Tourists Might Skip Penang To Visit Lonely Planet’s Favourite Malaysian State Next Year

Road trip, anyone? 😀

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Cover ImageCover image via Embark

Step aside, Penang. One of the most trusted travel guides in the world has declared another Malaysians state as one of 2017's must-visit regions!

The state of Perak has earned a spot in popular travel site Lonely Planet's list of top regions to visit in its 'Best in Travel 2017' series, citing the "bloom of vintage-style cafes and boutiques" in the historic city of Ipoh

"The nucleus of this old-meets-new makeover is **Kong Heng Block, surrounding the imaginative Sekeping Kong Heng hotel**," Lonely Planet wrote.

"Here, cheerful joints like **Roquette Cafe, Burps & Giggles and Bits & Bobs** pull a vibrant crowd to **shop, dawdle and slurp ais kepal (ice balls)** in this historic neighbourhood."

The interior of Sekeping Kong Heng.

Image via Instagram @hjyong05

Pulau Pangkor also received a notable mention, highlighting the nature walks and village tours offered by guesthouse owners and tour guides on the island

"**In this sunbather's paradise, an emerging focus on wildlife is a breath of fresh, sea air**," the site wrote.

Image via AMI Travel

Perak is also the only Asian destination to be included in the list! Check out the full list below:

1. Choquequirao, Peru
2. Taranaki, New Zealand
3. The Azores, Portugal
4. North Wales, UK
5. South Australia
6. Aysén, Chile
7. The Tuamotus, French Polynesia
8. Coastal Georgia, USA
**9. Perak, Malaysia**
10. The Skellig Ring, Ireland

Earlier this year, Ipoh made it to Lonely Planet's 'Best In Asia 2016' list:

If you ever find yourself in the Perak capital, check out these charming stays and vintage-style cafe grub:

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