Epic Beaches & Rich Culture! This Asian Island Paradise Is Breaking All Time Tourism Records  

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Some cities simply stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons, and this welcoming destination has so much to love!

Think mouthwatering street food, stunning temples and monuments, and some of the region’s very best beaches.  

Penang is one of the most popular vacation spots in Malaysia, earning it the nickname the Pearl of the Orient.  

In fact, according to a new report in The Star, demand in the city is at an all-time high with hotel occupation sitting between a staggering 90% and 100% over the Christmas period.  

Here’s why you should add this Asian island paradise to your bucket list.  

A Unique Cultural Cocktail 

Penang is a unique destination that mixes cultural aspects from the great Asian kingdoms with nods to European culture, too.   

Traditional Malaysian temples sit shoulder to shoulder with British Colonial buildings.

This means that culture vultures will be spoilt for choice of things to see and do.  

Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple Buddhist temple (admission is free), which is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and an important site for pilgrimages. This is a beautiful temple complex that’s home to millions of magnificent images of Buddha.  

To learn more about the culture here, try the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. This is a museum dedicated to Penang’s Peranakan heritage, and the architecture of the mansion is spectacular. Entry to the mansion costs RM25 ($5.59) per person, and free tours are available.  

As an added bonus, Penang has a tropical climate, meaning now is the perfect time to visit. December to February are the driest months of the year on the island.  

This means you can enjoy the many outdoor attractions that the island has to offer. For thrillseekers, why not try Escape Penang?

It is an epic waterpark that also boasts a high ropes course and zip lines.  

This is the number 1 theme park in Malaysia, and tickets cost RM156 ($34.93) per person.  

The Beaches In Penang  

Penang is famed for its spectacular beaches. And visiting these is a real highlight of a visit to the island.

The most well-known and most beautiful beach in Penang is Batu Ferringhi Beach. This boasts glistening white sand and incredible vistas.  

Batu Ferringhi Beach is a fun and lively beach packed with attractions and amenities. It’s an especially great spot if you want to try your hand at watersports.  

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, then head to Penang National Park.

You’ll find some stunning secluded beaches here. One of the best is Monkey Beach, which has an incredibly serene atmosphere and is only accessible by boat.  

Penang National Park has an RM50 ($11.18) entry fee for adults, and this is only payable in cash. Credit cards aren’t accepted here, so make sure you have some hard cash before you arrive.  

As beautiful as the beaches in Penang are, they do come with a disclaimer. Many of the beaches here aren’t recommended for swimming, as they tend to be murky and because many jellyfish call the waters around the island home.  

Spectacular Street Food 

Because Penang is such a cultural hotspot, it boasts a diverse street food offering. In fact, the street food here is regarded as some of the best in the world!  

Penang is the food capital of Malaysia, and whether you’re looking for authentic Chinese pastries or spicy Indian roti, you’ll find it here.  

You can take a street food tour of the city, alternatively you can simply opt for my prefer option of wandering around and eating whatever takes your fancy! 16 of the street food restaurants here have been awarded bib gourmand ratings by Michelin.  

If you eat in only one spot, then make it Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis in George Town. This street stall has been serving crispy crêpes with a soft, puffy center cooked in a clay pot over charcoal since 1920.  

Be warned! These are so famous (and so popular) that if you don’t arrive early in the day, then you won’t get one at all. 

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