Author: Will C

IKEA Batu Kawan: “Building Yourself” AR Art Mural

An AR-enabled mural beside IKEA Batu Kawan at Ikano Centres adds a new interactive art spot in Penang, touted as the state’s second-largest outdoor painted mural. Created by Ikano Centres and IKEA Batu Kawan for the Creative Spark Batu Kawan initiative, the piece, titled “Building Yourself”, was produced with Can Can Public Art and painted by artist Leonard Siaw with support from three mentored art graduates. Visitors can activate the augmented reality effects by scanning a QR code on-site, standing on a marked spot, and pointing a phone at the mural to see it “come alive,” while the artwork’s theme highlights modern ambition, mutual support, and Batu Kawan’s growth as a township full of possibilities.

Penang Hill: Kopi Hutan

Kopi Hutan at Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is a forest-style, open-air café set in lush greenery where people stop for coffee and light bites in cooler hill weather, often as part of a nature walk around the summit area.

To get there, first go up to Penang Hill either by hiking or taking the Penang Hill funicular train from the Lower Station in Ayer Itam, then from the Upper Station head toward the Owl Museum area and continue to Monkey Cup Garden, where Kopi Hutan is located. From the Upper Station, you can either walk about 2 km or use the café’s free shuttle (noted by visitors as available for customers) to reach the Monkey Cup Garden/Kopi Hutan.

Design Village Penang : Christmas Festive Decorations 2025

Design Village Penang transformed its open-air outlet mall into a festive “Jollylicious Christmas” setting with cheerful holiday decorations, including a dreamy pink-themed display and seasonal icons like gingerbread figures. Shoppers can soak up the festive mood while enjoying seasonal promotions, photo spots, and family-friendly attractions such as train and carousel rides that can be redeemed when you spend a certain amount at the mall.

Sunshine Central Mall : Christmas Festive Decorations 2025

For Christmas 2025, Sunshine Central in Farlim has gone all out with its “A Beary Merry Christmas” festive display, turning the mall’s main atrium into a whimsical Christmas village filled with 10,000 teddy bears, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest teddy bear holiday display in a Christmas event. The setup features giant plush bears, a towering Christmas tree wrapped in bears, wooden cottages, festive gift boxes, twinkling lights, scenic photo spots, a nostalgic Bear Tunnel, and a classic Bear Train Ride circling the space. As part of the season’s cheer, shoppers can adopt teddy bears through a charity programme that supports children’s homes, and enjoy snowfall effects, carolling music, dance performances, and appearances by Santa Claus amidst the joyful holiday ambience.

Queensbay Mall : Christmas Festive Decorations 2025

Queensbay Mall in Penang is celebrating Christmas 2025 with its “Happy Piñata Holidays” theme, turning the Centre Atrium into a colourful and lively festive space inspired by Mexican Las Posadas traditions. The mall features oversized piñatas, a giant floating Christmas tree, playful installations, interactive “snowy icy bubbles,” and fun family elements like sleigh gondolas and Santa walkabouts. Shoppers can enjoy seasonal workshops, vibrant performances, and festive booths while soaking up the cheerful holiday atmosphere that blends bright decorations with joyful experiences for all ages.

Gurney Plaza : Christmas Festive Decorations 2025

Gurney Plaza in Penang has launched its “Bear-y Bright Holidays” Christmas theme, transforming the mall’s Centre Atrium into a festive winter-inspired space with sparkling lights, giant plush bears including a 13-foot snow bear and a 10-foot red rose bear, seasonal ornaments, and plenty of photo spots for families and friends. Visitors can enjoy appearances by Santa, meet-and-greet sessions with bear mascots, an artificial snowfall experience, and Christmas markets featuring artisanal gifts and holiday treats, all designed to create a cheerful holiday atmosphere for shoppers and guests.