Author: Will C

A Bougainvillea Tree at Kampung Kolam

In Malaysia, one of the most eye-catching plants you’ll often see brightening up fences, gates, and roadsides is the bougainvillea, known locally as pokok bunga kertas. Its name, which translates to “paper flower,” perfectly describes the thin, papery texture of its vibrant bracts that come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white. Despite its delicate appearance, this hardy plant thrives in the tropical heat with minimal care, making it a favorite for gardens and public spaces. Whether it’s cascading over a trellis or standing tall like a small tree, the bougainvillea adds a burst of cheerful color wherever it grows—an unmistakable part of the Malaysian landscape.

Penang Street Art (The ‘Sad Art’ Cement Eclipses Miniatures)

During the George Town Festival, Spanish artist Isaac Cordal brought a unique touch to Penang by placing around 20 tiny cement sculptures—known as Cement Eclipses—throughout George Town. These small, somber-looking figures, about 17–20 cm tall, can be found perched on walls, ledges, and electrical boxes, often high above eye level. Blending quietly into the city’s heritage architecture, they invite passersby to pause, look up, and discover hidden corners of the city—like a little art treasure hunt tucked into the urban landscape.

Here is the list of locations where you can hunt/find these tiny art sculptures (note: some may no longer be there anymore or removed):

  • Armenian Street Junction (opposite the famous bicycle mural)
  • Biscotti Cafe, Beach Street
  • Warehouse 129, Beach Street
  • Fuku (side alley of the building), Beach Street
  • The Courtyard, Beach Street
  • Vietnamese Phở & Coffee @ Lean Thye 1951 (building’s back), Ah Quee Street
  • Lebuh Ah Quee Junction
  • 56, Lorong Pasar
  • Penang Straits and Oriental Museum, Stewart Lane
  • 39, Love Lane
  • 33, Love Lane
  • Journal George Town, Muntri Street
  • Green-colored Townhouses along Magazine Road
  • Curios-City Penang, Victoria Street
  • U.A.B Building Interior (closed at the time of this hunt)

A Stewart Lane Facade

The Penang trishaw, which looks like a small buggy attached to a bicycle, first appeared around 1935–1936 with about 50 units managed by the city. It used to be a common way for locals to get around, but today it’s mostly a fun ride for tourists—complete with bright neon lights, music, and guided trips through George Town’s narrow streets and famous murals.

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.

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 due to a prominent Cheah ironsmith whose descendants were among the first Chinese blacksmiths in George Town. The ironsmith 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.