GEORGE TOWN - Penang has been named one of the 'Top 10 Travel Destinations in Asia for 2025' by American travel magazine Smart Travel Asia, reflecting its growing appeal as a must-visit location for international tourists.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang secured the seventh position on the prestigious list, alongside other prominent Malaysian cities - Kuala Lumpur, which ranked eighth, and Sabah, in 10th place.
"Congrats Penang, Penang ranked seventh, Kuala Lumpur eighth and Sabah 10th. According to the ranking, Bangkok, Thailand topped the list as the number one destination, followed by Tokyo, Japan and Bali, Indonesia, which tied for second place," he posted on Facebook today.
Other notable destinations on the list include Chiang Mai (Thailand) in third place; Seoul (South Korea), and Luang Prabang (Laos), sharing fourth place; and Hong Kong, Phuket (Thailand) and Rajasthan (India) jointly occupying fifth place.
In addition to the destination rankings, Wong said two Penang hotels were also recognised for their excellence, namely the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang, which was named among the top 10 wedding hotels in Asia, and Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa was listed as one of the top 10 family hotels in Asia.
These accolades highlight Penang’s rising status not only as a top travel destination but also as a premier location for weddings and family holidays, contributing significantly to the state’s tourism sector. - BERNAMA