Penang makes it to CNN Travel's best spring destinations

PETALING JAYA: Penang has been chosen as one of the best places to travel to by CNN Travel, alongside popular tourist destinations such as Spain and Greece, as well as various cities in the United States.

The American broadcaster placed Penang 15th on the list of its 19 best spring travel destinations, but added that the destinations were listed in alphabetical order and not rank.

CNN Travel said spring was an ideal time to visit Penang Hill for an “authentic tropical rainforest adventure”.

It said people from all walks of life, ranging from thrill-seekers to the elderly, would find the 130-million-year-old rainforest an interesting place to explore, as it comes with a nature trail, treetop walk, and even an aerial trail to watch exotic bird species.

“Scientists estimate the Malaysian rainforest hosts 20% of the world's animal species and uncountable plant species.

“The Habitat's canopy walk, home to Langurs or Dusky Leaf monkeys, provides access to rare wildlife and stunning views of valleys, headlands, the city of Georgetown and the glittering Andaman Sea,” it said.

The destinations on the list include the Aegean Islands in Greece, due to its idyllic cruises, Barcelona in Spain for its museums including the famous Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882.

Also on the list was Cancun, Mexico, for its sand beaches and nature loving eco-activities in the south of the city.

Following that was the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland for its blooming tulips, while Ledbury, United Kingdom, was listed for its “Downton Abbey-worthy homes” as well as its beautiful picnic spots.

Other destinations include Malta, Marrakech in Morocco, Mendoza to Patagonia in Argentina, Munich in Germany, Naoshima Island in Japan, and Queenstown in New Zealand.

US destinations include the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Lake Tahoe in California, Las Vegas, Orlando in Florida, Puerto Rico, St Louis Zoo in Missouri and Washington DC.