National Geographic names Penang among world’s best places to visit
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The Habitat Penang Hill is one of its popular attractions.
PHOTO: PENANG GLOBAL TOURISM
- National Geographic named Penang in its “The Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027”, making it the only state from Malaysia and South-east Asia on the 25-destination list.
- State tourism chairman Wong Hon Wai said the choice followed a “robust nominating, researching and reporting process” by National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler editors.
- National Geographic praised Penang’s mix of George Town’s UNESCO streets, beaches, villages and mangrove rivers; it had also been featured in 2025 for its food heritage.
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GEORGE TOWN – Penang has earned international recognition after being named among the destinations featured in National Geographic’s “The Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027”, making it the only state in Malaysia and South-east Asia to be included in the list.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the list, officially unveiled on Oct 20, features 25 destinations and travel experiences worldwide recommended for travellers to explore in 2027.
“Penang is proud to be among the destinations featured in this prestigious annual list, which offers travellers inspiration and compelling reasons to explore the world in the coming year,” he said in a statement on Oct 21.
“Penang’s inclusion followed a robust nominating, researching and reporting process, with the destination selected by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler’s international editorial teams.”
Wong said National Geographic highlighted Penang’s distinctive character, shaped by the relationship between Penang Island and mainland Seberang Perai, including George Town’s UNESCO-protected historic streets, rainforest-fringed beaches, traditional villages and winding, mangrove-lined rivers.
Penang was previously featured in National Geographic’s 2025 coverage of the best islands in South-east Asia for food, in recognition of its celebrated culinary heritage.
Other destinations featured in the 2027 list include Vestland in Norway, Luxor in Egypt, Niigata in Japan, Chengdu in China, Jaipur in India and Melbourne in Australia. The list also includes Catalina Island, California, which was selected as the Readers’ Choice destination. BERNAMA