Photo Essay

Due to its well-preserved heritage buildings, Penang’s capital, Georgetown, has been accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

In my opinion, Penang is one of the most photogenic cities I’ve ever visited. There was never a bad shot, and the beauty and mood of the city translate from the real thing to digital photos. I attended a symphony, poured over art books in a chic boutique, drank my share of coffees in numerous hipster cafés, and attended a gallery opening at Hin Bus Depot. Penang is an artist’s haven.

Hin Bus Depot features several large murals, in addition to rotating exhibitions, artist workshops, a Maker’s Market, and outdoor concerts.

A clever mural on one of the buildings at Hin Bus Depot.

In 2012, Penang’s municipal council hired London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic and charged him with breathing new life into some of the atmospheric Chinese shop-houses around the inner city. An effort to spawn awareness of the rich history of the streets, the project was a success with Zacharevic turning certain areas into thriving tourist destinations that also became much-talked about objects of attention among locals.

Walking the streets felt like being in the midst of an art installation, and indeed, it was. Street art-wrought iron cartoons offer snapshots of the history of that particular building or area. There are 52 iron-works which allow tourists to explore and wander the neighborhood.

Below: man takes afternoon tea and paper. I love the exposed brick and soot-stained walls; it adds antique beauty to the contemporary artwork.

Bicycles for rent on Love Lane.

Love Lane is explained through local gossip: “The local Chinese say the rich men who lived on Muntri Street kept their mistresses here, hence the name ‘Ai Cheng Hang’ or ‘ Love Lane.’ A cheating husband climbs up a cleverly positioned bar to a window in the house, rushing to answer his wife’s call.

Iron-work on the side of a 7-11.

Café with airy sky light featuring a garden courtyard.

Wandering down an alley, I discovered this mural, painted onto the side of a cafe.

Chew Jetty Pier.

Building with greenery growing out of the windows.

Love these old lanterns and the long archway.

Even old buildings and alleys exude personality.

These colonial style buildings house modern boutiques and cafés.

A hostel set in a stylish building.

This guy is taking some much needed rest.

A vendor’s stall that sells soft drinks and snacks for locals.

The sign reads “HOUSE FOR SALE” while a man directs other workers in the street.