Penang named among top island destinations in Asia Pacific

 The island secured fifth spot in Travel + Leisure’s Best Islands in Asia Pacific 2026 list.

Penang executive councillor Wong Hon Wai said the state is blessed with scenic coastal views, lush landscapes, elegant heritage buildings, vibrant festivals and world-famous local cuisine. (Wikipedia pic)

GEORGE TOWN:

Penang has been named Malaysia’s highest-ranked island destination after securing fifth spot in Travel + Leisure’s Best Islands in Asia Pacific 2026 list.

The accolade places Penang ahead of Langkawi, which ranked seventh. Koh Samui (Thailand) topped the list, followed by Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Bali (Indonesia) and Palawan (the Philippines).

State tourism and creative economy executive councillor Wong Hon Wai said Penang stood out among many renowned island destinations in the Asia-Pacific region as it hosts two Unesco-recognised attractions: the George Town World Heritage Site and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.

In a Facebook post, he also said the state is blessed with world-famous local cuisine, lush landscapes, scenic coastal views, elegant heritage buildings, and vibrant festivals.

Wong said the state is also blessed with a “strong artistic atmosphere” and a warm, hospitable, inclusive, and diverse urban character.

“This international recognition is not only a strong affirmation of Penang’s tourism appeal, but also a great encouragement to Penang’s tourism players, hoteliers, cultural practitioners, food and beverage operators, as well as the transport and service sectors,” he said in the post.

Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi, Boracay (the Philippines), Sumba (Indonesia) and Koh Chang (Thailand) make up the rest of the top-10 islands on the list. - FMT