Dubbed the Pearl of the Orient, Penang has to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting both domestic and international tourists alike. Previously, the northern Peninsular Malaysia state was voted as the 8th best island in Asia Pacific in 2024 by Travel + Leisure readers.
Now, Penang has been honoured by travel guidebook publisher Lonely Planet as the 2nd best place in Southeast Asia for solo travel!
The best places in Southeast Asia for solo travellers according to Lonely Planet
Sultan Mosque in Singapore
In the rankings, Singapore is named the best place in Southeast Asia for solo travel, followed by Penang in 2nd, and Vietnam’s Danang in 3rd.
Making up the top 7 are Cambodia’s Siem Reap, Thailand’s Bangkok, Vietnam’s Hanoi, and Indonesia’s Bali, respectively.
According to Lonely Planet, despite being one of the smaller subregions in the world, Southeast Asia is home to incredibly diverse cultures and landscapes that stand out vividly once one crosses borders.
Beach in Danang, Vietnam
It added that for solo travellers, the region has all the appealing hallmarks of a satisfying destination and while expenses and safety are often concerns for solo travellers, Southeast Asia proves to be welcoming in those aspects.
Accordingly, in coming up with the list, Lonely Planet considered the cornerstones to successful solo travel, which include reliable WiFi, ease of communication and accessible transportation.
Penang is the best place for vibrant street food and creative local culture
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For Penang, Lonely Planet noted that the state is the best place for vibrant street food and creative local culture, asserting that the UNESCO-listed streets of George Town are a treasure trove of decorated pre-war shophouses and clan houses intermixed with cute cafes and street art scene that adds whimsy to the sleepy city.
Furthermore, the relaxed atmosphere is only happily disrupted by the street vendors as the meal-centric hawkers often operate for short hours only, with some showing up for breakfast and others for dinner.
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The report listed New Lane, Kimberley Street and Chulia Street as popular venues where solo travellers can get budget meals for as low as RM10.
Besides that, Lonely Planet also lauded how Penang is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan influences.
In particular, Peranakan culture is evident in the city with a museum and hotels such as Cheong Fatt Sze and Edison George Town.
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So, what do you guys think of Penang’s ranking in the list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Study: Penang Voted as 8th Best Island in Asia Pacific in 2024
