September 2026

The September Issue Is Out Now! Penang Monthly’s September issue explores the vibrant world of Penang’s pasar malam, highlighting their food, culture, community, traditions, and evolving role in island life.

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A publication of Penang Institute, Penang Monthly is the voice of Penang - an inspiring read for the curious Malaysian, featuring stories about the people, ideas, and issues shaping the state's well-being. Sign up for a free account to enjoy unlimited access to all our articles.

Why Do Digital Nomads Prefer Penang?

4 min read

Penang is one of the identified DE Rantau hubs, alongside Langkawi, KL and Sabah. Penang Monthly went on nomadlist.com to find out what digital nomads say about their experiences in Penang.

by Sheryl Teoh

Take the Train and Make the Journey Part of the Adventure

6 min read

THE YEAR IS 1885, and Malaya is under British colonial rule. A symphony of steam locomotives resounds from the bowels of Perak state – the land of tin mining. O...

by Samantha Khoo

Reinvigorating the Local Tourism Scene With the World’s Longest Zip Coaster

4 min read

“WHEN LIFE GIVES you lemons, you make lemonade,” Sim offers up the trite expression when talking about the curveball Covid-19 had dealt to the tourism industry....

by Joel Teh

The Sharp Turn from Tourist to Traveller

5 min read

HAVE YOU SEEN bus-loads of tourists disembarking at places where you, as a local, wouldn’t personally patronise? It usually has some tell-tale sign: an obscure...

by Timothy Choy

Timothy Choy

The Crag Hotel: The Beginning of Penang’s Medical Tourism

6 min read

 CONTRARY TO POPULAR belief that regards medical tourism as a product of the modern healthcare system, the beginnings of medical tourism in Penang can be t...

by Enzo Sim

How We Now Holiday, Post-Covid-19

6 min read

TRAVELLERS ARE SEEING green after the Covid-19 pandemic ‒ no, not green with envy, but in the literal sense with nature. When international borders shut after t...

by Rachel Yeoh

The Paradox of Tourism Growth in Post-Covid Penang

9 min read

THE OUTBREAK OF Covid-19 exposed the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign to significant risks. Three months into 2020, it was cancelled. Subsequent prohibitions on mob...

by Vikneswaran Nair

Making Employees Rounded in Skills and Happy at Work

4 min read

THE MODERN WORKPLACE is evolving fast. For one thing, employee happiness stemming from a fulfilling job is becoming increasingly important, and is now recognise...

by Samantha Khoo

The Future of Tourism—Only as Bright as We Make It

3 min read

SINCE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL became possible post-Covid, I have, for various reasons, been staying in at least five countries for substantial periods of time, inc...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

EXCLUSIVE: Sculptures Symbolising ASEAN Fallen into Outrageous Disrepair

7 min read

UNVEILED TO GREAT fanfare as a symbol of ASEAN solidarity, peace and economic power in 1987, the six monumental sculptures, minus one which has gone missing, in...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

PenangPac’s Curtains Rise Once More

4 min read

Almost RM48,000 in donations have been raised since June.LAST JULY, the PenangPac warmly welcomed back its patrons for its first post-pandemic live show,...

by Pan Yi Chieh

George Town Festival Tests the Digital Waters

4 min read

Teochew Puppet and Opera House is a long-time performer for GTF.PENANG WOULD HAVE been a hive of activity last July, with preparations in full swing for t...

by Regina Hoo

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