Tourism Malaysia celebrates recognition as Penang ranks 12th globally for value for money
London, April 2025 - Tourism Malaysia London is pleased to announce that Penang has been ranked 12th in the world for best value in the ‘UK Post Office Holiday Money Report 2025’. This annual report compares costs across 47 global destinations, highlighting where holidaymakers can make their budget stretch further, with Penang earning its spot as one of the most affordable yet high-quality destinations.
Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant street food – known as the ‘food capital’ of Malaysia - beautiful beaches, and dynamic art scene, Penang continues to attract visitors seeking immersive travel experiences at a great price. This latest recognition builds on its 13th-place ranking in the 2024 ‘Post Office Travel Money Long Haul Holiday Report’, cementing Penang’s reputation as an affordable destination offering exceptional experiences.
From the bustling streets of George Town to the tranquil beaches of Batu Ferringhi, Penang offers something for every traveller, with wallet-friendly dining, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy delicious street food, explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites, and relax on pristine beaches, all at affordable prices. Penang is also renowned for its striking blend of historic architecture and colourful, captivating street art.
“Penang’s inclusion in this year’s ‘UK Post Office Holiday Money Report’ as a top value destination is a fantastic endorsement for Malaysia,” said Mr. Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia London. “It shows that travellers can enjoy world-class experiences in Malaysia while still getting exceptional value for their money. We’re delighted to see Penang recognised on the global stage and hope this inspires more UK travellers to discover what Malaysia has to offer.”
The UK remains one of Malaysia’s key inbound markets, with cost-effectiveness playing an increasingly important role in travel decision-making. These accolades from the UK Post Office Reports – widely regarded as a trusted barometer of holiday value - further cement Penang’s status as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia, offering a perfect blend of affordability, culture, nature, and culinary excellence.
As Malaysia continues to strengthen its appeal to UK travellers, the timing of this accolade aligns well with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) — a national initiative dedicated to showcasing the country’s diverse wonders and attracting more international visitors. With 2025 setting the stage for this milestone campaign, the recognition serves as a timely boost to Malaysia’s growing international profile and tourism appeal.
In addition, British Airways resumed direct flights from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur in April, providing more convenient access to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, recently ranked 2nd in Tripadvisor’s Top Trending Destinations for 2025, serves as both a dynamic destination and a gateway to Malaysia’s diverse attractions, including tropical islands, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage.
With enhanced connectivity and growing international recognition for its exceptional value and remarkable experiences, Malaysia is solidifying its position as a premier global travel destination.
For more information on Tourism Malaysia: www.tourism.gov.my
For more information on travelling to Malaysia: www.malaysia.travel
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About Tourism Malaysia:
Tourism Malaysia, officially known as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, operates as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. Tasked with the comprehensive promotion of Malaysia as a prime tourism destination, Tourism Malaysia has established itself as a prominent entity within the global tourism landscape. Its efforts have borne fruit, with Malaysia attracting a significant influx of tourists, registering an impressive 26.1 million arrivals in 2019 alone. This places Malaysia firmly among the ranks of the world's leading tourism destinations.
For more media information visit: https://www.tourism.gov.my
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