10/09/2026
A little aimless roaming in Penang ๐ท
Was here for a work trip and managed to steal a few hours one late weekday afternoon to roam around Armenian Street. Probably the perfect timing too, not overly crowded, just nice for me to walk, point and shoot ๐
No destination. Just walk, turn wherever I feel like turning, and let my instinct lead the way.
And somehow, every turn had something that caught my attention.
Old buildings, murals, little alleyways and that beautiful mix of colonial + Malayan architecture. Some old shops have closed, while some old trades are still surviving, an old-school barber shop, herbal and spice wholesalers. Others have been given a new life as cafรฉs, galleries and little shops while still preserving the soul of the building.
I really love this mix of old and new.
At one point I couldn't help wonderingโฆ what did these exact streets look like 100 years ago? Who walked here? What were they doing? What conversations happened behind these doors?
If I could time travel, I think Iโd just want to stand somewhere quietly and observe everyday life back then.
All these thoughts while I was comfortably hiding in a chilled cafรฉ behind the famous brother-and-sister mural, while the afternoon sun was ROASTING outside ๐
I also stumbled into this little shop filled with seasoned art pieces, crafts, books and the most random everyday objects. Somehow they were intentionally put together and became art. Before I knew it, I was deep inside, happily observing everything and feeling like I was part of it too :)
Penang has always been one of my favourite places.
I always think culture is a little like the end product of fermentation, slowly shaped by the community, people, buildings, food and stories over time. Layer upon layer, becoming something you canโt quite recreate anywhere else.
For a few hours, I simply let myself soak in it.
A peaceful little roam that I think Iโve needed for a lonnng time. โค๏ธ
