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It’s time to go down an alley izakayaslightning-fast bullet trains and endless karaoke nights aside.
That’s right, as incredible as Tokyo may be, there is friendly competition across the continent.
It’s safe to say that solo travel may not be for you if you find yourself having even the slightest dull moment in Japan, but an exotic Asian destination revealed by Lonely Planet is the new trendy hotspot.
Vibrant, cultural and generally considered safe, the Malaysian wonder of Penang is a refuge for those who venture out into the world on their own.
Southeast Asia’s solo-friendly hotspot
Yes, Southeast Asia is widely considered one of the best regions in the world, both adventurous and safe enough for solo exploration.
It’s entertaining enough to keep yourself busy and safe enough to roam freely without feeling like your head needs to turn.
Whether it’s Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam or Malaysia, the options seem endless. Well, except Myanmar, but we’ll keep it light…
Malaysia is vastly underrated on a global scale, although it is well known among its Asian counterparts.
With such beautiful urban sprawl as Kuala Lumpur and phenomenal pristine islands like Borneo, it’s easy to understand the hype.
But the state of Penang has become all the rage in recent years, especially among solo travelers and digital nomads (which often go hand in hand).
Penang’s wide diversity, packed with cultural delights from bustling night markets to tasty cuisine and enchanting temples, comes to the fore and you can’t help but feel welcome rather than just another face in the crowd.
From world-class beaches to UNESCO-protected sites, there’s never a dull moment
Summer was a doozy, huh?
The bright hot sun will soon turn into crisp autumn days in many places, but Penang remains a great place to catch some rays in autumn.
You see, Penang is unevenly distributed with some sights inland, but perhaps more on the island side.
This is where the colorful capital Georgetown is located, where picturesque historic streets also serve as UNESCO-protected heritage.
Moreover, tourists will find it incredible Batu Ferringhi Beacha long stretch of beach bordering vibrant blue waters that imbues perhaps the most exotic feeling of the entire island.
Not only this, but this is where it’s buzzing Batu Ferringhi Night Market is located. A heavenly beach during the day, a night market in the evening – not too shabby, eh?
Frankly, this is just the beginning of uncovering Penang’s appeal for solo travelers.
The entire state is extremely affordable, which is a big reason why digital nomads love it.
For example, if you want to stay long term, it is reported that you can live comfortably for less than $1200 per month.
That includes cheap, delicious food, comfortable accommodation, public transport… everything.
According to HostelWorld, to stretch your budget even more, you can book hostels starting from $2 a night, and no, not the filthy bunkhouses with smelly, snoring backpackers.
Private rooms at The Red Innhof are only slightly higher than dormitories.
And with so much to see or do, huge savings make it all the more attractive to come here, especially as there’s even more to explore in the suburbs, such as Penang National Park and picturesque cultural villages.
Addressing Malaysia’s security challenges
Safety is difficult to report, but tourists from all over the world feel safe exploring Malaysia, including Penang.
Of course, it is only right to call out the elephant in the room, so to speak.
When Malaysia comes up, your first thought might be the unsolved fatal flight crashes in both 2014 and 2015 – yes, several.
You may rightly wonder whether flying to Malaysia is the right choice.
Both accidents occurred on Malaysia Airlines, but many airlines with a much better track record fly to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
For what it’s worth, Malaysia Airlines is still a certified 4-star Skytrax member, which gives the airline some credibility for millions of tourists who arrive safely year after year.
If safety is a major concern, taking the world-famous Singapore Airlines or the popular budget airline Air Asia is the best choice, according to Airline ratings.
Plus, AirAsia offers an unlimited flight pass, so Penang can be a springboard to the endless wonders of Asia.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
