The Penang State Government, through Penang Global Tourism (PGT), is stepping up the promotion of its eco-tourism offerings by highlighting destinations such as Penang National Park, Bukit Mertajam Forest Reserve (Cherok To’ Kun), Sungai Acheh Mangrove Forest, Entopia, the Penang Hill UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Kampong Agong, and the Penang River Cruise along Sungai Juru.
The initiative focuses on nature-based activities including hill trekking, forest exploration, birdwatching, educational tourism and biodiversity awareness programmes.
State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai was sharing this update in response to a question by assemblyman for Bagan Jermal YB Chee Yeeh Keen at the state assembly this morning.
“A new Penang Hill Hiking Trails mobile application has been launched to guide hikers exploring Bukit Bendera. Meanwhile, the jetty at the main entrance of Penang National Park has been upgraded, enhancing the visitor experience for those heading to Pantai Kerachut, Muka Head Lighthouse or the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS). Entopia has also introduced Entopia by Night, the world’s first biofluorescent garden experience.
“Community-based tourism is also being expanded in rural areas such as Pulau Aman, Nibong Tebal and Balik Pulau. These offerings include farm tours, fishing activities and village-style experiences run by local communities. PGT is working with local travel agencies to develop and market these packages, while ramping up digital promotions via social media, the MyPenang YouTube channel and official tourism platforms to attract visitors who value nature and sustainable living.
“The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) is also playing a key role in strengthening ecotourism on the mainland. MBSP is currently conducting the Seberang Perai Tourism Product Inventory Study (covering SPU, SPT and SPS districts), scheduled for completion in 2026. The study aims to document local tourism products across categories such as heritage, culture, gastronomy, agrotourism, ecotourism, sports and recreation.
“As part of the Penang2030 Festival, MBSP hosted the Seberang Perai Heritage Day celebrations at Kampung Agong, Penaga on 12 July 2025, in an effort to raise awareness and draw more visitors to rural ecotourism areas. The council is also collaborating with private partners and local communities—including Auto-City Group, Think City Sdn. Bhd. and state tourism agencies—to develop attractions such as the Penang River Cruise along Sungai Juru, which takes visitors past fishing villages, aquaculture farms and mangrove forests.
“Additionally, MBSP continues to promote the Teluk Air Tawar–Kuala Muda (TAT-KM) area as a strategic eco-tourism destination through partnerships with NGOs and the Bird Flyway initiative to protect migratory bird habitats and enhance Seberang Perai’s natural tourism potential,” added Wong in his reply.
To another reply to Air Itam assemblyman, YB Joseph Ng, Wong shared that the Penang State Government continues to strengthen the state’s position as a regional gastronomic hub through a series of strategic initiatives promoting culinary diversity and local food heritage. Among the key efforts is the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF), an iconic annual event that brings together local food operators, renowned chefs and industry players to showcase Penang’s distinctive flavours to visitors from Malaysia and abroad.
The inclusion of Penang restaurants and hawkers in the MICHELIN Guide Malaysia has further enhanced the state’s reputation as a world-class gastronomic destination. This recognition not only elevates Penang’s international profile but also inspires local food entrepreneurs to uphold quality, authenticity and identity in their culinary offerings.
The State Government has also nominated ten traditional Penang dishes to the National Heritage Department for listing as National Heritage Foods. These dishes are: Nasi Kandar, Pasembur, Char Kue Kak, Hokkien Mee, Jawa Mee, Oh Chien (oyster omelette), Prawn Mee, Squid Mee, Kerabu Bihun and Roti Benggali. The initiative aims to acknowledge the cultural value of Penang’s culinary traditions and preserve its gastronomic identity as a cultural treasure for future generations.
At the Penang Week showcase during the Osaka World Expo, a “Flying Roti Canai” demonstration by Penang chefs drew major attention at the Malaysia Pavilion. The performance not only highlighted the skill and creativity of local chefs, but also allowed visitors to taste freshly made roti canai—offering an immersive experience of Malaysian cuisine. The activity successfully introduced Penang’s food heritage to international audiences and strengthened the branding of both Penang and Malaysia as regional gastronomic hubs.
The state’s positioning as a food destination is further amplified through social media campaigns, themed digital content, and collaborations with airlines and international media.
Penang has also continued to receive global recognition as a leading gastronomic destination. International media and entertainment platform TimeOut listed Penang among the “Top 10 Must-Try Street Food Cities in Asia,” describing it as “affordable, easy and delicious,” where visitors to this food haven “will never go hungry.” Meanwhile, National Geographic named Penang one of the best islands in Southeast Asia for its exceptional local cuisine, emphasising that no other destination in the region can match Penang’s rich gastronomic experience.