Penang Ranked as 11th Most Affordable Travel Destination Worldwide, 4th Best Value in Asia

Source: Seasia Stats

The top 15 rankings:

1. Hoi An, Vietnam
2. Cape Town, South Africa
3. Mombasa, Kenya
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Algarve, Portugal
6. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
7. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
8. Kuta, Bali
9. Marmaris, Turkey
10. Paphos, Cyprus
11. Penang, Malaysia
12. Phuket, Thailand
13. Delhi, India
14. Costa del Sol, Spain
15. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Malaysia has received positive recognition in tourism rankings for 2024 from several global publications and organizations. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, was highlighted as the 10th trending travel spot by TripAdvisor. Additionally, it secured the 18th position as a top holiday destination globally by a UK-based non-profit organization. Furthermore, it was noted as the 6th most visited city worldwide by travelers and the 4th best city in the Asia-Pacific region by DestinAsian.

Now, another Malaysian gem, Penang, is receiving global recognition, this time from the 2024 edition of the Holiday Money Report by Post Office, the UK’s largest retailer.

To determine the best value destination worldwide for 2024, the 18th annual Post Office Travel Money Holiday Report incorporated the Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer. This study examined the expenses of eight specific items at 40 resorts and cities worldwide to identify the destinations offering the best value.

Considering this, Penang stands out as one of only two travel destinations featured in the study this year, alongside Delhi. The Pearl of the Orient was not included in last year’s Holiday Money Report. Penang is specifically recognized as the 11th best-value destination in the study and the 4th best-value in Asia.

According to the Holiday Money Report, the total cost of the 8 items in Penang amounts to GBP74.57 or around RM444.93. Here’s a breakdown of the prices in Penang as per the report:

1. Cup of filter coffee – GBP2.32 (RM13.84)
2. Bottle of local beer/lager – GBP3.39 (RM20.22)
3. Bottle/can of Coca-Cola/Pepsi – GBP1.70 (RM10.14)
4. A glass of wine – GBP4.47 (RM26.66)
5. 1.5l bottle of mineral water – GBP0.25 (RM1.49)
6. Suncream – GBP8.49 (RM50.65)
7. Insect repellent – GBP3.30 (RM19.68)
8. 3-course evening meal for 2 – GBP50.65 (RM302.19)

What do you all reckon about Penang’s ranking in the study? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.