There's more to Penang than just delicious food or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, and despite its popularity with regional travellers there still remain many hidden and unexplored sites that await discovery.

That was the key message that Penang's travel industry stakeholders were keen to put across to the travel trade as Penang Global Tourism launches the 'Experience Penang - The Diversity of Asia' campaign to woo Singapore and international travellers back to the island.

Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin, together with Penang Global Tourism, Ooi Chok Yan; Albert Tan, honorary president and advisor for Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA); and Khoo Boo Lim, vice president of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) laid out plans to revitalise Penang’s tourism sector during its first official travel campaign in Singapore in two years.

Yeoh said, “Singapore was the first country to have a Vaccinated Travel lane (VTL) with Penang and remains our second international visitor-generating market. Singaporeans appreciate our rich heritage, art, architecture and of course, our kaleidoscope of gourmet offering that best reflects our colourful ethnic mix of Malay, Indian, Chinese and Peranakan culture." 

Penang Global Tourism and local tourism stakeholders are urging travellers to explore the lesser known parts of the island. Photo Credit: Penang Global Tourism

What's on the opposite and other sides of Penang

To expand the footprint of all international travellers beyond the popular sites, Penang Global Tourism has unveiled two distinct campaigns.

‘The Opposite Side of the Island’ promotes Seberang Perai, located on the mainland, which is home to rustic attractions such as the photogenic Kampong Agong and the large Mengkuang Dam.

‘The Other Side of the Island’, which showcases Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang on the southwest, abound with natural beauty and experiences around nutmeg, durian, seafood and untouched beaches.

As well, Penang also boasts accolades such as the Seven Wonders including (1) the world's highest-altitude Stressed Ribbon Bridge at The Habitat Penang Hill; (2) the world's longest tube waterslide at Escape Penang; (3) the world's first free standing vertical drop slide at Tech Dome Penang; (4) the world's steepest tunnel track at Penang Hill; (5) the world's first butterfly and insect sanctuary; and (6) the world's highest rope course challenge and (7) the world's first tower skywalk, both atop Komtar.

What's new on Penang

Penang's hospitality sector, like anywhere else, suffered during the pandemic but it is currently on the mend now, said MAH's Khoo.

Visitors can look forward to upcoming hotels such as Amari Hotel, which will officially launch in November 2022 with 453 keys; The George Penang Hotel offering 93 rooms and suites; and the 343-room Crowne Plaza in Strait City.

The iconic state is also celebrating a second UNESCO accreditation, Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve which comprises of 12,481 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Penang Cruise Port, which underwent an expansion in 2020, is now able to accommodate two Quantum-class ships, according to Penang Global Tourism's Ooi.

As one of Asia's most popular and busiest port of call in Asia, Penang is also primed for a visitor rebound with Royal Caribbean International's Spectrum of the Seas and Resorts World Cruises' Genting Dream currently calling at Penang Cruise Port, added MCTA's Tan.