Apr 2026 - Susu - Regional Product Manager

This summer, I travelled to Malaysia with my family, and Penang and George Town were easily two of my favourite stops.
Penang Hill was a real highlight. The funicular ride to the top was surprisingly steep and fast, making the journey an experience in itself. The funicular railway also celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, adding another layer of history to the experience. What I enjoyed most, however, was exploring the forest around the hill. We discovered unfamiliar flowers and plants and even spotted a giant black squirrel while eating fruit. It felt like a wonderful escape into nature.
Then we flew to George Town, which won me over in a completely different way. I loved wandering through its historic streets, with old merchant houses, traditional shophouses and a mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay and colonial influences. Some buildings are beautifully preserved like Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansio,, while others are slightly run-down – and I actually loved that rustic character and took a lot of photos of the colorful facades
The culinary scene in George Town was another highlight, with an impressive variety of experiences. We enjoyed fresh seafood in a simple local setting, mingling with locals, as well as barbecue cooked over a wood fire in a more contemporary atmosphere. But my favourite was Communal Table by Gēn, where modern Malay cuisine is served around a long communal table. Everyone gathers together to taste creative interpretations of traditional dishes, with an open kitchen adding to the experience.
The warmth of the local people also stayed with me. When one of my sunglasses frames broke, a local optician spent almost 30 minutes patiently fixing it for me. When I asked how much I owed him, he simply smiled and said, “Just go, no need to pay.” Such a simple gesture, but one that made me appreciate the kindness and generosity of the people we met in George Town.