George Town on Penang Island in Malaysia is a street art lover’s dream. But no mural steals the spotlight quite like Little Children on a Bicycle by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic. Since its creation in 2012, this piece on Armenian Street (where Lebuh Armenian meets Gat Lebuh Armenian) has become a cultural phenomenon, an iconic symbol of the city that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe.
The two kids on a rusty bike are nowadays so emblematic that you could hardly find a souvenir shop NOT selling a tote bag, magnet, or keychain featuring this image. Even big corporations couldn’t resist the magnetism of Ernest Zacharevic’s art. Air Asia repeatedly used Children on a Bicycle in its marketing campaigns, without proper credit, consent, or compensation. When they decided to paint one of their planes with the reproduction of the image, the artist decided it was enough, and announced legal action against the airline.
Honestly, I’ve been contemplating of simply painting over it in hopes to put an end to that circusErnest Zacharevic
Beyond fueling the souvenir industry and corporate opportunism, this street artwork is a brand that every visitor wants a piece of. Tourists lining up in front of the Penang bicycle mural, striking bizarre selfie poses, became a regular scene in the charming lane that changed permanently.
The artist himself recognized overtourism as a sin against the UNESCO World Heritage Site town, expressing regret for his contribution to transforming a once-quiet George Town street into a quick consumeristic paradise, filled with insta shops, insta restaurants, and insta craving for attention.
“Honestly, I’ve been contemplating of simply painting over it in hopes to put an end to that circus”, Ernest Zacharevic admitted in 2019.
Even as tropical weather made the colors of Kids on the Bike start naturally disintegrate, the crowds never thinned. Faced with reality, Ernest Zacharevic agreed to restore his Penang murals in 2024.
So what makes this artwork so special? Let’s explore the cultural significance and the selfie craze surrounding the Little Children on a Bicycle!
TL;DR: Penang’s Little Children on a Bicycle mural isn’t just street art - it’s a selfie sensation. Painted by Ernest Zacharevic, this interactive masterpiece turned George Town into a street art hotspot, inspiring countless poses, from dramatic fashion model stances to heroic bicycle pushers. While the mural has survived time, vandalism, and gentrification debates, its biggest challenge remains: the endless stream of tourists trying to get the perfect shot. Whether you're here to admire the art or join the posing frenzy, this iconic mural is a must-visit (just don’t block traffic).
Who is Ernest Zacharevic?
Ernest Zacharevic Zach (born 1986) is a Lithuanian street artist researching the relationship between art, community, and urban landscape. His murals don’t just sit prettily on the wall. They invite people to become part of the scene that blends painted figures with physical objects.
Zacharevic’s rise to global recognition started right in Penang. In 2012, the George Town Festival commissioned him to create a series of murals for the Mirrors George Town project. These would ultimately transform Penang into an open-air art gallery.
Some of his most famous interactive works in Penang include:
- Boy on a Chair – a child climbing on a wooden chair in Cannon Street
- Boy on a Bike – a boy casually leaning on a motorbike in Ah Quee Street
- Little Boy with a Pet Dinosaur – a kid taking a childlike-graffiti dinosaur for a walk, also in Lebuh Ah Quee
- Little Children on a Bicycle – the mural that launched thousands of selfies
Zacharevic’s signature use of real-life objects enables the artwork to leave the surface of a 2D wall, into the world of a spectator, practically inviting passers-by to engage with it.
While Zacharevic put Penang on the world’s street art map, Penang also put him on the map of the most respected street artists. Since 2012, he’s been painting across the globe, from the U.S. to Europe. In Southeast Asia, you can spot Ernest Zacharevic’s artistic handprint from Medan in Indonesia to Kuching on Borneo, from Singapore to Ipoh.
His street art projects often touch on social themes and environmental issues, proving that he can create more than just selfie backdrops. The thought-provoking artist, for instance, launched Splash and Burn, a powerful awareness-raising campaign that uses art as a weapon against unsustainable palm oil farming in Indonesia.
Street art is an ephemeral form. Unlike museum paintings, murals don’t always get to grow old. Some fade, some are vandalized, and some – like Ernest Zacharevic’s Rage Against the Machine, depicting children demolishing a school bus in Kuala Lumpur – fall victim to city redevelopment.
Some can disappear for more controversial reasons. The Johor Bahru officials swiftly whitewashed Ernest Zacharevic’s Lego mural depicting a robber with a knife waiting to ambush a woman with a Chanel bag. Authorities weren’t amused by the unflattering commentary on the city’s crime rates, so they removed it, not without the public outcry.
Besides Ernest, Lithuania is also home to an unusual Devils' Museum - check out this type of art!
Little Children on a Bicycle – the story
Little Children on a Bicycle captures a simple, fleeting moment of pure joy: a girl and a boy riding a bicycle, carefree and full of laughter.
The integration of a real bicycle, a three-dimensional element, in the mural, made the artwork dynamic, inviting viewers to become a part of it through interaction. It practically enables you to jump in and relive a slice of childhood innocence. In the smartphone era, this was a recipe for viral success. It was destined to become a global selfie spot.
It all started with a single photograph. One lazy Sunday afternoon in 2012, Ernest Zacharevic attended a sketching event at the Goddess of Mercy Temple in Penang. He arrived on a red bicycle, and two local siblings spotted it. Despite its size clearly not being meant for them, that didn’t stop a 6-year-old girl Tan Yi and her 4-year-old brother Tan Kern from having an absolute blast. Ernest snapped a photo of them, capturing the spark that would later inspire one of the most famous murals in the world.
An innocent moment of play led to tens of thousands of tourist snapshots. Little Children on a Bicycle became a mandatory stop on every visitor’s Penang itinerary.
Penang can also be colorful by night. Discover Kek Lok Si Temple!
George Town street art – a tourism magnet
Since its creation, the Children on a Bicycle mural has done more than just brightened up a wall. It’s fueled George Town’s urban renaissance, inspiring countless other murals, and transforming Penang into one of Asia’s most celebrated street art destinations.
What’s the secret behind this success? Ernest Zacharevic’s masterpiece tapped into something universal – nostalgia. It’s a moment frozen in time, reminding people of the simple joys of childhood. Add to that the interactive nature of the piece, which invites visitors to step into the artwork, and you’ve got a tourist magnet.
If there’s one thing that stands out as much as the mural itself, it’s the endless stream of tourists posing with it. From mimicking the children’s playful expressions and assuming exaggerated action positions to coming up with hilarious interactions with the artwork, visitors turn this piece into a dynamic attraction. They don’t just look at the mural. They become a part of it.
With great popularity comes great gentrification. The very artwork that shone a light on George Town’s heritage has, ironically, contributed to its commercial transformation. While Zacharevic may not have predicted the avalanche of souvenir shops, themed cafes, and never-ending selfie queues, the real responsibility for managing tourism’s impact falls on city planners.
If nothing else, Little Children on a Bicycle managed to spark grand discussions about the balance between cultural preservation and tourism-driven change.
You can explore Penang's street art highlights on a 2-hour guided tour. Check it out here!
How to strike a pose with Kids on a Bicycle
During my Penang visit, and particularly while filming for the Pipeaway’s newest video series Been There, Done That, I witnessed an entire parade of visitors striking their best poses in front of Little Children on a Bicycle. In 108 minutes of footage, there wasn’t a single moment without someone trying to capture the perfect shot.
The inspiration for what visitors should do when interacting with Ernest Zacharevic’s art piece obviously came from each other, but also from social media where these photographs eventually end up. The selfie-takers’ behavior has recognizable patterns.
As you can see in this YouTube short directing kids for a photo is not an easy parent task.
Note: While creative posing is not problematic per se, be mindful not to damage the real bicycle or obstruct traffic / endanger yourself and others in this one-way street.
Here are the most common poser personas you’ll find at Little Children on a Bicycle, and what you could learn from them!
The Fashion Model
This first category is for those who try to absorb all the spotlight. These posers don’t necessarily touch a bicycle; instead, they seem magically transported to the site from the pages of Vogue. With a slight head tilt and a distant dreamy gaze, they seemingly ignore both the bicycle and the camera. But don’t be fooled; their pose is certainly staged! Either leaning against the wall or in a “walking pose”, with one foot slightly lifted, as if the paparazzi snapped them amid their leisurely stroll, they showcase the newest flowing dress or delicately adjust sunglasses and an oversized hat. All captioned later with something deep, like “Life is a journey!”.
Bonus tip: To maximize influencer potential, your feet and your face should point to opposite directions. Add a coconut with a straw, conveniently sold nearby.
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The Pusher / Puller
For some hardly explainable reason, many selfie-takers feel the urge to pull the bicycle (to prevent it from leaving the photo?) or push it (to unglue the children from the wall?). After grabbing the back of the bike, the pushers lean forward pretending to help the kids, while pullers lean back with resistance as if they’re trying to stop the wild ride. Some posers stand in front of the bike, doing the same physical push/pull from there – that one’s only for the advanced mimes.
Bonus tip: Exaggerate your facial expression, as if you are determined or exhausted. Eyes wide, mouth open, dramatic Stop!/Push! energy.
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The Third Wheel
Many selfie makers jump straight into action. They squeeze onto the bike as an extra passenger (or hover near it), as if they’re the uninvited friend tagging along. Some parents direct their children’s appearance on the photo, modeling their bodies to sit on the bicycle, and then quickly running out of the frame during the click.
Bonus tip: If you do decide to (pretend to) sit on the bicycle, make sure not to block the kids painted in the mural. Otherwise, you do know that there are plenty of actual bicycles to sit on if you just want a bike photo?
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The Action Hero
These are the attention-grabbers who refuse to just stand still. In their moment of glory, they leap into the air, attempt handstands and saltos, or, at the bare minimum, pretend to chase after the bicycle, frozen mid-run.
Bonus tip: Bring a cape, and follow the weather forecast for the breeze.
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The Boring Aunt
Aunts could say it’s not fair to name poses like that. But this role is primarily reserved for those who don’t quite know what to do in these scenarios. In the Oscar-winning action, they pretend to gently caress the boy’s head. If they’re especially brave, these people will stand by the bicycle, and step onto a pedal, pretending to join the mural kids.
Bonus tip: If the idea is to cover the mural with your body and make children invisible, cool. But if YOU want to appear in the photo, at least face the camera. Don’t act like a mechanic trying to fix the bicycle with secret tools nobody is allowed to see.
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The Bored Friend
These poor models stand off to the side, arms crossed, slightly unimpressed, as if they got dragged into this. Probably they were – by their overexcited travel companions, or a trishaw guide, eager to continue toward the next stop of their street art tour. This is a classic pose for unwilling tourists or grumpy siblings.
Bonus tip: Subtly glancing at your watch (like, how much more time for this?) sells the look. If you just want to get over with it, throw up a V-sign, and show teeth as if smiling.
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There is a fine line between taking a selfie with an artwork and making a fool of yourself. In the context of a gallery, selfies can be just stupid!
Travel tips for Penang Street Art
In George Town’s open-air museum, every street and alley might hold a creative surprise. To make the most of your Penang street art-hunting adventure, here are some essential travel tips!
1. Best time to explore
While the murals look their best in the natural light of golden hours (early morning and late afternoon), it is also true this is peak time for visitors. Everyone tries to avoid the midday heat, so you’ll need to find the balance on your own: having better light conditions with larger crowds, or opting for a less enjoyable daytime experience that might require more hydration and some Photoshop skills to fix hard shadows.
2. Must-see street art spots
While Little Children on a Bicycle is the crown jewel of Armenian Street, there are plenty more artistic gems scattered across George Town:
- Kung Fu Girl (Muntri Street) – Another Ernest Zacharevic masterpiece.
- Brother and Sister on a Swing (Chulia Street) – A beautifully faded piece by Louis Gan.
- I Want Bao (Armenian Street) – A playful mural by WK Setor, on a pastry shop’s wall.
- Folklore by the Sea (Chew Jetty) – A storytelling piece by Yip Yew Chong.
- Cat Murals – What are town streets without some feline representation?
- Steel-Rod Caricatures – Found all over George Town, these witty sculptures capture Penang’s history with a touch of humor.
- Hin Bus Depot (Jalan Gurdwara) – A hotspot for contemporary street art and indie exhibitions.
3. How to get around
George Town’s flat and compact layout makes it perfect for exploring on foot. However, if you want to cover more ground:
- Rent a bicycle for a leisurely ride.
- Hop on a motorbike if you’re comfortable with traffic.
- Take a trishaw for a nostalgic, guided tour.
If you’re lucky, you might even get a ride from Mohammad Shahrul, a trishaw driver who, back in the days, posed for Zacharevic’s Boy on a Motorbike mural!
4. Hidden gems
Keep an eye out for smaller, lesser-known works, often overshadowed by the famous ones.
Just in Armenian Street, by focusing on Little Children on a Bicycle, you might miss these:
- Right across Zacharovic’s mural, check out Isaac Cordal’s tiny figurine, perched on a building ledge.
- Spot The Last Tree, a sculpture featuring a boy doing a handstand in the middle of a trunk.
- Further down the road, you might enjoy Magic, a mural that only appears when the bicycle rental’s shutters are down.
Where to stay near the Little Children on a Bicycle mural?
George Town offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every wallet. If you want to wake up just steps away from the Little Children on a Bicycle mural, and beat the crowds, these are your top options!
Armenian House by IIP
Armenian House by IIP is a budget-friendly guesthouse offering simple yet comfortable rooms with a touch of heritage charm. Dormitory-style room is available as well. Ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers who want to stay right in the heart of George Town’s street art district.
👉 Check prices for your dates on Booking, Agoda, or Trip.
The Boutique Residence Hotel
The Boutique Residence Hotel is a stylish property blending modern comfort with heritage aesthetics. Featuring spacious rooms and even an indoor pool, it’s a great choice for those looking for a cozy yet elegant retreat near the murals.
👉 Check prices for your dates on Booking, Agoda, or Trip.
88 Armenian
88 Armenian offers a luxurious heritage stay housed in a beautifully restored lodging house for 19th-century Armenian traders. With refined decor, personalized service, and a prime location, this boutique hotel is perfect for those who want an upscale experience in George Town.
👉 Check prices for your dates on Booking, Agoda, or Trip.
Little Children on a Bicycle Mural – Conclusion
Whether you love street art, or you are just entertained by the long queues of visitors vying for the perfect selfie with Little Children on a Bicycle, you cannot deny that this seemingly simple piece of street art has become a symbol of Penang’s creative spirit.
Ernest Zacharevic could have never imagined that what started as a memory shot of two kids having fun on his bicycle would grow into a magnet for global visitors.
Little Children on a Bicycle endured as an irreplaceable visual symbol of Penang
The Lithuanian artist, who married the fashion model Sheena Liam and settled in Penang, earned the title of a Malaysian Banksy. This recognition has not come without controversy. His socially conscious murals have at times unsettled local authorities, who were quick to erase pieces that mirrored uncomfortable truths.
Little Children on a Bicycle endured. Even as the paint faded over time, the number of people eager to include them in their personal albums never dwindled.
Overtourism and gentrification of Penang made Zacharevic and other influential street artists question their role in permanently changing the heritage of George Town. Luckily, the self-questioning author of the Kids on a Bicycle mural never painted it over.
The street art piece also survived the elements, as well as multiple acts of vandalism – yellow wax intervention on a still fresh mural in 2012, “nonsence” scribble above it in 2013, and a cryptic “#4.0” spray-painted onto it in 2015.
Children on a Bicycle resisted all challenges and became an irreplaceable visual symbol of Penang.
Whether you admire it for its artistic value or contribute to its ever-evolving gallery of selfies, Ernest Zacharevic’s mural is a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring George Town.
How did you like Ernest Zacharevic’s Little Children on a Bicycle? Would you take a selfie with it? In which pose? While you’re planning your trip, pin this article for later!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work! The authors of all photographs are mentioned in image titles and Alt Text descriptions. In order of appearance, these are the credits: Mohammad and Ernest - Wong Hon Wai Penang's little cyclists (featured image) - jhecking, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 Original and 12-years-later photograph of Tan Yi and Tan Kern - Ernest Zacharevic WK Setor and Isaac Cordal's art, Armenian House - Ivan Kralj Little Children on a Bicycle (pin image) - Yaopey Yong, Unsplash Author of the YouTube video is Ivan Kralj, and photographs published on Instagram belong to their respective authors.
