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It’s time to put back-alley izakayas, lightning-quick bullet trains, and endless nights of karaoke aside.
That’s right, as incredible as Tokyo may be, there’s some friendly competition across the continent.
It’s safe to say solo travel may not be for you if you find yourself having the slightest dull moment in Japan, but one exotic Asian destination revealed by Lonely Planet is the new trendy hotspot.
Vibrant, cultural, and widely regarded as safe, the Malaysian wonder of Penang is a haven for those venturing 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 is entertaining enough to keep yourself occupied and safe enough to wander freely without feeling like your head needs to be on a swivel.
Whether it be Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, or Malaysia, the options are seemingly endless. Well, except for Myanmar, but we’ll keep this light…
Malaysia is vastly underrated on a global scale, although renowned amongst its Asian counterparts.
With such magnificent urban sprawls like Kuala Lumpur and phenomenal untouched islands like Borneo, it’s easy to understand the hype.
But the State of Penang has become all the rage over the past couple of years, especially for solo travelers and digital nomads alike (often going hand in hand).
Brimming with cultural delights, from buzzing night markets to savory cuisine and mesmerizing temples, Penang’s broad diversity shines through, and you can’t help but feel welcomed rather than just another face in the crowd.
World-Class Beaches To UNESCO-Protected Sites: Never A Dull Moment
Summer was a doozy, huh?
The beaming hot sun will soon turn to crisp autumn days in many places, but Penang will remain a great place to catch some rays come fall.
You see, Penang is unevenly split with some attractions inland, but perhaps more so on the island side.
This is where the colorful capital city of Georgetown is located, where picturesque historic streets also serve as a UNESCO Protected Heritage Site.
Additionally, tourists will find the incredible Batu Ferringhi Beach, a long stretch of beach hugging vivid blue waters, perhaps permeating the most exotic feel on the entire island.
Not only this, but this is where the bustling Batu Ferringhi Night Market is located. Paradisal beach by day, night market perusing by night – not too shabby, huh?
Honestly, this is just scratching the surface of uncovering Penang’s allure for solo travelers.
The entire state is extremely affordable, which is a key reason why digital nomads love it.
Should you want to stay long term, just as an example, it’s reported you can live comfortably for under $1200 per month.
That includes cheap delicious eats, comfortable accommodations, transit…everything.
According to HostelWorld, to stretch your budget even more, hostels can be booked as low as $2 per night, and no, not the grungy bunks with smelly, snoring backpackers.
Private rooms at Red Inn Court are just a smidge higher than dorm rooms.
And with so much to see or do, huge savings make coming here all the more enticing, especially with even more to explore on the outskirts like Penang National Park and quaint cultural villages.
Addressing Malaysia’s Safety Concerns
Safety is tough to report on, but tourists far and wide feel safe exploring Malaysia, including Penang.
Of course, it’s only right to call out the elephant in the room, so to speak.
Whenever Malaysia is brought up, your first thought may be the unsolved fatal flights that crashed in both 2014 and 2015 – yes, multiple.
Rightfully, you may wonder if flying to Malaysia is the right choice.
Both accidents occurred with Malaysia Airlines, but many airlines with much more reputable track records fly to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
For what it’s worth, Malaysia Airlines is still a certified 4-star Skytrax member, giving some credence to the carrier for millions of tourists who arrive safely year after year.
If safety is a huge concern, taking world-renowned Singapore Airlines or popular budget carrier Air Asia are your best bets, according to AirlineRatings.
Plus, AirAsia offers an unlimited flights pass so Penang can be a springboard to Asia’s endless wonders.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.