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.
A Unique Selection on a Global Stage
The list, officially unveiled yesterday, features 25 destinations and travel experiences worldwide recommended for travellers to explore next year. 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.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said in a statement yesterday that 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. The state was chosen for its 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.
This recognition builds on previous acclaim. 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. Penang stands alone as the sole Malaysian entry on this specific 2027 roster, highlighting its unique position in the global travel spotlight.
The Dual Identity of a Historic State
Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is divided into two parts by the Strait of Malacca: Penang Island to the west, where the capital city George Town is located, and Seberang Perai on the mainland Malay Peninsula to the east.
These two halves are physically connected by the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge. The state shares borders with Kedah to the north and east, and Perak to the south. With 1.74 million residents and a population density of 1,659/km2 (4,300/sq mi) as of 2020, Penang is Malaysia’s most densely populated state, and one of the most urbanised.
The name Penang comes from the modern Malay name Pulau Pinang which means ‘areca nut island’. Penang is also colloquially referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient” and “The Island of Pearls”. Over the course of history, Penang Island had been known by different names by seafarers from various regions.
The locals named it Pulo Ka Satu, meaning “The First Island”, as it was the largest island on the maritime route between Lingga and Kedah. The Siamese, who were the overlords of Kedah, called it Ko Mak. Maritime explorers also took note of the island’s abundance of areca nut.
During the 15th century, Admiral Zheng He of Ming China referred to the island as Bīngláng Yǔ in his navigational charts. In the Description of Malacca, Portuguese cartographer Manuel Godinho de Erédia named it Pulo Pinaom.
From Trading Post to Tech Hub
The British first arrived in Penang in 1592. However, Penang’s modern history only began in 1786 when Francis Light, a representative of the British East India Company, obtained permission to establish a settlement. The Port of Penang was established by Francis Light as a free port in 1786 alongside the capital, George Town.
Penang subsequently became part of the Straits Settlements, a British crown colony also comprising Malacca and Singapore. During World War II, Japan occupied Penang, but the British regained control in 1945. Penang was later merged with the Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia), which gained independence in 1957.
Penang’s economy shifted from entrepôt trade to electronics manufacturing and the tertiary sector throughout the late 20th century. This transition transformed the region into one of Malaysia’s most developed economic powerhouses, with the second highest GDP per capita of all states.
The state ranks fifth among the states in terms of average wages. Penang is Malaysia’s leading exporter with nearly RM495 billion (US$119.57 billion) in exports in 2024, primarily through the Penang International Airport which is also the nation’s second busiest by aircraft movements.
The state has a population that includes Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, Siamese and expatriates. This cultural diversity is reflected in the architecture and daily life of the region. The heritage architecture ranges from the clan jetties—villages built on stilts over the sea—to the seafoam-green, antique-filled Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Infrastructure Meets Conservation
George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site embodies Penang’s cultural identity with lively murals on Armenian Street and Love Lane. Beyond the street art, the city is full of heritage architecture, from the clan jetties to the seafoam-green, antique-filled Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
The practical upshot for the local economy is significant. Penang’s inclusion in the Nat Geo list was based on its distinctive character, including its UNESCO heritage, rainforest-fringed beaches, and traditional villages. This status brings global attention to a region that has successfully pivoted from historical trade routes to modern high-tech manufacturing.
In 2027, George Town’s Penang Hill Cable Car will begin gliding from the Penang Botanic Gardens to the top of Penang Hill in less than 10 minutes, revealing panoramic vistas of rainforest canopies. On the water, Penang River Cruise will expand with more eco-guided cruises that explore thriving mangrove habitats.
Malaysia’s grandest Buddhist temple features tranquil hillside gardens, a bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, and a soaring seven-tier pagoda that can be ascended via foot or elevator. On the ground level, the Liberation Tortoise Pond houses hundreds of rescued turtles.
Penang has warm, agreeable weather from December to February, though this peak season brings larger crowds and higher prices. For fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons from March to May and September to November—but keep in mind that October is typically the wettest month.
Religious festivals, including the Chinese New Year in February and Diwali in October or November, take place throughout the year, causing a surge in crowds and prices. Navigating Penang is simple: Use the Grab app for quick rides, hop on the free Central Area Transit (CAT) shuttle to explore George Town, or take Rapid Penang buses for low-cost island travel.
For total freedom, rent a car or scooter—or slow things down with a scenic trishaw ride. The challenge facing the state is clear: preserving its UNESCO heritage while expanding its role in the global semiconductor industry. The numbers show a region that has managed to grow without losing its soul, attracting visitors from around the globe who seek both technological advancement and cultural depth.
There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Penang International Airport, so plan for a layover in a busy Asian hub like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taipei. The state remains a key trading post linking the Pacific and Indian Oceans, now bridging the past with the future.
Sources
- Penang is South-east Asia’s only pick on Nat Geo’s 2027 must-visit list
- Penang
- How to Eat Your Way Through Penang, Malaysia's Island of Hawker Stalls and Street Art
Photo: HundenvonPenang (CC BY-SA 4.0)
