There’s an energy to Penang. The island off the western coast of Malaysia is lively – even when a third of it’s population has retreated to celebrate Chinese New Year with their families, as was the case when I was there.

The city is full of secluded alleyways; lively street stalls hawking everything from chicken curry to flowers to traditional candies; and in recent years, street art.

Georgetown on Penang Island in Malaysia is a UNESCO Heritage site, meaning it’s full of history. But it’s received a youthful lift in recent years thanks to a scattering of murals throughout old town.