Penang Named a Top 10 Travel Destination in Asia for 2025
The island state of Penang has been officially named one of the ‘Top 10 Travel Destinations in Asia for 2025’ by the highly regarded American travel magazine, Smart Travel Asia, reflecting its significant and growing appeal as a must-visit location for international tourists.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai proudly announced the recognition, confirming that Penang secured the seventh position on this prestigious regional list.
Malaysia’s excellent showing was further highlighted by the inclusion of two other prominent Malaysian cities, with the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, ranking eighth, and the beautiful state of Sabah rounding out the list in 10th place.
Wong shared his excitement on Facebook, stating, “Congrats Penang, Penang ranked seventh, Kuala Lumpur eighth and Sabah 10th.”
The top of the list was dominated by other world-class destinations, with Bangkok, Thailand, topping the chart as the number one destination.
A tie for second place saw Tokyo, Japan, and Bali, Indonesia, sharing the recognition.
Other notable destinations recognized by the magazine include the cultural hub of Chiang Mai (Thailand) in third place; Seoul (South Korea), and the tranquil Luang Prabang (Laos), which shared fourth place; and Hong Kong, Phuket (Thailand), and Rajasthan (India) jointly occupying the fifth position.
This recognition for Penang places it among the most competitive and desirable tourist locations in all of Asia, a feat that is a culmination of the state’s focus on preserving its unique heritage and enhancing its tourism infrastructure.
This ranking is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism and contribute substantially to the local economy of Penang over the coming year.
Top Hotel Accolades Further Boost Penang’s International Profile
Beyond the destination ranking itself, the prestigious list from Smart Travel Asia also recognized two of Penang’s leading hospitality establishments for excellence in specialized categories, which further enhances the state’s reputation as a destination for high-end and family-oriented travel.
Wong Hon Wai noted that in addition to the overall destination rankings, two of Penang’s hotels received individual recognition for their exceptional service and facilities.
The historic Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang was singled out and named among the top 10 wedding hotels in all of Asia, a significant accolade that attracts premium events and visitors to the island.
Simultaneously, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa was prominently listed as one of the top 10 family hotels in Asia.
These highly specific accolades highlight Penang’s rising status not merely as a general travel destination, but as a premier and multi-faceted location catering to niche, high-value tourism segments, specifically luxury weddings and comprehensive family holidays.
The recognition for the E&O Hotel, with its colonial charm and seafront location, underscores the state’s ability to host world-class events, while the award for Rasa Sayang confirms the high quality of its leisure and family-focused resort offerings.
These honors are a testament to the high standards maintained by the hospitality sector across Penang.
The state’s appeal lies in its blend of UNESCO World Heritage sites, famous street food culture, and now, internationally recognized luxury accommodation, creating a compelling and holistic travel experience that outperforms many regional rivals.
Strategic Impact on Tourism and Economic Sector Growth
The combined international recognition of Penang as a top destination and a hub for specialized hotel services is expected to have a strategic and lasting positive impact on the state’s tourism sector, driving revenue and supporting the local creative economy.
The continuous stream of positive international media recognition, culminating in the Smart Travel Asia ranking, contributes significantly to the state’s long-term tourism sector development goals.
The state government, through the efforts of the State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, views these rankings as validation of its strategies aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and preserving Penang’s unique assets.
The expected increase in international arrivals following this high-profile mention will directly translate into higher foreign exchange earnings for the state.
Moreover, the focus on weddings and family holidays suggests an influx of tourists with higher spending power, benefiting not only hotels but also local businesses, heritage operators, and the renowned street food vendors of Penang.
The recognition helps position Penang alongside destinations like Bali and Tokyo, enhancing its brand equity in key markets.
This strategic success is crucial for the state’s economy, as a robust tourism sector provides job creation and supports the creative economy, ensuring that the charm and appeal of Penang are preserved while still attracting visitors.
The strong performance is a motivation for all stakeholders— from local government to small business owners—to continue investing in quality infrastructure and service delivery to maintain and improve this impressive global standing.
