Let’s take a moment to look at awards and honors that have been bestowed on our home land Penang. Today, we discussed something a little bit different as compared to our usual blogs. Penang Foodie wants to show you guys how cool Penang is! Thus, we browsed the search engine giant – Google and listed 13 reasons why Penang is loved by millions.
Penang is the Greatest City Ever
As mentioned, we curated top 13 awards from the world that prove Penang is the greatest city ever. If you have a hard time convincing your friends Penang is the best city in the world, you probably came the to right place on the Internet.
Alright, let’s see what we got in the list!
1. Lonely Planet: #4 Top Ten Cities To Visit
George Town is No. 4 in Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities list for best in travel 2016.
George Town might be widely known for its Unesco World Heritage-listed streetscape, but of late it has also emerged as the crucible of an artsy, modern Malaysia said by Lonely Planet. source: StraitsTimes
George Town Penang was ahead of other better-known places on the list (in descending order) – Rotterdam (Holland), Mumbai, Fremantle (Australia), Manchester (United Kingdom), Nashville (United States) and Rome.
2. Los Angeles Times: #1 of 16 Must-Visit Destinations
In 2015, Los Angeles Times listed Penang Penang as 1 of 16 must-visit destinations in the world. It mentioned Penang has beautiful heritage site, a bevy cruise lines call at the port and lively food scene.
Furthermore, Penang gives you British echoes, Malay essence, Chinese and Indian commercial traditions, scattered rickshaws and a stew of religions. Indeed a must-visit destination for travelers.
3. Yahoo Travel: 10 Islands To Explore Before You Die
Yahoo Travel says Penang is one of the islands to explore before you die! One-of-a-kind islands where you’ll discover every item on your wish list, from over-water bungalows and pristine wildlife to sublime street food and mysterious cultural monuments.
4. CNN Travel: Asia’s Top 10 Greatest Street Food Cities
CNN Travel listed Penang is one of the world’s top eating destinations. Street food or hawker food is the city’s big draw. Penang hawker food reflects the multicultural makeup of the town, which has citizens of Chinese, Malay and Indian descent. Oh this one is Penang Foodie most loved recognition!
Read: 24 must-try food in Penang [2017]
5. The Guardian: #8 of its Top 40 Holiday Hotspots
The Guardian listed Penang as no.8 of its top 40 holiday hotspots in 2014. In the article, it said Penangites are renovating everything from Chinese mansions to old factories, which means there’s something for all budgets – delicious street food or fine dining; funky hostels or boutique hotels.
Read: Penang Hill (what to do, eat and hotel)
6. Forbes: #1 Top Ten Best Budget Travel Destinations
Forbes compiled top 10 best budget travel destinations and Penang is number one in the list. For foodie who wish to try new food but are on a budget, Penang Malaysia is the right place to be!
7. CNNGo: Penang Laksa is World’s #7 Most Delicious Food
CNNGo voted Penang’s Asam Laksa as world’s no.7 most delicious food. In addition, Penang’s laksa is something worth traveling the world to gorge on. Any laksa fans boy here?
That’ll have your nose running before the spoon even hits your lips – CNNGo
8. ECA: #8 Most Liveable City in Asia
In 2012, Penang has been named as Malaysia’s most liveable city for the second year in a row by global consulting firm ECA International.
9. CNN: #6 Best Places To Retire Abroad
CNN Money mentioned Penang is #6 best places to retired abroad in 2016. There’s a lot to see and do in George Town, the capital of the state of Penang: museums, arts centers, free concerts, jungle parks, beaches and amusement parks. It’s extremely affordable.
Fellow Penangite, are you still with us?
10. UNESCO: Word Heritage Site
The oldest portion of the city center has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2008. Since then, many travelers love to visit Penang for its good old charm.
11. CNN: 17 best places to visit in 2017
CNN loves Penang so much.
Combine food with the city’s collection of historic buildings in various styles, from old English colonial mansions to classical Chinese shop houses and Islamic mosques, and you have a city made for walking and eating.
12. Huff Post: Best Local Delicacies
Huff Post included Penang’s Char Koay Teow in its 19 Local Delicacies You Can’t Come Home Without Trying.
Citing Penang’s Char Koay Teow leaves people stunned.
13. TIME: Best Street Food in Asia
Penang was recognized as having the best street food in Asia by Time magazine in 2004, citing that “nowhere else can such great tasting food be so cheap“.
Wrapping Up
In today’s blog, we curated Penang top 13 honors and awards from around the world. We’ll be updating this list gradually as we are pretty sure there will be more in the future to be added in the list.
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Cover image: Azlan Hj. Ahmad/flickr
This Penang Hawkers Delights is what the Chinese there say Chiak Bay Liao Hoe Mia Leh ! Metrowest Boston, MA / Washington DC USA
My goodness – Penang is a superb place to retire to. Welcoming tropical warm climate, beautiful beaches to splendid hilltop historic scenery, ageless old world charm, superb island sailing, great cooking and food choices, friendly Malaysians and accommodating settlers, nice mix of lovely homes, all at a reasonable cost. What more can a person want?