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.
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.
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.
​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.
Acheen Street Mosque (Masjid Melayu (Jamek) Lebuh Acheh) in Penang was founded in 1808 by Tengku Syed Hussain Al-Aidid, an Arab trader from Aceh, Sumatra. What makes it unique is that the mosque not only served as a place of worship but also as a center for trade and diplomacy among the Arab, Indian, and Malay Muslim communities in early Penang. The surrounding area, known as “Malay Town”, became a vibrant hub for merchants and pilgrims heading to Mecca.
An interesting connection between Acheen Street Mosque’s minaret and a lighthouse is that some believe the octagonal minaret was designed to resemble a beacon for travelers—just like a lighthouse guiding ships. Since the mosque was historically linked to Hajj pilgrims and traders, its tower-like minaret might have symbolized guidance and direction, much like how a lighthouse helps sailors navigate.
Kapitan Keling Mosque in Penang derives its name from the title “Kapitan Keling,” which referred to the leader of the South Indian Muslim community during colonial times.
The mosque’s mughal-style domes and minarets glow beautifully at night, making it one of the most picturesque landmarks in George Town.
