Back alleyways and river walls: 15 photos of street art in Kuala Lumpur
I suppose it would have been difficult for street art not to pique my interest while living in Malaysia – it’s everywhere. Bursting off the walls in back alleyways, near train lines and along the Klang River walls, Kuala Lumpur’s urban art scene is theatrical with vibrant colours and characters giving new life to tired and ordinary surfaces.
As Kuala Lumpur’s collection of street art continues to grow, these murals are transforming ordinary city spaces into free, open-air museums. So, if urban street art is your thing, or if you just like art, here’s a small collection of what the city has to offer:
Off Jalan Khoo Teak Ee, I stumbled across an alleyway with its walls covered in vibrant designs.
Even this van became a canvas for street artists.
Smaller pieces fill these structural columns at a car wash.Â
This vibrant design, along with several others below, decorate the walls surrounding a large parking lot on Jalan Imbi.
A much less appealing tag-style graffiti covers the tin fence around a gravel parking lot.
This piece is found at the entrance of Lebuh Pudu on the way to Sin Sze Ya Temple in Chinatown
These scary monsters are just some of the designs inhabiting the walls of the Klang River near Pasar Seni LRT station.
And this laid-back guy is located on the exterior wall of cafe Q Cup on Jalan Imbi.
What are your thoughts on urban street art? Or where have you seen other great street art examples in Kuala Lumpur, or in other parts of Malaysia?
Wow. I have been living in Kuala Lumpur, but never chanced upon any of these amazing street art. Even the name of the streets is somewhat alien for me. It’s time to play tourist in my own city.
These pics are stunning!!! Had no idea of the great artisan streets in KL! Cannot wait to head there <3
Before I arrived in Kuala Lumpur, neither did I! It was a welcome surprise though 🙂 If you’re heading to Penang while you’re in Malaysia, you’ll love some of the street art there too!
I wouldn’t have guessed that Kuala Lumpur would have great street art! I love walking in the streets and seeing what pieces of art I come across. Some of them are so beautiful and require huge amounts of skill. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Before I got there, neither did I! And I’m sure there’s so many more murals that I never came across. Definitely something I’d love to explore more of if I return to KL! Thanks for reading 🙂
These look so vibrant and ‘real life art’. I love how you can just stumble upon them on the streets.
I agree, I loved finding these murals on my walks around the city.
Thank you very much for showing Kuala Lumpur street art scene to the world :’) Very meaningful… I’m betting not even many Malaysians actually think of these as art as they walk past it everyday taking it for granted… Good reminder 🙂 Th
Thanks for leaving such a nice comment! It’s my pleasure, exploring the street art in KL was one of my things to do!
Wow these are so bold and vibrant! Whoever did these has crazy talent!
They certainly do, Brigette!
Great photos. What a range of styles. Are they easy to find?
Thank you! Yes, I just happened to stumbled upon a lot of these examples and most of them are in the same vicinity – within a few minutes walk of each other.