Now, it is also known as one of the best islands in the world to retire on.
Just heavenly
Penangites, rejoice, as the Pearl of the Orient has made it into the list of the "15 Best Islands In The World To Retire On In 2021".
The list, which was published on the Travel Awaits website, saw Penang listed in third place right after Malta and Mallorca, Spain.
According to the website, their criteria for an island to make the list included the ability to live a simpler life after retirement without breaking the bank, and Penang passed that with flying colours, according to the website's contributor Kara Williams.
Williams described the island as a "home to a mix of nationalities, and it’s welcoming to North Americans, with English widely spoken on the island".
“If you’re eager to travel in retirement, having Penang as your home base makes it easy to fly to many other countries in Southeast Asia.
“This island also appeals to foodies, with its plethora of food stalls, prominently found in the main city, George Town, as well as adventurers who like to hike, dive, and snorkel,” she wrote.
Williams also praised the country’s Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), which she described as a "generous retirement visa".
Other Asian islands which made the list include Bali in ninth place, Koh Samui, Thailand in 10th place and Phu Quoc, Vietnam in 15th place.
Not their first rodeo
Penang has long been known as a paradise to spend your retirement, as this is not the first time Penang made it to an international list as the best place to retire.
In November last year, Penang was named as one of the "11 Best Islands for Retirement Abroad" by International Living website.
We have to agree that the yummy food makes Penang a very desirable place to retire, but the traffic jam? No, thanks!