Category: Places to Visit / Attractions

Lebuh Acheh (Acheen Street) at Night

Acheen Street, also known as Acheh Street (Lebuh Acheh), is located in the heart of George Town’s heritage zone. It was named in honor of the Acehnese community that once resided there.

This historic street is also home to the renowned Acheen Street Mosque, a distinctive and historically significant place of worship. Recognizable by its iconic minaret, the mosque stands at the junction of Acheen Street and Cannon Street.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Acheen Street was once a bustling hub for traders and pilgrims traveling to Mecca? In the 19th century, it played a key role as a stopover for Hajj pilgrims from the region, thanks to the Acehnese merchants who facilitated their journey.

Chinese New Year in Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple at Night

Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, is a stunning hilltop sanctuary in Penang, blending Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles. Famous for its multi-tiered Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the towering Kuan Yin statue, the temple offers breathtaking views of George Town and beyond. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit to admire its intricate carvings, vibrant prayer halls, and serene gardens, making it both a spiritual haven and a photographer’s dream.

During Chinese New Year, the temple transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights at night, adding to its enchanting charm.

Penang Snake Temple (2025 Year of Snake)

The Penang Snake Temple, also known as Temple of the Azure Cloud, is a unique Chinese temple located in Sungai Kluang, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. Built in 1805, it is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Chor Soo Kong, a Qing-era monk known for his healing powers and compassion for all living beings, including snakes. Legend has it that after the temple’s completion, snakes appeared on their own and have since inhabited the temple.

The temple is famous for its resident pit vipers, which are believed to be “tamed” by the deity’s presence. Visitors can observe these snakes coiled around statues and altars, seemingly docile. The temple also houses a snake museum and breeding pit.

Gurney Plaza : 2025 Chinese New Year Festive Display

Gurney Plaza shopping mall welcomes the auspicious Year of the Snake this Chinese Lunar New Year with a theme called “The Timeless Reunion”. It features a stunning transformation of its central atrium into a vibrant little town square. Surrounded by beautifully crafted heritage townhouse facades, the festive setup is adorned with colorful lanterns and artificial red cherry blossom trees along with scenes from the festive season, creating a captivating celebration of the new year.

Queensbay Mall : 2025 Chinese New Year Festive Display

Queensbay Mall in Penang is celebrating Chinese New Year with its “Blooming Bliss” theme. The mall’s central atrium has been transformed into a beautiful garden featuring pink cherry blossoms, red lanterns, butterflies, and a porcelain-shaped hut as the centerpiece. The decorations symbolize happiness, abundance, and prosperity, with flowers that open their petals for visitors to enjoy.

Armenian Street Park: 2025 Chinese New Year Decorations

George Town’s heritage enclave is bursting with festive charm for Chinese New Year 2025. Around 2,000 red lanterns now illuminate 12 streets, including 300 in Armenian Street Park, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. These dazzling decorations light up nightly from 7 pm to midnight, bringing the city alive with a festive glow. This Year of Snake also features a cute Snake mascot at the center of the park.

The lanterns were officially unveiled during a special ceremony attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other dignitaries. Adding to the excitement, the annual Miao Hui celebration, themed “Penang Lang, Let’s Celebrate!”, will feature traditional performances like lion dances and Chinese opera, alongside cultural activities such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and paper-cutting. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, making it a perfect time to experience the rich traditions and lively spirit of George Town.

Penang Street Art (Ernest Zacharevic’s Murals)

Penang’s famous street arts or wall murals by Ernest Zacharevic were recently repainted by the artist himself.

Ernest Zacharevic’s murals usually feel alive, capturing the heart and soul of the streets where they live. Found mostly in Penang, Malaysia, his art brings moments of joy and nostalgia, often featuring children in playful, everyday scenes. What makes his work so special is how it blends with the surroundings—sometimes incorporating real objects like a bicycle or a motorbike, making it feel like the characters could step into our world. His murals tell stories of local culture and life in a way that’s warm, inviting, and unforgettable, turning simple walls into windows of imagination.

For the more murals/arts location, please refer to the map: https://travel2penang.org/2013/11/04/penang-street-art-map-part-1/

Gurney Plaza Mall : Deepavali Festive Decorations 2024

Colorful and beautiful display of Deepavali decorations in Gurney Plaza shopping mall.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated with joy and togetherness. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, inspired by various legends, such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated with vibrant cultural unity, bringing together people from all backgrounds to honor the Hindu festival of lights. Homes and temples are beautifully decorated with oil lamps, kolam (rangoli) designs, and colorful flowers, creating a warm, welcoming ambiance. Early morning prayers and rituals are followed by family gatherings, where traditional sweets like murukku and laddu are shared. Open houses are popular, inviting friends of all backgrounds to partake in festive meals and celebrations. Many communities organize public events and performances, including cultural dances and traditional music, highlighting Malaysia’s rich, multicultural harmony on this joyous occasion.

Penang Street Art (The Kebaya Tailor)

In conjunction with George Town World Heritage Day, Georgetown Heritage and Penang Bazaar have unveiled a tribute mural at Penang Bazaar’s Color Lane. The mural, painted by local artist Vincent Phang, honors Pak Nazaruddin, who devoted 45 years to the Kebaya trade, leaving a lasting legacy in Penang’s cultural landscape.

Pak Nazaruddin’s dedication as a Kebaya merchant is celebrated through this artwork, which not only adds vibrancy to Penang Bazaar but also blends art and history in a meaningful way. The mural pays tribute to his contributions to the local community and highlights Penang’s rich heritage as a cultural hub.

Another art work by the same artist can be found along this alley as well: Link.