Take to the streets in Penang for culture, amazing cheap eats and creative art displays; that’s what I’d been told before I arrived in this pint-sized state off the northwest coast of Malaysia. The Chinese opera performance in the street outside my hostel which greeted me on arrival suggested Penang would not disappoint!

Average Friday night entertainment at the hostel.

Penang is famous perhaps for two things; Penang curry and street art. I’ll come back to the food (laksa, Hokkien ho fun, nasi lemak…) which was some of the best I had in the whole of Asia! George Town, the capital of Penang, is home to some stunning street art. It’s literally on every corner and walking around this historic city on the lookout, it can feel like you’re on a treasure hunt. You can buy maps and go on organised tours, but do what I did, rent a bike and make up a route, this way you’ll see all the biggies and uncover a few hidden gems for yourself!

Here’s a tour of some of the street art I spied in and around George Town:

‘Boy on a Bike’ Mural, Ah Quee Street, George Town

‘Little Girl in Blue’ Mural, Muntri Street, George Town

‘The Awaiting Trishaw Paddler’ by Desmond Yeo

For some reason they are obsessed with Despicable Me. There are minions like this one all over the city!

Bike repair shop on Armenian Street.

‘Little Children on a Bicycle’ Mural, Armenian Street,

Cats

More cats.

Oh and more cats!

Be warned, some of the famous ones you’ll find on all the maps are pretty old by now and weather worn, so you might have to squint, tilt your head and use your imagination to see them. There are heaps more, but I’ll leave them for you to find. Happy hunting!