my stay. After a hectic month in Istanbul, I craved the sunshine and quiet of pre-Chinese New Year George Town. I already knew about Penang’s famous food scene, but that wasn’t all that hooked me. The hand-painted slats of half-closed shops, the colorful lanterns strung down streets, the Chinese temples full of incense, the vibrant Little India with its rows of sari-selling shops… every corner I turned brought another delight.

Stacks in Penang

Bike and Lanterns Penang

Hand-Painted Sign Penang

My friend Azali, who invited me to Malaysia in the first place (and who I would later join in Kuala Lumpur), informed me before I arrived about Penang’s burgeoning street art scene. I’m mad about street art, and I set out on a scavenger hunt for the best of it. Most of the famous art in George Town is gathered on Lebuh Armenia and the nearby streets. My hostel provided maps with the main artwork marked, though I found plenty that was not on the map.

Street Art Penang

Our Art Is Dying Penang

Street art hunting was the perfect counterpoint to my endless Penang food crawl. I found myself wandering back around the street art over and over again, both alone and with friends, as Penang’s Chinese-owned shops slowly closed for the holiday.

Famous Penang Street Art

Katrinka and the Cat

George Town’s street art isn’t limited to wall painting. The city commissioned these metal sculptures that depict the history of the streets– for example, a sculpture illustrates how Lebuh Armenia’s name originates from a time when there was a large Armenian merchant population clustered on the street. The sculptures bring the hidden stories of George Town to life—they are delightful AND educational.

Street Sculptures Penang

The laid-back days found me exploring Little India, where Bollywood tunes blasted from storefronts and women drifted by in bright saris. Other days I wandered to George Town’s pier, which by day was quiet and surrounded by turquoise water.

Penang Pier

This was Penang, for me—an endless spool of laid-back days, brief new friends in coffee shops, corners crammed with art. The colorful streets of George Town and the shaded alleys filled with surprises—Penang is a perfect place to chill out.

Hot Streets of Penang

9 Comments

  • Kevin
    April 3, 2014 at 2:08 PM

    What a nice little town.

    Reply
    • Katrinka
      April 7, 2014 at 12:47 AM

      It’s completely lovely!

      Reply
  • Sherry Nadworny
    April 3, 2014 at 6:24 PM

    Incredible photos!

    Reply
  • Will
    April 4, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    What a shame the PORNSWANG wasn’t for sale, eh?

    Reply
    • Katrinka
      April 7, 2014 at 12:46 AM

      I knew someone would catch that.

      Reply
  • Doyle Air
    April 6, 2014 at 9:58 AM

    I really enjoyed that as usual 😉

    Reply
  • Doyle Air
    April 6, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    Hey Katrinka I am going to Istanbul this month with my family and I was wondering if you knew any awesome place I could stay. Have been looking up air bnb and hotels. Just thought I would ask you ;))))

    Reply
    • Katrinka
      April 7, 2014 at 12:46 AM

      I had a friend who stayed at Hotel Londres, where Hemingway stayed– totally beautiful place. If you’d like, feel free to send me an email: http://katrinkaabroad.com/contact-me/ I love giving advice about Istanbul!

      Reply
  • Alex
    May 14, 2016 at 7:09 AM

    Thank’s for inspiring journey. I’m artist as well, now I set up my mind for going to Penang to join art community.

    Reply

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