Penang Listed As The World's 3rd Best Island To Retire On By International Magazine

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In June 2020, George Town made the list of 'The 10 Best Destinations for Digital Nomads'. A few months later, the state's asam laksa was named as 'The World's 50 Best Foods' by CNN Travel.

Penang is the first Asian island on the ranking.

The list was curated by International Living and published on 25 March. Other Asian islands on the list are Bali, Indonesia; Koh Samui, Thailand; and Phú Quốc, Vietnam.

Here is the breakdown of the list:

1. Malta
2. Mallorca, Spain
3. Penang, Malaysia
4. Ambergris Caye, Belize
5. Ireland
6. Roatan, Honduras
7. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
8. Isla Colon, Panama
9. Bali, Indonesia
10. Koh Samui, Thailand
11. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
12. Crete, Greece
13. Cozumel, Mexico
14. Caye Caulker, Belize
15. Phú Quốc, Vietnam

"A couple can live well on a monthly budget of between USD1,500 and USD2,500 (RM6,200 and RM10,300) a month. It's a luxury life on an affordable budget with all the comforts and conveniences of home."

North American travel site Travel Awaits reported that the criteria for the list "include the ability to live a simpler, more peaceful life — without breaking the bank".

Although the list seems to target an older audience, we couldn't help but notice quite a number of lifestyle factors mentioned are equally as attractive to youngsters.

The travel site described living in the island as a first-world experience — a food haven serving some of the best street food in the world, and not to mention, an eclectic street art scene.

In the comment section, many Malaysians celebrated the recognition, with some saying that they didn't know they are already enjoying 'the best in the world' here in Penang.