When it comes to domestic travel, Penang often tops the list for many intrepid tourists who are seeking to venture out beyond their home states for a bit of quality time spent away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And the state’s popularity as a tourist destination comes to no surprise, given its wide panoply of offerings, whether it be by ways of historical heritage sites, eclectic art scenes, or of course, food.
CNN releases its 2022 must-visit tourist destinations list
Which is why it should come to no surprise at all that American news publisher CNN has declared Penang to be one the must-visit tourist destinations in 2022, adding yet another feather to the Pearl of The Orient! This comes after the island was just recently declared as one of the best islands to retire on by International Living magazine in December of last year. In the list of over 22 different tourist destinations that were recommended, Penang faced stiff competition by ways of other locations such as Oslo in Norway, Peru’s Ollantaytambo, and South Africa.
Penang adds another feather to its cap
It is worth noting that Penang is the only representative from Southeast Asia that was listed, too! How’s that for an achievement?
And as you can imagine, Penang was selected for its blend of tourist stalwart favourites, with editors emphasizing the incredible collection of heritage archiecture that the island plays host to. Whether if its in the painstakingly preserved Blue Mansion once owned by Chinese industrialist Cheong Fatt Tze, or the oldest purpose-built Anglican church in Southeast Asia, St George’s Church in Georgetown, Penang is never short on historical sites to visit.
And then of course, there’s the food. From spicy nasi kandar dishes dripping with gravy to fragrant wok-fried char kway teow noodles, or the sour tingle of asam laksa, tourists are spoilt for choice where gastronomy is concerned. But that’s not all.
The editors have even pointed out that Penang Hill had been gazetted as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in September 2021, to celebrate the region’s unique biodiversity. Dotted with a myriad of exciting hiking trails that offer an unparalleled view of the island’s topography, the article also takes note of the botanical gardens located further down the hills.
Established in 1884, the botanical gardens cultivates over 200 different species of orchids, as well as other flora and fauna native to the state.
Good news well received
The good news was warmly welcomed by Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin, who took to his Facebook to share the good news.
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Also read: Congrats! Penang is declared as the best island in Asia to retire on, 3rd best in the world!
