GEORGE TOWN: The tranquillity of the seaside, the many different kinds of delicious food and the warm people – these are all features that continue to attract foreigners to Penang.
South Korean software programmer Kim Hye-jin, 34, knows. She first visited Penang six years ago and has made it a point to return twice a year since.
“I came here on a short trip after hearing from friends that Penang was peaceful.
“I fell in love,” said the Seoul resident.
She is not alone. More and more tourists are flocking to Penang, especially with more flights available.
“There are many other Koreans working in multinational companies here and we have formed small communities and even opened restaurants,” said Hye-jin.
“Even though I speak mostly Korean, the locals are very patient when I speak slowly in English.
“It’s one of the few places in the world where I can relax completely.”
Hye-jin said she usually stays for about two weeks each time in small short-term rentals in George Town.
“I love how easy it is to move around and how friendly everyone is.
“Penang’s mix of cultures and languages makes me feel at home, with something new to discover every day,” she said.
German expatriate Michael Bauer, 62, from Munich, said Penang had been a retreat for him and his family for years.
Bauer, whose Internet company has its headquarters in Bangkok, visits Penang every few months with his wife and 10-year-old son, Lukas.
“My son takes online classes for school, so we’re flexible and mobile. We come here whenever there’s a break or when we need to renew our stay in Thailand,” he said.
Under Thailand’s visa exemption rule, German visitors can stay up to 30 days at a time without a visa.
“So after a few weeks in Bangkok, we come to Penang, usually for about a week.
“Penang’s slower pace, coastal views and diverse food options make it our favourite place to unwind.
“It feels safe, easy-going and familiar, like a small town with tropical charm,” he said.
On the ground, locals are noticing the increase of visitors too.
Grab driver Jason Lim, 42, said Chinese tourists were often surprised that Penangites readily spoke Mandarin.
“Many start by speaking English but when I reply in Mandarin, they become relaxed. Some say it feels like home but with more food choices.”
He said they showed much interest in local street food and heritage areas.
Souvenir stall operator Asha Devi, 36, who runs a shop in Little India, said Indian tourists similarly found it easy to adapt.
“They are happy when they see temples and hear Tamil being spoken,” she said.
