The South China Morning Post (SCMP) praised Penang’s tropical climate, low cost of living and high standard of health care, highlighting tourist favourites such as the Botanical Gardens, George Town, Batu Ferringhi and the Clan Jetties.
It also pointed out that CNN Travel had described Penang as “arguably one of Asia’s best street food destinations”, placing it second on its list of 17 best places to visit in 2017.
However, in the Clan Jetties alone, the growing number of tourists means that souvenir sellers have replaced artisans and traders, the report said.
Although the rickety wooden houses have been given a new lease of life, they now face “a new onslaught, dubbed ‘Unesco-cide’, as tourists, through their massed presence, threaten or destroy the authenticity they’re seeking”, it added.
Some occupants, fed up with tourists venturing uninvited into their homes, have chosen to move away.
SCMP said the growth in cruising had also created problems for Penang’s leaders, especially following a port upgrade which saw predictions in March that 17,000 holidaymakers would descend on Penang from five cruise ships anchored in the Penang channel.
Although only 6,500 passengers eventually ventured ashore, authorities had chartered buses from as far as Kuala Lumpur to meet the anticipated demand for transportation, and closed roads, causing traffic congestion.