The World Record Attempt at Doing Nothing with Alvin Lau

Walking is the most ordinary thing in the world. But in parts of Kuala Lumpur, it isn’t always easy.

In Sentul, one of KL’s oldest neighbourhoods, highways and new developments have cut the area into separate pockets. Places that used to be a short walk apart are now hard to reach on foot.

A World Record Attempt at Doing Nothing is a walk led by Alvin Lau, an artist and photographer who has lived in Sentul all his life. You’ll follow the shortcut he takes every day, a jalan tikus (informal path) made by years of real need. Along the way, you’ll pass under flyovers, cross small streams, squeeze through gaps in fences and wander down quiet back lanes.

The walk is playful and a little adventurous. But it also gives you a real feel for what it’s like to be a pedestrian in a city built mainly for cars.

No special skills needed. Just curiosity and a sense of adventure.

What Can You Expect

Walk Sentul with someone who knows it best. Alvin shares the neighbourhood’s stories and the shortcuts you would never find on your own.

An adventure on foot. Expect uneven ground, small obstacles and a few detours. Climbing, crossing and finding your way is all part of the fun.

Checkpoints along the way. Each time we cross from one part of Sentul to another, we mark it as a checkpoint.

A sense of how the city feels on foot. You’ll notice things people usually walk past, and feel for yourself why pedestrian safety matters.

Rest stops. Short breaks at UTC Sentul or a convenience store.

Sharing session at Alvin’s studio. Midway through, we stop at his studio in Taman Kosmo Jaya to rest, chat and share what we’ve noticed.

A little history. Sentul grew around the railway workshops built in the early 1900s. You’ll see traces of the old railway town among the new buildings.

What to Bring

• Sturdy, closed shoes with good grip. We’ll walk on uneven ground, muddy patches and rough paths.
• Light, comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Long pants are a good idea for bushy areas.
• A water bottle. Please bring your own, and stay hydrated.
• A cap or hat and sunscreen to keep the sun off.
• An umbrella or raincoat in case of rain.
• Insect repellent, as we may pass through bushy areas.
• A small bag to keep your hands free, plus snacks or some spending money for rest stops.
• A charged phone for photos and getting around.

About the Artist

Alvin Lau is an artist, photographer and urban activist who has lived in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, all his life. Working across filmmaking, narrative essays and research-based visual journals, he explores questions of life and death, using devices such as dream sequences to examine how reality holds together. His practice began in documentary photography. In 2015, he attended a masterclass with Maggie Steber at OBSCURA Festival, and he represented Malaysia at the Southeast Asian Masterclass. He won Asia Photographer of the Year at the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Photo Awards, and his work has been shown at the Jeonju International Photo Festival, the Landskrona Photo Festival, and ILHAM Gallery.

Important Ticketing Policies

To make this experience enjoyable for everyone and to protect our team’s efforts in putting it together, please read the following before booking:

• All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be given for no-shows, participant cancellations or late arrivals. Please arrive at the meeting point 10 to 15 minutes before the start time. The session starts on time, and late arrivals may not be able to join once the walk has begun.
• Tickets cannot be transferred to other sessions or dates, so please check your availability before booking.
• The walk goes ahead in light rain or shine, so please dress for the weather and wear sturdy, non-slip footwear. If a session cannot take place because of severe weather or unsafe conditions, the organiser has the final say and may postpone it. Refunds are only given if the walk cannot be rescheduled, or has less than 5 registered participants, and are at the organiser’s discretion.
• This walk takes place on public roads and outdoor areas with uneven ground. We care about your safety, but participation is at your own risk, and the organiser and artist are not liable for unforeseeable incidents. Please follow the guide’s instructions and stay aware of your surroundings. If you have a medical condition or mobility limitation, please check with us before booking and let the guide know before the walk starts.
• Please be respectful to fellow participants, the guide and the Sentul community. Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour may lead to removal from the walk without a refund.
• No alcohol or prohibited substances before or during the walk. Participants who are under the influence may be removed without a refund.
• Please don’t litter. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and help us keep the places we visit clean.
  
• The organiser and its partners may take photos and videos during the walk for documentation and promotion, including social media. If you prefer not to appear, please tell the guide at the start of the session.
• The organiser reserves the right to change the date, time, route, guide or content of the walk if needed for safety or other reasons beyond our control. We’ll keep you updated on any significant changes.

About Jalan Tikus

Jalan Tikus is a series of five guided walks through the city. Each walk has its own guide, subject, and route, shaped by paths often overlooked or treated as an afterthought. A satellite programme of the Malaysia Art Ecosystem Fair 2026, organised by Balai Seni Negara.