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
Journeys From A Small Room 