Little Children on a Bicycle
in ,

Visiting Penang? Don’t Miss These 7 Street Arts Of George Town

7 Street Arts Of George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia — If you’re going to Penang for a weekend trip or a quick getaway, then you shouldn’t miss out on the street art of George Town that you’ll find there. It’s a must-visit place, especially if you happen to be a fan of beautiful and noteworthy street art.

Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia - February 23, 2015: "The Real Bruce Lee Would Never Do This" street art mural by ASA (Artists for Stray Animals) in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia – February 23, 2015: “The Real Bruce Lee Would Never Do This” street art mural by ASA (Artists for Stray Animals) in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang has seen quite a boom in street art since 2012. The place is packed with street art murals that will wow and excite you. However, you won’t be able to admire the street art of George Town without knowing which places you should visit there. This post will cover 7 street arts you’ll see in the place. Although you’d see plenty once you get there.

Also, most of the street artworks can be classified by several artists, like:

Boy on Motorcycle' street installation from Ernest Zacharevic
Boy on Motorcycle’ street installation from Ernest Zacharevic

Ernest Zacharevic

He’s a Lithuanian artist and is probably the reason why street art in Penang suddenly boomed. His commissioned work, Mirrors George Town, during the town’s festival way back in 2012, took a big hit, inspiring others to do the same. Aside from Penang, Malaysia, he also has several works found in Singapore and even in Europe.

101 Lost Kittens

It’s not actually an artist but rather a collection by artists: Natthapon Muangkliang, Thai, and Louise Low and Tang Yeok Khang, who are both Malaysians. The collection features 12 cat-related artworks to raise awareness of lost and stray animals.

Some organizations, like Hin Bus Depot and Urban Exchange, also organize street art festivals where artists can transform buildings with their own murals.

So, for a start, here are some of the wondrous street arts that you’ll see in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, specifically in the streets of Lebuh Armenian.

Street Arts In Lebuh Armenian

Cultural Girls aka Three Chinese Dolls
Cultural Girls aka Three Chinese Dolls

Cultural Girls aka Three Chinese Dolls

This is actually four street arts-in-one, composed of one painting, one steel sculpture, and two paintings. Why the name? The painting depicts three girls in traditional costumes.

I Can Help Catch Rats photo via Pinterest
I Can Help Catch Rats photo via Pinterest

I Can Help Catch Rats by 101 Lost Kittens

This street art shows a cat prancing on a rat. The lesson? Keep cats as pets, and they’ll help you catch rats.

Little Children on a Bicycle
Little Children on a Bicycle

Little Children on a Bicycle by Ernest Zacharevic

Of all the street arts in Penang, the Little Children on a Bicycle is the most famous. It’s the most photographed street art, attracting crowds who flock to take their own photos. The street art painting looks very real, and all you have to do is place yourself right, and you’re good.

Marge Simpson Bollard photo via Instagram
Marge Simpson Bollard photo via Instagram

Marge Simpson Bollard, formerly Minions

This street art was called Minions before because there are Minions stacked on top of another, whose maker is speculated to be Zacharevic. Now, the spot is where you’ll find Marge Simpson, complete with her iconic tall hairstyle.

Other Street Arts Worth Visiting

Cat Kicking Minion at Lebuh Victoria photo via Twitter
Cat Kicking Minion at Lebuh Victoria photo via Twitter

Cat Kicking Minion at Lebuh Victoria

This one mural shows a fun piece of art in which a minion is kicked Kung-fu-style by a muscular cat. The minion is also quite different, given that he has Mickey Mouse ears and seemed to drop his cheese.

Wall artwork named "Cats and Humans Happily Living Together" in Penang Georgetown UNESCO heritage zone by 101 Lost Kittens
Wall artwork named “Cats and Humans Happily Living Together” in Penang Georgetown UNESCO heritage zone by 101 Lost Kittens

Cats and Humans Happily Living Together in Lebuh Pantai

This art shows cats carrying people in a procession, rather than the other way around – which is why it’s also known as “Cats in a Procession.”

Little Boy Reaching Up by Ernest Zacharevic in Lebuh Cannon
Little Boy Reaching Up by Ernest Zacharevic in Lebuh Cannon

Little Boy Reaching Up by Ernest Zacharevic in Lebuh Cannon

This mural is a literal depiction of a boy reaching up in a hole in the wall while standing on a chair, inched up as high as he could.

Bottom line: George Town in Penang is a hub for quite a few street art pieces worth visiting, and you should not miss them when you happen to visit Penang.

How to get to Penang, Malaysia

To get to Penang, Malaysia, from the Philippines, start by traveling to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila. From there, book a flight to Penang International Airport (PEN). Most flights require one stop, usually in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, as direct flights are limited. Common airlines include Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Cebu Pacific.

Philippine passport holders can usually enter Malaysia visa-free for short tourist stays, but it is best to confirm current requirements before traveling.

After arriving at Penang International Airport, you can reach your destination by taxi, Grab, public bus, or hotel transfer.

Before traveling, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months, and prepare your flight details, accommodation information, and travel insurance if needed.

Alternatively, you can fly to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore first, then travel onward to Penang by domestic flight, bus, or train.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Penang, Malaysia? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Read:

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

What do you think?

Comments

Apply Chinese Visa

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa for Philippine Passport Holders

WATCH: London Waterloo Station Commuters experienced Philippines using Virtual Reality