Amazing what a new coat of paint will do. The former royal town of Kuala Selangor is undergoing a resurgence, and it’s got the street art to prove it.
Galleries
Street Art @ Kuala Lumpur
KL is a colourful city. Here’s a collection of street art photos I’ve taken over time, some now painted over, faded or since torn down, but all a reminder of the often less celebrated creative forces that make KL such a visually compelling city.
Street Art @ Kuching
It was a packed schedule of talks, exhibitions and events at the inaugural Rainforest Fringe Festival I was invited to. Here’s what I managed to snap in the hour or so I spent wandering the streets near The Old Court House where the Fringe Fest was held.
Bondi Beach @ Sydney, 2010
My first visit to Sydney was in 2010. Stephanie had recently moved there and as I was in Queensland for a press junket I had to visit. She introduced me to some of the neighbourhoods – Potts Point, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, took me to the most amazing eateries, and on one ridiculously sunny winter’s day drove me out to Bondi Beach.
Beach Combing @ Tanjung Tuan Beach
I had taken my nephew Kimi and niece Lily to Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest for MNS’ annual Raptor Watch event with the promise of a day at the beach. After a short hike we arrived to find that the tide was out. That was the beginning of our discoveries….
Pekan Lama @ Kuala Kubu Bharu
There’s more to KKB besides a pitstop en route to the lofty hill station of Fraser’s Hill. Once the second largest town in Selangor, Kuala Kubu Bharu may be small and sleepy by today’s standards but this picturesque place, nestled among Selangor’s foothills, has a rich history and an easy going charm that’s worth getting to know.
Phewa Tal @ Pokhara, 2014
Stream fed and dam regulated, Phewa Tal is Nepal’s second largest lake. Why it is also the focal point for visitors to Pokhara is easy to see. Quiet and still, and framed by lush green slopes followed by the dramatic snow capped peaks of the mighty Annapurna range, Phewa Tal is mesmerising.
Thamel @ Kathmandu, 2014
Surrounded by the majesty of the Himalayas and its awe-inspiring snow capped peaks or by the swelter of the rich fertile plains of the Terai lowlands where rhinos roam and tigers lie in wait, it’s easy to dismiss Thamel as a dusty budget-tourist trap. But Thamel has its charms and deserves love. In a way it’s like your first friend on your first day at school – friendly and uncomplicated.
Dusk To Dawn @ Downtown KL
I’ve lived many placed but KL the longest. For a long time I had fallen out of love with the city – too many changes, not enough preservation, too few smiles – until I learned to look harder and walk slower.
Campbell House @ Georgetown
Two large paper lanterns hang outside the entrance to Campbell House. They were made by Penang’s last paper lantern maker who sadly has since passed on.
The Chef’s specials at Venetian-Italian eatery Il Bacaro.
The pulley system used to haul luggage up to the next floors.
The intimate Loft bedroom, tucked on the upper level of this duplex suite.
The roof accounts for the sloping ceiling of the Loft’s gorgeously appointed bathroom.
Looking town from the bedroom of the Loft suite to the living space below.
The boudoir-style bathroom of the Opium room.
If only opium dens were as luxe – inside the exotic Opium room.
The Rose room.
Bright cheery tiles make a positive splash inside the bathroom of the Rose room.
11-room boutique hotel Campbell House is number one on Tripadvisor’s list of 150 B & Bs in Georgetown Penang. I had a sneak peak when I visited the city back in May.
POKOK KELAPA 