A Cloudy Morning at Ayer Itam

Ayer Itam is a bustling town located on Penang Island in Malaysia, known for its vibrant local culture and historical significance. It’s home to popular attractions like the Kek Lok Si Temple (as seen at the background of the picture), one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples, and the Ayer Itam Dam, a serene spot offering scenic views and recreational activities. The town’s lively markets and diverse food scene, featuring local favorites like Ayer Itam Asam Laksa, draw both locals and tourists, making it a vibrant hub of activity in Penang.

Penang’s Kek Lok Si CNY Lightings in 2024

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It’s particularly renowned for its striking architecture, blending elements of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles. The temple complex also houses a towering seven-story pagoda, known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Kek Lok Si is home to a massive bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, standing at a height of 30 meters (nearly 100 feet), making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.

2024 Chinese New Year Lights at Kek Lok Si

Kek Lok Si Temple illuminated in a dazzling array of lights during Chinese New Year. As one of Penang’s most iconic landmarks, Kek Lok Si Temple comes alive with vibrant decorations and thousands of colorful lights, creating a magical ambiance that captures the essence of the festive season.

Penang Street Art (Various Murals in Farlim)

Various art murals found in Farlim, a town in Ayer Itam area which is officially called Bandar Baru Air Itam.

Farlim (as mostly known locally here) is a town consists mainly of residential neighbourhood and was established in the 1980s by the Farlim Group on a land belonging to the Khoo Kongsi. It was said that the name Farlim meant “beautiful forest”.

These murals are located mainly within the Medan Angsana neighbourhood in Farlim.

Penang Street Art (Disco Fresh Milk Seller Mural @ Ayer Itam)

This fresh milk seller who called himself Disco has been operating his ‘Disco Corner Cafe’ or ‘Disco Fresh Milk’ stall by the side of Ayer Itam’s main road for many years. The stall is a favorite among the locals here and only starts operating during late evenings to late nights.

Penang Street Art (The Sisters’ Curry Mee Mural @ Ayer Itam)

The Sisters’ Curry Mee in Ayer Itam is one of the oldest and most famous food stalls in Penang. Renowned for their heritage food taste, the curry mee is a must try for visitors in Ayer Itam. This local art mural is being created in honor of the sisters and can be found behind one of the alley ways of Ayer Itam town.

Since their retirement a couple years ago, the curry mee stall is now managed by their grandniece and it operates from morning to noon daily.

Penang Street Art (The Murals of Ayer Itam)

The new art murals located at the town of Ayer Itam, Penang. These murals depicts various local scenes of Ayer Itam, from the famous “Curry Mee Sisters” in the daytime to the popular nighttime “Disco Fresh Milk” seller in Ayer Itam.