Scenes from Penang’s Thaipusam Festival. The Thaipusam festival in Penang fills the streets with devotion as kavadi bearers and pilgrims journey to temples in a powerful display of faith.
Thaipusam in Penang (2026 Festival)
Thaipusam in Penang
Thaipusam is a Tamil Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, marked by devotion and penance, and in Penang it’s strongly associated with chariot processions and devotees carrying kavadis (including ornate peacock kavadis). Penang’s celebrations are commonly centred around the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Waterfall Hilltop Temple) area, with large crowds and many “Thaneer Panthals” (refreshment stalls) along routes.
Penang celebrates Thaipusam on 1 Feb 2026, with major processions and rituals spilling into the eve (31 Jan), making it one of the island’s biggest, most visible Hindu religious events focused on Murugan devotion and iconic chariot/kavadi traditions.
Bayan Baru: Jalan Mahsuri Lighting and Streetscape Beautification
Jalan Mahsuri is a major, well-connected road in Bayan Baru that links important junctions and supports daily residential and commercial activity. This was a lighting and streetscape beautification project along Jalan Mahsuri which was initiated through a close collaboration between YB Fahmi Zainol (Pantai Jerejak state assemblyman) and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). Its aim is to improve the area’s appearance while enhancing comfort and safety for residents and road users.
A Street Art at Nagore Road
Above mural at Nagore Road was created by Thai artist Alex Face, one amongst many of his art works in various parts of George Town.
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.
Scenes from Penang Hill
Skyline and Sea: Penang at Dawn
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.