Penang joins National Geographic’s 2027 travel list
The Malaysian state features in an annual selection of 25 destinations and travel experiences worldwide.
Penang has been chosen for National Geographic’s 2027 travel recommendations, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said. It was the only state from Malaysia and South-east Asia included in the selection.
Wong said in a statement that the annual list brings together 25 destinations and travel experiences worldwide. Travel experts at National Geographic, alongside the international editorial teams of Nat Geo Traveler, selected Penang through a process involving nominations, research and reporting.
He said the coverage explored how the island and mainland Seberang Perai together shape Penang’s character. Features highlighted ranged from George Town’s historic streets under Unesco protection to beaches beside rainforest, traditional villages and rivers bordered by mangroves.
The 2027 choices also feature Norway’s Vestland, Egypt’s Luxor, Japan’s Niigata, China’s Chengdu, India’s Jaipur and Australia’s Melbourne. California’s Catalina Island took the Readers’ Choice spot. Penang had previously appeared in National Geographic’s 2025 coverage highlighting South-east Asian islands for their food.
