Alor Backspace Street Art: A Hidden World of Colorful Murals | Malaysia Purple Travel Guide

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The vibrant murals at Changkat Bukit Bintang transform forgotten back alleys into a dynamic, unexpected open-air gallery. This site represents the modern, urban artistic pulse of Kuala Lumpur, providing a sharp contrast to the historical and religious architecture of the city. What were once gritty, neglected service corridors are now filled with floor-to-ceiling artwork that celebrates Malaysian heritage through a contemporary lens.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Why You Should Visit

For travelers interested in street photography and discovering hidden urban spaces, this area is a must. The murals are large-scale and powerful, offering a non-traditional look at Malaysian identity. As a self-guided experience, it is a high-reward ‘photography hunt’ where every turn into a narrow alleyway reveals a new, colorful surprise. Unlike a traditional museum, the art here is integrated into the daily life of the city, with murals often wrapping around air-conditioning units and rusted pipes.

What is Special About It?

• The ‘Lost Stream’ of Jalan Alor: One of the most famous sections is painted to resemble a flowing blue stream with giant lily pads and koi fish. This is a tribute to a real stream that once ran through this valley before the area was urbanized.
• The Glowing Clouds: Suspended above the alleys are 3D neon-lit sculptures of clouds. During the day, they add a whimsical, ‘fantasy town’ atmosphere, but they are most spectacular after dusk when they glow with a soft blue and white light.
• Flora and Fauna Themes: Much of the artwork focuses on the tropical biodiversity of the country. You should look for the giant Malayan Tapir, the Rhinoceros Hornbill, and vibrant tropical hibiscus flowers that span walls over 30 feet (9 meters) high.
• Immersive Corridors: The art is not limited to walls; it often extends to the pavement and staircases, creating a 360-degree environment of color that makes for excellent ‘outfit of the day’ (OOTD) photographs.

Significance and Facts

• Urban Revitalization: The murals are part of the KL Urban Arts program, an initiative by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) launched in late 2018. The goal was to reclaim back alleys that were once associated with crime or waste and turn them into safe, marketable tourist attractions.
• Economic Impact: Since the completion of the murals, many of the small businesses and cafes in the area have seen a significant increase in foot traffic, proving the power of public art as a tool for urban renewal.
• Collaborative Effort: While many pieces appear seamless, they are the work of various local art collectives. The project involved cleaning, repairing, and repainting kilometers of alleyways, including Jalan Rembia, Jalan Berangan, and Tengkat Tong Shin.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

You should be adventurous and wander into every small side street you find; the most intricate murals are often hidden in the narrowest passages that do not look like official paths. If you visit in the evening, you should combine your art tour with a trip to the adjacent Jalan Alor Food Street, where you can enjoy local delicacies like grilled chicken wings or durian while surrounded by the glow of the neon murals.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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