I get to marvel at some Street Art Murals of Penang during one short business visit. The unique street arts found around the historic town of George Town offer some murals-hunting fun. Sadly, I only had time to visit four during this trip. I would love to capture more of them but time and weather are not on my side. Hopefully, I can find myself back in Penang again to have another murals-hunt experience.
Some of the most popular murals are the works of Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic. In which, his commissioned works by Penang Municipal Council back in 2012, have since become a key attraction of the island. The three famous ones are; Boy on a Bike (Lebuh Ah Quee), Little Children on a Bicycle (Lebuh Armenian) and Reaching Up (Lebuh Cannon).
I also quite like ‘The magician and frightened girl’ mural but I am unsure of the artist. It is right in front of a bicycle rental shop along Lebuh Armenian. I thought it’s a great idea in making use of the old style ‘blue box’ shutter gate.
Besides the street art murals, some buildings like this one clad in red zinc sheets are visually pleasing to me.
Same goes for the old brick wall and grilled window.
The hot and humid weather of Penang is very much like Singapore’s. But the lack of shade at the walkways makes the scorching heat, rather unbearable. Big caps, jungle hats, umbrellas, sunblock or whatever icy are a necessity when exploring the street. Hence, I am quick to order an icy bowl of dessert when I spotted a street stall.
Penang Hill
Next up is Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera where the ascent via a funicular railway takes less than ten minutes. It’s more than 800 meters above sea level and the cooler temperature is noticeable when the tram reached the station at the top.
The commanding view of Penang Hill on a clear day is very pleasing indeed. But I would think that the night scene will look even better…oh well. I wanted to explore around the hill but ended up spending much of my limited time having an ice cold beer at David Brown Terrace instead. It’s a great place to chill while taking in the surrounding views.
STAY: Hard Rock Hotel Penang review
Staying at the themed Hard Rock Hotel is a first for me. It is located along the famed white sandy beach of Batu Ferringhi. But Hard Rock Hotel Penang’s design and décor are unlike the usual resort style beachfront hotels. The extravagance and rock star vibes can be felt all over the hotel’s compound. Get ready to rock?
I particularly like the drop-light chandelier showing Hard Rock’s logo.
There are portraits of The Beatles and many other memorabilia such as musical instruments and costumes all around the hotel.
I am of course more interested to see my room than the memorabilia. And my, it far exceeds my expectation. The well-fitted room opens to a balcony which offers a great view of the pool and ocean. The glorious view and the comfortable bed make it a pain to leave the room.
There’s a part of the beach which is cordoned off for hotel guests’ exclusive use. In which, a variety of beach activities is available to choose from. And that includes horse riding…hmm…that’s a beach activity too?
Based on my travel norm, I honestly would not have chosen Hard Rock Hotel Penang as a base to explore George Town. But the positive experience here makes me think otherwise for my future visit to Penang. Perhaps, perhaps…
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What are your thoughts about Street Art Murals or Hard Rock Hotel Penang? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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