Penang Reclining Buddha Thai Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram)
Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple in Penang, located along Burma Road in George Town, is famed for housing one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues, measuring an impressive 33 meters in length. Founded in 1845 on land granted by Queen Victoria to the Thai community, the temple is a vibrant symbol of Thai Theravāda Buddhism in Malaysia. With its ornate golden pagodas, intricately decorated prayer halls, and serene garden, it draws visitors for both worship and sightseeing. The reclining Buddha’s posture represents the historical Buddha at the moment of his final passing into Nirvana, symbolizing peace and detachment from worldly suffering.
Interesting Fact: Hidden within the base of the giant reclining Buddha are niches that serve as columbariums—small compartments that hold the ashes of devotees. So while the statue symbolizes peace and Nirvana, it quite literally rests above the remains of those seeking eternal serenity, blending spiritual symbolism with a practical function.
Sights in Penang : A Coastal View
Penang Street Art (Barefoot Char Koay Teow Stall)
A recent colorful mural is created to celebrate the legacy of Tan Bak Juah, a well-loved char koay teow hawker known for cooking barefoot over a charcoal stove—a tradition passed down from his father. Painted by local artist Vincent Phang on McNair Street, the tribute honors Tan’s decades of dedication and highlights the charm and heritage of Malaysia’s street food culture. This char koay teow stall is located inside the nearby Cecil Street market.
Views from Lorong Toh Aka (Toh Aka Lane)
Lorong Toh Aka, also known as Toh Aka Lane, is a narrow, T-shaped alley nestled within George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang. Historically, it was known as “Ironworks Street” due to its association with ironsmiths, particularly from the Cheah clan. Today, the lane is lined with pre-war heritage townhouses, reflecting its rich past. A notable feature is a steel rod art sculpture depicting an ironsmith at work, commemorating the lane’s historical significance. Lorong Toh Aka connects to Beach Street, Malay Street, and the Acheen Street Mosque, making it a charming spot that blends cultural heritage with the vibrant life of George Town.
Fun Fact: The lane gets its name from Cheah Toh Aka, a prominent ironsmith whose descendants were among the first Chinese blacksmiths in George Town. The nickname “Toh Aka” actually means “Blacksmith Toh” in Hokkien! His legacy is celebrated with a whimsical steel-rod caricature sculpture on the lane, showing a traditional blacksmith hard at work — part of George Town’s iconic street art series by Sculpture at Work.
Penang Street Art (Street Art by Alex Face)
Above murals created by Thai artist Alex Face in various parts of George Town, featuring his signature three-eyed, bunny-eared child character. First one is at Ah Quee Street while the second one is at Toh Aka Lane.
Alex Face (real name Patcharapon Tangruen) last month turned a 1,300km cycling trip from Bangkok to Penang into something unexpectedly beautiful — an art exhibition. Along the way, he captured the quiet beauty and slow disappearance of rural landscapes through 16 striking paintings, which were on display in his solo show Faded Landscapes at Cultprint in George Town, Penang (March 15 – May 18, 2025).
Each piece was infused with his usual signature three-eyed, bunny-eared child character, symbolizing innocence observing a changing world. The works reflected places and moments from his journey — from misty rice fields in Alor Setar to the fading charm of George Town’s sunsets. The exhibition was also part of Penang Long Art Weekend, celebrating creativity throughout the city with murals, talks, and more.
Shophouses at Jalan Gurdwara
Sunway Carnival Penang: 2025 Hari Raya Festive Display
Sunway Carnival Mall is celebrating the festive spirit of Hari Raya with its EIDisi Manis campaign, running until April 6. This year’s theme honors traditional Malaysian sweet treats like kuih lapis, symbolizing unity and cherished memories across generations. Visitors are welcomed into a Penang village-inspired setting, offering a nostalgic kampung atmosphere that blends cultural heritage with contemporary flair.
