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Soori Penang on Time ’s 2026 World’s Greatest Places list

J UST two months after opening its doors, Soori Penang has earned global recognition by landing on Time magazine’s 2026 World’s Greatest Places list. The accolade places the design-led boutique hotel among 100 destinations around the world that offer travellers distinctive and meaningful experiences. Located in the historic heart of George Town, the hotel officially opened on Jan 15. Since then, it has quickly made an impression on travellers seeking a refined stay within one of Southeast Asia’s most culturally rich cities. George Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, is known for its centuries old shophouses, vibrant street art and diverse culinary traditions. Against this backdrop, Soori Penang blends contemporary design with the character of its historic surroundings. Each year, Time compiles its World’s Greatest Places list to highlight destinations that are redefining travel and hospitality. The list features standout hotels, restaurants, attractions and cultural institutions across the globe. To curate the annual selection, Time gathers nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors while also reviewing submissions from destinations worldwide. The recognition signals the immediate impact Soori Penang has made within the global hospitality landscape, despite being a recent addition to the city’s accommodation scene. By joining the 2026 list, the hotel now stands alongside some of the most notable travel destinations shaping how people explore the world today. For travellers planning a visit to George Town, the accolade further cements the city’s reputation as a destination where heritage, culture and modern hospitality come together in memorable ways. attractions through the universal language of music, arts and cultural storytelling. Jointly produced by Guangxi Radio and Television of China and Tourism Selangor, the programme serves as a cultural bridge connecting the people of Malaysia and China while promoting Selangor as a vibrant tourism destination to audiences across China. The collaboration offers Selangor a valuable platform to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes and modern urban lifestyle to international viewers. Selangor was specially selected as the featured destination for this edition of the programme. A special highlight of the

o Design-led boutique hotel in George Town joins 100 destinations recognised for shaping future of travel

George Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, is known for its centuries-old shophouses, vibrant street art and diverse culinary traditions.

A recent addition to the island’s hospitality landscape, Soori Penang is a design-led boutique hotel. – PICS FROM SOORI PENANG

Soori Penang blends contemporary design with the character of its historic surroundings.

Cultural TV show highlights tourist destinations across Selangor programme features the lively Malaysian folk song Ikan Kekek , performed by Malaysian singer Layla Sania together with Chinese singer Wu Keyue. Through this cross cultural performance, the the charming fishing village of Pulau Ketam. These locations reflect the essence of Selangor, a state where heritage, culture, nature and modern development coexist harmoniously. A new cultural television programme New Folk Song Gala: Selangor Edition was launched recently, highlighting Selangor’s diverse tourism

The production also received strong support from local industry stakeholders and partners, including the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (Padat), IOI Group, Sunway Lagoon, Pearl Holiday (M) Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd, HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm and Dking. This collaboration reflects the strengthening of the Malaysia– China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the growing cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Asean. Cultural programmes such as New Folk Song Gala: Selangor Edition play an important role in fostering people to-people connections while

programme celebrates the shared appreciation of music between both countries while bringing audiences on a visual journey across Selangor. The filming journey brought viewers across several unique destinations in Selangor, including the Sultan Alam Shah Museum and Sunway Lagoon in Petaling, scenic paddy fields and attractions such as Mi Le Garden and Villa Chee in Sabak Bernam, IOI City Mall in Sepang, as well as the famous Sky Mirror and Malawati Hill in Kuala Selangor. The programme also features renowned destinations, including the Forest Research Institute Malaysia and Batu Caves, as well as

Layla is known for her Mandopop tunes.

by creating more opportunities for joint tourism promotions, cultural exchanges and the development of specialised tour programmes between the two regions.

promoting tourism in creative and engaging ways. Through initiatives such as this, Selangor aims to further strengthen tourism collaboration with Guangxi

The programme features Layla’s performance of Ikan Kekek .

Layla (left) with dancers from Padat at Laluan Seni Kuala Selangor.

Dancers from Padat in colourful traditional attire.