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Penang named among Nat Geo’s best places to travel in 2027

Penang becomes the only Southeast Asian destination named in National Geographic’s 25 Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027 list.

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Promotional graphic featuring an aerial night view of illuminated George Town, Penang, celebrating its inclusion on the National Geographic 2027 global travel list.

Penang recognized as only Southeast Asian city on National Geographic’s 25 best global travel destinations for 2027

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 21 — Penang has secured global recognition after being listed as one of the 25 “Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027” by National Geographic.

The island state stands out as the only city or destination from Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region to earn a spot on the prestigious global travel list.

Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, welcomed the accolade, stating that the international honor belongs to the collective efforts of the state’s tourism sector.

Screen capture showing an illuminated aerial night view of George Town, Penang.
An aerial view shows the illuminated cityscape of George Town, Penang, at night, in this screen capture from a Facebook post obtained on October 21, 2026. National Geographic named Penang as one of the 25 “Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027,” making it the sole destination from Southeast Asia to feature on the global travel list. (Photo: Screen Capture via Facebook/PenangToday / The Malaysia Times)

“This recognition belongs to Penang’s entire tourism industry, from our heritage conservators and hospitality providers to our hawkers and local communities who make Penang a world-class destination,” Wong said in response to the announcement.

Renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage site in George Town, diverse culinary culture, vibrant street art, and preserved coastal and rainforest ecosystems, Penang continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for international travelers.

— The Malaysia Times

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