New York Times readers choose Penang as No.2 must-visit destination.

NY Times readers choose Penang, Malaysia as No.2 must-visit destination for 2009

Sunday January 18, 2009
(I HOPE PENANG WOULD BE LIKE THIS!! said my daughter when she saw this picture for the first time. This is CHICAGO honey!)

"As reported in The Star, January 18, 2009 by Christina Chin"

GEORGE TOWN: Readers of The New York Times have chosen Penang as the second best destination among “44 Places To Go in 2009”.

In top spot in the recommendations found on the paper’s website (http://www.nytimes.com) was Beirut.

The only other South-East Asian destination in the ranking is Phuket, which is in 15th place.

Other places include Washington (fourth), Rome (fifth) and Metz in France (sixth). The newspaper ranked Penang in the 22nd spot while Phuket was placed 12th.

Besides the second spot in the overall readers’ ranking, Penang is also in the top 12 places in the frugal and food categories (both readers’ and the paper’s recommendations).

The New York Times said adventurous foodies are now turning to Penang, the culinary capital of Malaysia, where they are eating their way through one of South-East Asia’s liveliest street-food scenes.

It said there are city-run hawker stands everywhere and even refined dishes like char koay teow rarely cost more than US$2 (about RM7.20)

State Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said Penang was chosen by the readers because of its good food.

“The ranking is a boost for the state as a tourist destination.

“Penang food is so famous that I know of Singaporeans who fly here just to eat,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the New World Park Chinese New Year programme at the food and beverage centre here yesterday.

A series of musical, art and dance performances are being held at the hawker-cum-cultural centre until Feb 9.

some of the beautiful beaches in Penang :

Batu Feringghi

Batu Feringghi has been well-developed as a recreational spot teeming with resorts, restaurants and stalls that specially cater to the European tourist market. Batu Feringghi's atmosphere and feel can be likened to Patong Beach in Phuket, minus the pole dancers of course! There's a wide range of accommodation available that will suit even the tightest budgets. Read more...

Tanjung Bungah

Located close to Georgetown between Gurney Drive and Batu Feringghi,Tanjung Bungah is hidden among lush greenery and rocky landscapes. Some claim that the views of the horizon from the beach are simply the best inPenang! Several upmarket hotels cater for various accommodation needs, letting you enjoy the pristine and serene surroundings. Read more...

Teluk Bahang

The scenic beach of Teluk Bahang is rocky, shady and serene - perfect for a weekend retreat minus the large crowds of nearby Batu Feringghi. Those who crave isolated beaches should go to Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach, Pantai Kerachut or Pantai Mas – all only accessible via trails around the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve in Teluk Bahang. There are camping grounds available for you to spend a night under the stars and in the morning, head to the recreational forest for jungle-trekking or visit the Forestry Museum. Coastal villages dot the area where evenings signal the return of the fishermen from the sea with their day's catch. Look out for great seafood in Teluk Bahang - it's one of the best!
tq to Penang Tourism Board.