The street art of Asia is playful, creative, and fun. This is the fifth and final in the collaborative series of Street Art Around the World. The first shot is my own; the others were taken by top travel bloggers.
I found the street art of Asia to be the most unique of the collections. Have a look and see if you agree.
Street Art of Asia: Southeast Asia
Malaysia
We found this amazing street art in Seremban, a small town in Malaysia that is forgotten by the tourists. We love it! It shows the cultural diversity of this country. Malay Muslim girl, Hindu boy and Chinese immigrants, sitting together on the magic carpet and having fun. One painting show more than thousand words. Love, tolerance and acceptance are the clues to happiness not only in Malaysia but in any other country in the world. Photo contributed by Karolina of Karolina and Patryk
The famous ‘I Want Pau’ kids of George Town are probably gracing many a family album and Instagram account as they are as iconic as they come when it comes to Penang’s street art. But this arty gem has a bit of family history. In fact, these two cheeky kids grace the outer wall of the Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop on Armenian Street. The children are the son and daughter of the pastry shop’s owner and the mural was painted by family friend WK Setor, who named the painting ‘Childhood’. The mural was completed on Chinese New Year, 2014 and is more commonly referred to as the ‘I Want Pau’ Mural. Photo contributed by Vanessa Workman of The Island Drum
Mural “Big mouth” or “The bearded face” was painted by British artist Gabriel Pitcher in conjunction with the “Different Strokes” street art festival in Penang. You can find it in Muntri Street (beside Ryokan Muntri Boutique hostel), George Town, Penang island, Malaysia. Photo contributed by Ria of Life in Big Tent. See more at: Disappearing and resurgent street art in Penang
Singapore
Tiong Bahru in SIngapore. Photo contributed by Mar Pages of Once in a Lifetime Journey
Cambodia
Boeung Kak, the former lakeside area in Phnom Penh, was once a hub of activity for locals and travellers. The government sold off the land in 2007, and tragically the lake was filled in, destroying the natural beauty of the area. Hundreds of local families were displaced and thousands of people, who depended on income from fishing in the lake and who owned businesses in the area, were out of work. In the past few years, Boeung Kak has transformed into a thriving art scene, with local artists, expats and visitors looking to beautify the neighbourhoods and create opportunities and outlets for youth and the arts in the city. It is well worth visiting the area to see the unique, constantly changing street art, and to glimpse a side of Phnom Penh few travellers experience. Photo contributed by Jen Joslin of Two Can Travel
Thailand
There is a deluge of street art scattered throughout Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am a huge fan of street art and have been tracking it down all over the globe. Photo contributed by Matthew of Travelationship
India
The Hindu god Ganesh. Photo contributed by Shyr Gelber, a traveller and co-founder of Forty Thieves, the fantastic nut butter company we sampled at the Food Show.
Another photo contributed by Shyr Gelber.
Street Art of Asia: East Asia
Taiwan
Street art in Taipei, Taiwan is taken to a new level. While often subtle and unobtrusive, it can be seen in many forms, on many surfaces, throughout the city. From walls to electrical boxes, even on steps, the city truly is a canvas on which artists may ply their trade. Photos contributed by Carolann & Macrae of One Modern Couple.
South Korea
Seoul is such a great city for contemporary art. The Bukchon neighbourhood, located just beside the traditional Hanok Village is full of little galleries, creative spaces and street art. This huge mural was particularly impressive. The colours are gorgeous, and the girl’s gaze is fierce yet soft. Photo contributed by Catherine Benoit of The Go Fever.
Street Art of Asia: Middle East
United Arab Emirates
This car made an unusual canvas for street art in historical Bastakiya in Dubai. I took this shot a few years ago and wonder if this car is still there. See more at Bastakiya and the Old Souqs in Dubai.
Thinking about becoming a street artist?
Often larger than life, creating street art takes a certain set of skills. If you’re thinking about becoming a street artist, this “cookbook” might be useful: Street Art Cookbook: Street Art Cookbook: A Guide to Techniques and Materials.
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels) or VRBO (self-contained).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount
- Private guides: we love the private guides at Tours by Locals
- Travel Insurance: our go-to is World Nomads*.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
*World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Save for later
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.
Lisa Dorenfest
You’ve gotten me very excited to see the street art in this part of the world. Have enjoyed finding street art on my sailing travels from Hawaii to Indonesia and recent arrived in Malaysia. Heading to Penang at the end of the month and will be on the look out for the two murals posted here.
Rhonda Albom
There is some amazing street art in Asia.
Claudya Martinez
Bravo to all the contributors, what a wonderful collection of images.
Rhonda Albom
I was pretty pleased with it as well.
Oakland Daily Photo
If there was ever a doubt, your post has ended it: street art is a global phenomenon.
Rhonda Albom
I hope you checked out the rest of the series. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I wish they were all my shots.
Patrick Weseman
Those photos are so cool and interesting. I love the one one the stairs.
Rhonda Albom
I would love to see the one on the stairs. Also, credit to the photographer on that one, as taken on a different angle it would have a different effect.
Teresa Kindred
You find the “coolest” stuff! I love all these. The big open mouth one and the car are my favs!
Jackie
I post street art from our travels every Monday at Monday Murals. http://oaklanddailyphoto.blogspot.ca/
Rhonda Albom
Cool. I will be sure to check it out. I love street art.
Vanessa Workman
Great piece! Funny you should ask, because I was surprised by the eclectic selections. These are art works I’ve not seen before in other street art write ups. I’ve never seen that bearded guy in Penang either! I only just saw those I Want Pau kids just a few months ago and I’ve been in Malaysia 12 years. 😀
Rhonda Albom
I was really impressed with the choices people made to contribute. This collection really makes me want to visit S.E.A. soon.
Matt
Thank you so much for including our submission in your post. It’s a great list of some beautiful art.
Ria (@lifeinbigtent)
love it! to see all those murals all around the world 🙂 Just came back again from Penang in Malaysia and found many other murals 🙂 But I know still left few to discover and see 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Actually, it is the street art that I keep seeing photos of that is attracting me to Penang. I have never been.
Johanna Bradley
Great fun! I like the steps and that car would look great sitting on our drive. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I don’t think they drive that car, look at the tyres.
Catherine
Wow, these look amazing! Thanks for including me 🙂
Photo Cache
Wonderful collection. More to come I hope.
Rhonda Albom
This is the last in this series, but I have a few other interesting ideas for the future.
Cascia Talbert
That artwork is amazing. I love all of it.
Rhonda Albom
I am a huge fan of street art, and find this collection to be a bit different than the others around the world.
Pat
What interesting murals! I had to look at some of them a couple times to realize what I thought was real was really painted.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – me too when they were submitted for the article.
Indah nuria
They look lovely, Rhonda. I was wondering whether you have some from Indonesia. We have a lot of artistic murals back home 🙂
Rhonda Albom
This is all that was submitted, and I have not yet been to Indonesia.
Comedy Plus
They are all cool, but I like the car the best too.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I am biased towards the car, as it is the only one I actually saw live.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Such a variety. I wonder how many do a double take on those two kids, thinking they are real. And the steps with the couch is amazing.
Rhonda Albom
I know I did when I was first sent the photo.
Neha
Interesting! Loved the photos.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
I love the cat on the couch one – and the car of course.
Rhonda Albom
That car was a pretty cool find in Dubai, way out of character for the city. The stairs are just so cool.
Glen - Crazy Old Lady
Love the artwork.
Joyce Lansky
Very cool art work! I love the car and the couch on the stairs the best.
Rhonda Albom
I was pretty impressed when I saw that car in Dubai. That couch is awesome, I would love to see that some day myself.
Kreete
Wow, I love these photos! I love taking photos of street art myself and I must say, this is an impressive collection! Thanks for sharing!