Arulmigu Rajamariamman Temple stands in the middle of Johor Bahru’s busy streets, but the moment you step near it, the mood shifts. The bright gopuram, the detailed carvings, and the steady flow of devotees give the place a calm weight. My visit was brief, but the colours, scents, and quiet movement inside made it easy to slow down and look closer. These photos capture what drew my eye as I walked through this landmark of faith and history.
Malaysia
I spent a day walking through Johor Bahru with no schedule except to see what the city would show me. From busy streets and old shophouses to quiet corners by the water, JB revealed a mix of energy and ease that was easy to enjoy. These photos capture the small moments that stood out along the way, the scenes that make the city feel alive and welcoming.
My Visit to Johor Bahru and Street Art Walk During my visit to Johor Bahru, I was amazed by how the city blends modern energy with old-town charm.
I started my day exploring the JB Old Town, where every corner tells a story — from vintage cafés and local shops to the colorful street art that brings the walls to life.
The Street Art Walk was the highlight of my trip. Hidden in narrow alleys and along quiet streets, the murals capture the spirit of Johor — its culture, people, and daily life. Each painting felt like stepping into a different scene, full of color and creativity.
After wandering through the art alleys, I enjoyed some local food at a nearby kopitiam — a perfect way to end the day surrounded by art, flavors, and friendly faces.
Penang Butterfly Farm opened in 1986. At the time, it was the first tropical butterfly farm in the world. It was what you might expect from a butterfly farm until it emerged from its cocoon in 2016 having transformed into Entopia.
Entopia Penang is located in Teluk Bahang in the Northwest corner of Penang Island. The journey from Georgetown to Entopia Penang is around 20km and it takes around 45 minutes to get to Entopia Penang from George Town (depending on traffic). At Entopia Penang it feels like there is something living everywhere you look.
Entopia Penang is split into two main parts: The Nature land Gardens (conservatory) and The Cocoon Indoor Discovery Centre. We explored all sections freely, and without time limit. The Nature land Gardens consists of pools, waterfalls, plants, trees and bushes. There are many butterflies and insects living freely in this zone. Flower displays provide a landing pad for the butterflies and allow you to get up close to admire the intricate beauty of these creatures. With its vibrant tropical gardens and a kaleidoscope of over 15,000 butterflies, Entopia invites you on an exhilarating adventure into the heart of nature. From the captivating indoor conservatory to the sprawling outdoor gardens, this enchanting butterfly park offers an immersive experience like no other.
A haven for Butterflies and a great opportunity to see many of them close up but still in a fairly Natural environment. Me and my camera had a fabulous time!
Penang, Malaysia is renowned for its vibrant street art scene. The island’s capital, George Town, is home to numerous captivating murals and installations that have become a major tourist attraction1. The street art history in Penang began in 2012 when Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created a series of interactive murals for the George Town Festival2. Since then, other artists have contributed to the city’s street art landscape. To explore Penang’s street art, you can embark on a self-guided walking tour in George Town.
I recently visited Alor Setar in Malaysia and found some beautiful and unexpected street art around the city. Alor Setar, the capital city of Kedah in Malaysia, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.
While Alor Setar may not be as renowned for street art as some other cities, it does boast a few notable pieces that add color and creativity to its streets.
Here are a few examples of street art you can find in Alor Setar Remember that street art is dynamic, and new pieces may appear while others may change or be removed over time. These were seen and photographed in April 2023.
I had the pleasure of visiting this lovely, understated home when i visited Alor Setar in April 2023.
The house is now a museum to the first Prime minister of Malaysia. About Rumah Merdeka Merdeka means a lot to every Malaysian. The word was chanting out seven times, profoundly, by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, at the ceremony of celebrating the independence day of Malaysia.
The House of Merdeka or Rumah Merdeka, indeed, is the house of the first prime minister of this land, Tunku Abdul Rahman. He is also known as Bapa Malaysia and Bapa Kemerdekaan.
The best option to see old Malay Mansion in fantastic condition. Tunku Abdul Rahman’s house was built on a piece of land that was previously owned by his mother, Che Menjalara, who subsequently bequeathed it to him. The Tunku originally built a wooden house here during the Japanese Occupation, in 1942, called it Rumah Jalan Baru. He rebuilt the lower portion of that house with bricks in 1953, but retained the wooden top part.
I hope you enjoy looking round it and its gardens as much as I did, very much a ‘get away from it all,” place..
Malaysia
Every time I return to Kuala Lumpur, I just have to visit the Petronas Towers, and walk in the beautiful park that sits in front of them.
But this video is not just the Petronas Towers, its also about my walk there from China Town and what I saw along the way.
A vibrant and architecturally diverse city the reminds me in many ways of London. A feast for the eyes, and the senses. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy visiting it!
Malaysia
During my visit to Alor Setar, or Alor Star as it is known locally, I was able to visit this sad and derelict Palace. No longer a school as per descriptor below, it remains in a sad state and only glimpses of bits of the front give you an idea how beautiful this building once was. I certainly enjoyed the walk round it and would love to see it restored.
Istana Sepachendera is a grand palace hidden within the grounds of a school. It’s often compared to the Taj Mahal due to its intriguing backstory. In 1882, the 26th Sultan of Kedah – whose administration spanned from 1881 to 1943 – built the residence as a declaration of love for his Thai wife, Che Sepachendera.
His devotion to her shines through the building’s stunning architecture, which blends together Malay and Thai influences. The royal couple gave birth to several royal princes in the palace too.
Sepachendera’s death in 1907 led the royal family to vacate the house. But it remained inhabited for years after by various parties. In 1922, it was home to the first English girls’ school in Kedah – Kampung Baru Girl’s School, established by Sepachendera’s son, Tuanku Ibrahim. During World War II, the palace was occupied by Japanese soldiers.
Following the war, the building became another all-girl’s school, but it closed in 1954.
The palace was last in use in 2000, when it functioned as a prayer hall for students and staff at the nearby Insaniah University College. There were talks in 2014 to preserve the palace and convert it into a museum.
Malaysia 2023
Ipoh, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Perak, is known for its vibrant street art scene. The city has seen a rise in the popularity of street art in recent years, with numerous murals and artworks adorning its walls. Here are some notable street art pieces and locations in Ipoh:
Mural Art Lane: Located at Jalan Masjid, Mural Art Lane is a famous alley filled with colorful and creative murals. Artists from all over the world have contributed to this vibrant outdoor gallery, depicting a variety of subjects ranging from nature and animals to local culture and heritage.
Old Town Ipoh: The historic Old Town area of Ipoh is home to several captivating street art pieces. Explore the narrow streets and alleys to discover hidden gems, including wall murals, quirky installations, and artistic graffiti.
Concubine Lane: While not strictly street art, Concubine Lane is a popular tourist spot with a charming atmosphere and numerous art installations. The lane is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and vibrant decorations that make it a great spot for photography and exploration. Jalan Sultan Iskandar: This busy street in Ipoh features several eye-catching murals and street art installations. Artists have transformed the walls of buildings into colorful art pieces, often reflecting the local culture, history, and natural beauty of the area.
Kong Heng Square: Situated in the heart of Old Town, Kong Heng Square is an artsy and cultural hub. The area is adorned with unique street art, sculptures, and creative signage that adds to its bohemian ambiance.
Jalan Tun Sambanthan: Known as “Memory Lane,” this street is filled with nostalgic artworks, paintings, and vintage items. It’s a tribute to Ipoh’s past, featuring retro-themed murals and installations that evoke a sense of nostalgia and history.
Remember that street art is dynamic and constantly changing. New murals and installations may appear, while existing ones may be altered or replaced. It’s always a good idea to explore the city on foot and discover the latest street art treasures Ipoh has to offer.
Ipoh, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Perak, is known for its vibrant street art scene. The city has seen a rise in the popularity of street art in recent years, with numerous murals and artworks adorning its walls. Here are some notable street art pieces and locations in Ipoh:
Mural Art Lane: Located at Jalan Masjid, Mural Art Lane is a famous alley filled with colorful and creative murals. Artists from all over the world have contributed to this vibrant outdoor gallery, depicting a variety of subjects ranging from nature and animals to local culture and heritage.
Old Town Ipoh: The historic Old Town area of Ipoh is home to several captivating street art pieces. Explore the narrow streets and alleys to discover hidden gems, including wall murals, quirky installations, and artistic graffiti.
Concubine Lane: While not strictly street art, Concubine Lane is a popular tourist spot with a charming atmosphere and numerous art installations. The lane is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and vibrant decorations that make it a great spot for photography and exploration. Jalan Sultan Iskandar: This busy street in Ipoh features several eye-catching murals and street art installations. Artists have transformed the walls of buildings into colorful art pieces, often reflecting the local culture, history, and natural beauty of the area.
Kong Heng Square: Situated in the heart of Old Town, Kong Heng Square is an artsy and cultural hub. The area is adorned with unique street art, sculptures, and creative signage that adds to its bohemian ambiance.
Jalan Tun Sambanthan: Known as “Memory Lane,” this street is filled with nostalgic artworks, paintings, and vintage items. It’s a tribute to Ipoh’s past, featuring retro-themed murals and installations that evoke a sense of nostalgia and history.
Remember that street art is dynamic and constantly changing. New murals and installations may appear, while existing ones may be altered or replaced. It’s always a good idea to explore the city on foot and discover the latest street art treasures Ipoh has to offer. Music free under creative commons licence
Malaysia
In April 2023, we once again returned to one of our favourite neighbouring countries, Malaysia. We have travelled extensively throughout Malaysia, but this time instead of flying in, we travelled by train and bus.
Our first stop was the wonderful city of Alor Setar, or Alor Star as the call it locally. The focal or center of Alor Setar is centered around Zahir Square and it’s amazing Mosque and historical buildings. You will see in this short slideshow the buildings of interest and in the square many people gather to break the fast, during Ramadan, which is after sunset.
It was a wonderful atmosphere, people sitting on picnic mats with little bags of food and drinks. The roller skates were there for people to hire and skate around if wanted. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Music is free under creative commons licence. Title: Stealth By Akash Ghandhi
Journeys From A Small Room 