Penang is located at the north end of Malaysia. It is a short flight away from the popular Thailand vacation destination of Phuket. Many people miss Penang off their bucket lists, but we think these people are missing out. Here are six reasons to give Penang a chance.
It Has a Rich Cultural History
George Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its streets contain ancient buildings, which mix British, Malay and Chinese architecture. Walking through George Town is, therefore, like stepping back into the city’s colorful colonial past.
There’s Street Art Everywhere
If you take a stroll through George Town, one of the first things you will notice is that there is street art on every corner. They offer insight into the culture of the city.
You Can Spot Monitor Lizards
Monitor lizards are the size of Komodo dragons only they are much shier and are unlikely to approach. You’ll spot many of them in Penang’s national park, but if that’s not your thing, Monkey Island offers just what it promises.
The Food Is Unreal
The food in Penang is reason enough to visit on its own. The multicultural aspect of Penang means that it offers a whole host of world cuisine. Little India is particularly special and offers authentic and delicious Indian cuisine for extremely cheap prices.
It’s Walkable
It’s really easy to get around Penang. The public transport is pretty decent and once you are in George Town, you can get to the different attractions and foodie spots by foot.
It’s Affordable
Last but not least, Penang is very affordable. It caters for all different budgets and you can eat out for $2. There is a great choice of hostels in the center and they start from as little as $4 a night.