When it comes to tourist draws, Penang has more than its world-famous, mouthwatering culinary offerings – its beaches, too, pull throngs all year long. Nestled at the starting point of Batu Ferringhi if you drive up from town, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort greets the weary traveller like an oasis in the desert.
Pull up at the entrance and you will find yourself transported to a totally different world where the hustle and bustle of the city is immediately forgotten, and well-dressed ground staff greet you politely, treating you like a treasured guest at all times.
The resort is divided into two wings. The Garden Wing offers rooms with a hillside view or the open sea, while the Rasa Wing shows off elevated class and comfort.
All rooms are equipped with amenities including a flatscreen television, coffee and tea facilities, and luxury toiletries from L’Occitane.
What sets the Rasa Wing apart are its privileges, and it would be a shame if you missed out on a stay at the Junior Suite. The luxurious room features a living-room area that makes entertaining guests easy, while the sliding glass doors open to a large balcony that contains your own private soaking tub right in the middle.
A cushioned bench on one side of the balcony allows you to admire the garden and a commanding view of the Andaman sea, while the opposite end features a table and chairs ideal for capping off the day with a little chit-chat over freshly brewed coffee.
The kingsize bed with a generous number of pillows ensures a good night’s rest, while an elongated working desk separates the bedroom area from the living room.
The entire resort has seamless Wi-Fi connectivity for you to take advantage of, while the wall-mounted LCD TV can be swivelled accordingly, letting you watch from the bed or living-room sofa.
The bathroom features two vanity basins and a large shower area, where you can enjoy the rain shower or traditional shower head. There is also a complimentary shoe-shine service in case you need to dress to the nines for an event, while the large wardrobe has adequate storage space for a long stay.
Early birds will revel in the scenery that greets them from the balcony. You might see flocks of birds making their way around, and perhaps even spot dusky leaf monkeys literally hanging around outside. You would do well not to panic should a monitor lizard cross your path as you make your way through the verdant landscape.
There is no shortage of gastronomic delights at Rasa Sayang Resorts, with the Spice Market Café offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options indoors and al fresco.
The more discerning diner who prefers elegance and privacy might want to make their way towards the Feringgi Grill, located right above the Rasa Wing lobby. This venue transforms into a truly romantic restaurant at night, making it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other joyous occasion.
Breakfast is served at either venue, though the Feringgi Grill – offering a semi-buffet continental breakfast in a fine-dining setting – is for Rasa Wing guests, and has a more limited spread than the buffet at Spice Market.
Guests at the Rasa Wing can also make their way to the Rasa Lounge, where free flow of coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks are served throughout the day, in addition to snacks and finger foods.
A complimentary afternoon tea set for two is also available, with a rotating menu to ensure guests have something different to look forward to each day.
As the sun starts to make its way below the horizon, the evening cocktail hour will serve canapes and complimentary alcoholic beverages to prepare you for an evening of revelry.
The FIP Lounge and Tepi Laut bar offer additional F&B options, with the former seating you inside a comfortable lounge area near the Garden Wing reception, while the Tepi Laut bar is tucked away in the resort’s garden.
Facilities
If you find the Garden Wing pool to be too crowded, Rasa Wing guests can head to the exclusive adults-only pool in “their” wing, where complimentary non-alcoholic drinks are served all day long. An adjoining jacuzzi allows you to indulge in a soothing soak after you have done your laps.
The gym is well equipped and faces the well-kept garden as you run on the treadmill. Right across is the entrance to the gender-separated sauna, jacuzzi, and steam bath area. There is also a 3-par executive golf course nestled along the resort’s grounds, where guests can putt a few holes.
The sprawling garden at Rasa Sayang Resort is worth taking your time to explore. Regardless of the time of the day, centuries-old raintrees ensure adequate shade to keep most areas cool.
The public beach lies adjacent to the resort, with the waves at Batu Ferringhi generally mild (though is the beach disappearing?). There are signs warning of jellyfish in the area, so those who want to go for a swim would be better off enjoying the resort’s pools, which are far safer and more hygienic.
To further unwind and relax, check out the signature Chi Spa. This exclusive experience does not come cheap, but you will be served by trained hands that have intimate knowledge about what a total spa experience should be like.
The Chi spa is tucked away in an exclusive enclave, where each client has a private alcove so they are undisturbed throughout the entire experience.
All in all, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort is a must-stay at least once in your life if you often make your way up to the Pearl of the Orient, exhilarating the senses and providing a brief respite from the hectic world outside.
The warmth and friendliness of the staff is a culture that has remained consistent at Rasa Sayang Resort over the decades, making each stay a memorable one.
This independent review is not sponsored by Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort.
Visit the Shangri-La website for more information and for reservations.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort
Batu Ferringhi Beach,
11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Edwin Kee dreamt of being a pro-gamer only to have circumstances mould him into a programmer in a past life. He has since moved on to write about consumer electronics and other topics. Check out his blog at manatau.com.