The back lanes of Chulia Street, near Stewart Lane, have been beautified with street lamps. ( April 10, 2025 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
SPRUCED-UP back and side lanes in George Town have become a focal point for shutterbugs.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has put in effort to beautify these hidden gems, ensuring each lane has its own unique charm and character.
Some of the most popular photo spots include the lane connecting Beach Street and Victoria Street; the path between Carnarvon Street and Jalan Pintal Tali; Stewart Lane; and the four vibrant back lanes in Kampung Malabar, Armenian Street, Church Street and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
Chiang showing the damaged park bench in an area that underwent enhancement nearly 10 years earlier.
These enhancements have turned the area into a tourist draw and have also benefitted local businesses.
Leong Jun Ming, 23, whose biscuit shop is located adjacent to one such alley, said the project had boosted his business.
Murals along the lane attract photography enthusiasts, he said.
“They come to take photos and sometimes they stumble upon our shop in the process.
“Although the lane is located behind our shop, we have noticed more people passing by, and some of them end up walking in and buying something.
“Our regular customers remain our main source of revenue but the lane’s makeover has definitely brought in tourists,” he said.
While the transformation has not led to a dramatic spike in sales, Leong believes the added visibility has been valuable.
“It is a nice area now. Before the city council fixed it up, this site wasn’t exactly pleasant,” he said, adding that the area had been maintained by MBPP.
“The tourists do make a bit of noise when they are walking through and taking pictures, but it is not too bad since they usually come during the day,” he said.
Chiang Kee Chuan, 44, who runs a restaurant near a small park-like alley, said that while the space offered a peaceful spot to unwind, its upkeep had left much to be desired.
“It is a beautiful place to relax, especially with the shade from the trees.
“But some of the benches have given way.
“I understand the local council cannot monitor back lanes all the time, but this one really needs attention,” he said.
Chiang said when the area was first beautified nearly a decade ago, it quickly became popular with locals and tourists.
“It used to be lovely in the evenings – you could sit and enjoy the fresh air.
“Tourists also appreciated the shady retreat from the heat.
“I hope the city council will perform regular maintenance and repair the broken benches,” he added.
Chiang said when the alley was initially revamped, the influx of visitors brought some disturbance.
“There was a lot of chatter, and it could get quite noisy.
“But now, with so many new attractions around, fewer people come here.
“It is quieter but we still see the occasional visitor relaxing on the benches.”
Chiang, who lives along Victoria Street, said while his home was not close to the side lane that drew the biggest crowds, he had grown accustomed to seeing groups there.
He said parking could be difficult when cars blocked the road, even when motorists stopped briefly to take photos.
Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the city council spent around RM100,000 annually to maintain the lanes.
On the possibility of tourist-attraction lanes posing a disturbance to nearby residents, he said such complaints were rare.
“If there are complaints of constant or regular noise, MBPP will investigate and take necessary action such as installing advisory signs or halting activities that cause disturbance,” he said.
