AS the year-end approaches in just four days, Penang’s iconic tourist attractions are witnessing an influx of local and foreign visitors.
Holidaymakers from outstation, particularly Kuala Lumpur, Johor, the Klang Valley, and Perak, have taken advantage of the long holiday break to explore Penang’s renowned destinations.
Popular spots such as Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, the George Town World Heritage Site, Balik Pulau, and Seberang Perai have been bustling with visitors eager to experience the island’s charm.
This surge in visitors underscores Penang’s status as one of the region’s top destinations. The state has once again been listed among the 22 best places to visit in Asia by Lonely Planet.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai praised the recognition in a recent social media post.
“This remarkable feat demonstrates that Penang’s allure as a tourist destination is further strengthened by its famous local cuisines and vibrant cultural heritage. This achievement has also placed our country prominently on the world map,” Wong wrote.
Meanwhile, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng told Buletin Mutiara of a significant spike in visitors to Penang Hill, with over 26,000 visitors recorded over the past three days.
“On Dec 25 alone, we welcomed more than 9,000 visitors to Penang Hill,” Cheok said, acknowledging the challenges posed by the traffic surge. To manage the situation, additional manpower was deployed to ensure smoother operations.
To ease congestion during this festive season, Cheok highlighted the introduction of free shuttle buses, which proved to be a valuable initiative.
“A total of 443 people took advantage of the shuttle buses to get to Penang Hill,” he added.
Cheok also mentioned a new attraction on Penang Hill, the upper station known as Penang Hill Station, which has drawn visitors keen to enjoy the refreshing, cool environment.
Story by Edmund Lee