Kuala Lumpur's hidden lane emerges as must-see spot for tourists

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - The famous Petaling Street forms the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown and has long been a hotspot for tourists looking for the perfect holiday selfie for Instagram.

Red lanterns hang above bustling market stalls, Malaysian delicacies tempt visitors and half-ruined shophouses and street art tell their stories – all set against the glittering modern skyline, including the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

Part of this vibrant bazaar district has now been thoroughly refurbished.

A narrow, long-neglected side street, once known as "Drury Lane," has been transformed after years of restoration. Somewhat hidden, it is among the oldest settlement areas in the city.

A nod to London's theater district

Historians trace the nickname "Drury Lane" back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when temporary theaters and Chinese opera stages lined the street - a clear allusion to London's own historic Drury Lane in the Covent Garden district.

Over time, the romance of theater gave way to the smell of fish and vegetable waste. For decades, the alley served as a bustling market, rife with rubbish and rats.

Surrounded by soaring modern skyscrapers, it gradually faded from memory.

Now called Jalan Sang Guna, the alley has undergone extensive renovation. The old corrugated iron roof has been removed, letting sunlight flood the century-old buildings, now painted in soft pastel hues.

Original wooden beams and clay roof tiles have been preserved, while cobblestones, nostalgic lamps, murals and information boards celebrate the street's theatrical and market heritage.

Inside, boutique cafés and trendy shops add fresh life. "Today, the alley bears little resemblance to the gloomy passageway it once was," the Malay Mail news website recently reported.

New Instagram hotspots

Authorities have also commissioned vibrant murals around Petaling Street, creating new photo-worthy spots just steps away from Kuala Lumpur's iconic towers.

The charming side street appears to still be an insider tip – most visitors tend to stumble upon it by chance.

Carla, a 19-year-old tourist from Germany, was pleasantly surprised: "I didn't expect such a quiet, beautiful corner just a few steps from the souvenir stalls."

British tourist Sebastian added: "The restored architecture in this alley is pure art!"

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This story was originally published March 30, 2026 at 3:35 AM.