THE "HIDFEN" ALLEY

ABOUT

THE PROJECT

Concubine KL is located in Kwai Chai Hong, currently the best-kept secret — but perhaps not for long — of the Chinatown area in Kuala Lumpur, with the lovingly-restored pre-war buildings in the history-rich lane set to be the latest tourist hotspot.

The project's goal, which took seven months to complete, was to revive the heritage buildings to reflect early Chinese settlers who lived there during the 1960s.

The laneway was in a very dilapidated state – infested with rodents and roaches. It was also a hideout for some homeless individuals.

Together with five local artists – Khek Shin Nam, Chan Kok Sing, Chok Fook Yong, Chew Weng Yeow, and Wong Leck Min – the Bai Chuan team set out to bring back the glory days of KL Chinatown.

THE AREA

WHERE IS IT ?

Chinatown is virtually synonymous with Petaling Street or Jalan Petaling, which stretches beyond the mega arches of Chinatown.

Project Kwai Chai Hong involves 10 restored shophouses — six fronting Jalan Petaling and another four units along Lorong Panggung, as well as a delightful laneway tucked between the two roads of Jalan Petaling and Lorong Panggung.

Around us you can find Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, and bars such as PS 150, The Attic, Chocha, Rentak, Wild flowers, The Deceased or REXKL.

THE STORY

What is KCH?

Lorong Panggung is alternately known as Kwai Chai Hong in the Cantonese dialect and translates quite literally as "Ghost Lane" or "Little Demon Alley."

The origin of the Kwai Chai Hong moniker is, however, not supernatural in nature, with at least two credible theories floated regarding this name.

One is that migrant workers from China who settled here used the colloquial slang of "kwai chai" (ghost children or little demon) to refer to mischievous children running around Lorong Panggung.

Another theory is that Kwai Chai Hong's past as an area filled with gamblers, drug addicts, drunkards and those engaging in vice activities led to its nickname, while another story claimed that Lorong Panggung was the hideout of the "Dragon Tiger Clan" whose boss would call his members "Little Ghosts."

THE MURALS

What to find?

Inside the laneway are six murals depicting the daily activities of early Chinese settlers in the area during the 1960s.

This includes Chinese calligraphers who write auspicious sayings and help settlers write letters home.

One of the murals which might be slightly controversial is a nod to the past when there were vice activities in Kwai Chai Hong, but Chang said there was no need to be ashamed of history.

Towards the end of the lane is a staircase that leads visitors to a stunning two and a half storey mural – "the signature look of Kwai Chai Hong", which depicts the 1960s era where residences and businesses shared a small unit or lot