Penang has earned further international recognition in tourism after being named one of the world’s 25 best places to visit in 2027 by National Geographic, highlighting the state’s rich heritage, cultural diversity and renowned food scene.

The recognition places Penang on the prestigious list of destinations recommended by the internationally acclaimed publication, making it the only destination in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to be featured.

State executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, who oversees tourism, culture and the creative economy, said the recognition would further strengthen Penang’s position as an international tourism destination.

“Penang is proud to be among the destinations featured in this prestigious annual list, which offers travellers inspiration and compelling reasons to explore the world in the coming year,” he said.

Wong explained that the selection followed a comprehensive nomination, research and reporting process involving National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler’s international editorial teams.

He added that National Geographic’s global reach and storytelling have long inspired travellers to discover new destinations, experience different cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Penang’s latest achievement builds on its previous recognition in National Geographic’s 2025 coverage of the best islands in Southeast Asia for food, which celebrated the state’s distinctive culinary heritage.

From George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic architecture to its multicultural traditions and vibrant street food, Penang continues to offer visitors a distinctive mix of experiences.

Wong said the latest recognition reinforced the state’s international appeal and reflected the unique qualities that continue to attract visitors from around the world.

He added that the state would continue to strengthen its tourism brand, raise its international profile and enhance its appeal to welcome more international visitors.

The latest recognition is expected to raise Penang’s visibility among global travellers planning their holidays for 2027, providing another opportunity for the state to showcase its heritage, culture and gastronomic attractions to a wider audience.

A proposed landed housing development near Taman Bidara in Bukit Mertajam, on a 7.3-acre site along Jalan Bidara 1. The development is located less than 10 minutes’ drive from Machang Bubok and Kulim town centre, offering convenient access to nearby residential areas, amenities and commercial facilities via Jalan Kulim.

The project is planned to be developed in two phases, comprising a total of 64 two-storey landed homes. Phase 1 will feature 20 units of two-storey terrace houses and 14 units of two-storey semi-detached houses, while Phase 2 will comprise a further 30 units of two-storey semi-detached houses.

The project is still in its planning stage and more details will be available upon official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 7.3 acres
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 20 (terrace), 44 (semi-detached)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

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After 70 years of uncertainty, 174 families in Kampung Manis, Perai, are a step closer to securing new homes under a redevelopment project that will provide replacement units free of charge.

The affected households have agreed to vacate their existing premises after receiving consent documents from Railway Asset Corporation (RAC) and the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), marking a major milestone for the long-awaited Kampung Manis redevelopment.

Under the relocation arrangement, each of the 174 households will receive an 850 sq ft replacement home valued at approximately RM400,000, at no cost, in exchange for their existing homes.

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the replacement units would be more spacious than the typical 650 sq ft homes provided under similar schemes.

For property owners with historical ties to Kampung Manis who no longer reside there permanently, the state government will offer similar units at RM150,000 through a rent-to-own scheme.

The redevelopment, known as Rivanis, will be undertaken by Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd and Aspen Vision Development Sdn Bhd through their joint venture, Rivanis Ventures Sdn Bhd.

As reported in June, the wider project covers 34.84 acres of RAC-owned land in Prai and is planned as a mixed-use development to be implemented in phases over seven years.

The Kampung Manis relocation component involves approximately 3.97 acres of RAC-owned land covering parts of Lots 286, 65 and 67 in Bandar Perai.

Phase One will comprise 338 residential units, together with facilities including a swimming pool and car park.

Construction is expected to begin towards the end of this year or early next year, subject to the necessary development approvals from the relevant authorities, including the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).

Residents who need to move out temporarily during construction will receive RM700 in monthly rental assistance from the developer until their new homes are completed.

The project is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete from the approval of the development plans.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the latest agreement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and a Memorandum of Agreement between the relevant parties on Nov 11, 2024, followed by nearly two years of negotiations to resolve outstanding issues and secure a developer.

Chow expressed hope that the necessary plans could be submitted and approved promptly to allow construction to begin in the coming months.

The relocation initiative represents a significant step towards resolving a decades-long housing issue while paving the way for the wider transformation of the RAC-owned site in Perai.

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UDA Holdings Berhad will allocate RM5 million to develop and upgrade recreational facilities and parks across Penang, with its first public recreational park planned on a 2.5-acre site next to its 8&8 condominium development in Tanjung Tokong.

Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Steven Sim Chee Keong announced the allocation during the opening of UDA’s 8&8 condominium experience centre on Saturday (October 17).

The first park will be built beside the residential development, providing recreational space for residents and the surrounding community. The initiative is part of UDA’s efforts to enhance public amenities and create more accessible outdoor spaces in Penang.

While details of the other locations to benefit from the RM5 million allocation have not been announced, the funding is intended to support the development of new recreational facilities and the upgrading of existing parks across the state.

8&8 project to get freehold status

During the same event, Sim revealed that the Penang state government had agreed to convert the land tenure of UDA’s 8&8 condominium development in Tanjung Tokong from leasehold to freehold.

The project comprises two residential towers and is expected to be completed in 2029.

Sim also said UDA was offering the condominium units at a subsidised rate of RM700 per square foot, compared with prevailing land prices of approximately RM800 to RM1,000 per square foot in the area. He stressed that more accessible pricing should go hand in hand with good housing standards.