Striking nature of wall art in KL

A frog peers out from a vibrant mural in Bukit Bintang, transforming what was once a seedy part of the city into a garden of sorts.. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

Bukit Bintang, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, is famous for its shopping, night life and good food.

Several years ago, one back lane after another started sporting a new look in the form of colourful murals.

A play of colours in this mural of trees and bricks adds interest to this once bleak wall.

It was spearheaded by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) as part of its urban renewal efforts, with the aim of bringing life to the back lanes.

Most of the paintings depict nature in its vibrant colours, allowing visitors a chance to discover Malaysia’s flora and fauna.

The facade of shophouses and residences in Bukit Bintang now sport a more colourful look.

DBKL has been praised for initiating the project as it has helped draw more tourists to the area, especially pedestrians.

Many end up taking selfies and wefies as the murals are definitely Insta-worthy.

DBKL’s creative team incorporated this restaurant’s exhaust fan and turned it into a giant caterpillar as part of a mural in the back lane of Lorong Alor in Bukit Bintang.

The project is ongoing as more back lanes are still being painted, including at Jalan Alor, Jalan Berangan, Jalan Changkat and Jalan Rembia in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle.

A woman walks past an eye-catching mural with aquatic elements.