Despite its name, Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian) was not originally settled by Armenians. It was named after the small Armenian community that once lived there in the early 1800s, who were influential traders and philanthropists in Penang. Interestingly, the famous Eastern & Oriental Hotel was founded by the Armenian Sarkies Brothers, who also established Singapore’s Raffles Hotel.
Today, the street is a UNESCO heritage hotspot known for its murals, cafes, and historic shophouses.
Colorful lanterns adorning Armenian Street during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In the heart of George Town, a new mural at Armenian Street has turned heads while spreading an important message — “Love Our Turtles”. Launched as part of a month-long campaign (Aug 15 – Sept 14, 2025) by the IKHTIAR Foundation and proudly sponsored by ecoBrown’s, the artwork blends Penang’s cultural vibrancy with a call to protect endangered sea turtles and our oceans. More than just street art, this mural is part of a larger conservation movement, reminding visitors and locals alike that preserving marine life is as vital as celebrating heritage. The artwork is located just across the “Children on Bicycle” mural.
A small and somewhat hidden alley connecting M-Summit Hotel and the Gurdwara Road in front of Gama departmental store in George Town. The picturesque and Instagrammable alley is adorned with vibrant bougainvillea arches that stretch across the walkway. Its exact location can be found HERE.
Once Coffee cafe located at Jalan Datuk Koyah, The Sugar Tang place at Carnarvon Street, Yap Kongsi Temple at Armenian Street and a liquor store at Campbell Street.
Penang Road (Jalan Penang) is one of George Town’s oldest and liveliest streets, connecting colonial-era landmarks with modern spots like Komtar and Chowrasta Market. Known for its mix of heritage, street food, and nightlife—especially around Upper Penang Road—it remains a key hub for both locals and tourists.
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.
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.
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.