Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort Review: Beachfront Luxury in Penang
I have visited Penang twice and split my stays between the 5-star Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Batu Ferringhi and the Blue Mansion in George Town on both occasions. Mixing a relaxing beach resort with the city's hustle and bustle is perfect if you want to experience Penang to the fullest.
On my first stay, I just wanted to relax, enjoy great food, and spend a few days swimming and sunbathing before heading to Australia. My stay certainly impressed me, and so when I returned to Penang as part of a month-long trip around Malaysia, there was no doubt that, once again, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort would meet all my requirements.
My honest review highlights my two stays at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort. I hope it helps you decide if it's the right resort for your next visit to the beautiful island of Penang.
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Welcome to the paradise of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort
Nestled among 30 acres of lush tropical gardens featuring century-old rain trees and overlooking the pristine Batu Ferringhi beach, this resort brings a sense of history and tradition to life. It is an idyllic retreat for travellers seeking tranquillity, relaxation, and indulgence.
From its elegant guest rooms and suites to its world-class dining options and exceptional facilities, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort offers an unforgettable experience that leaves you feeling rejuvenated and pampered.
Whether you are here for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, being part of the Shangri-La chain means you can expect the best in luxury and hospitality at this magnificent resort.
Time For Bed
The resort features 304 premier guest rooms and suites spanning two distinctive wings. They are furnished in traditional style, with delicately carved fixtures, fittings, and muted colours, creating a calming environment.
On my two visits, I stayed in a twin room with a balcony and a double room with a sea view.
We had a fantastic view across the tree canopy towards the mountains, and in the evening, our room provided the perfect view of the sun setting over the sea.
Relax and Rejuvenate
The modern gym will fulfil your requirements if exercise is on your agenda. Spacious and air-conditioned, with up-to-the-minute equipment, complimentary water, fresh fruit, and cold flannels, makes exercising more enjoyable.
The resort also features a luxurious CHI spa, offering treatments like the Luscious Hibiscus and Rose Wrap and the Signature Herbal Asmaradana Massage. For golfers, there is a course available.
Medical Attention
Unfortunately, I had to visit the hotel doctor twice. On the first visit, we both had chest infections, and on the second, I got an infected insect bite. Call me unlucky because I was!
When I first needed the doctor, he prescribed antibiotics and assured us we would be better soon. It was a very professional service, and thanks to his diagnosis, we soon recovered. Unbelievably, it was the same doctor I had seen for my insect bite, and his caring, holistic manner was just as I had remembered - if only he were my doctor in England!
Beach Life in Penang
The golden beach in Batu Ferringhi is public, but to be honest, the setup around the resort pools was so good that I didn't see any of the hotel guests sunbathing on the beach.
We couldn't go into the sea on either visit, as jellyfish seem to have taken over the coastal waters around Malaysia, and we also encountered them at Pangkor Laut Resort. Notices warned us of the dangers, and I was more than happy to use the lagoon-style pool, which was tranquil and relatively empty.
The pool did have some quirky additions - water lizards. The lizards thought nothing of getting from one part of the resort to another by swimming through the middle of the pool.
As we love reptiles, seeing them in this environment made our stay even more special.
Other wildlife, including birds, black-and-white dusky leaf monkeys, and, if you are lucky, the infamous flying squirrel, indigenous to Malaysia, can be seen in the resort.
Dining at Rasa Sayang
There were several dining options, including a buffet, beachside, and à la carte at the fine-dining Feringgi Grill. Overlooking the manicured gardens and pool area, the food and service at the Feringgi Grill were of a high standard. It's a beautiful place to dine on a special occasion or to treat yourself during your holiday.
My favourite spot was the beachside Pinang Restaurant and Bar. It is open all day and serves Greek salad, redang curry, burgers, nachos, and spring rolls.
The beach bar is located under the trees, with stunning sunset views. This is where you will want to end your day with a sundowner.
The Rasa Deli, located near the main restaurant area, offers take-away cookies, cakes, and sandwiches to enjoy by the pool.
Beyond the Resort
There is a popular night market in Batu Ferringhi, just outside the resort, where you can try Malaysian street food and buy souvenirs. Batu Ferringhi offers plenty of activities and a variety of traditional and international bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
One of Penang’s hidden gems, Taman Negara Pulau Pinang, is the smallest national park in Malaysia. It’s a 10-minute drive from the hotel resort.
The park has plenty of trails to explore, and if you are feeling adventurous, you can wild-camp on the beach for free. The main hiking trail leads to Monkey Beach, and yes, there are monkeys there. Due to the humid climate, it’s a challenging trek, so it’s not advisable if your fitness level isn’t great.
Nine minutes by car in the opposite direction from the resort is the Tanjung Bungah Mosque. If you are there at high tide, the mosque looks like it’s floating on the sea. It's quite a sight.
My final thoughts on staying at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort
If you are looking for a luxury beach resort, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang is the perfect choice. On both occasions, it exceeded my expectations with its high levels of customer service, delicious meals and beverages, and comfortable guest rooms and amenities.
We were well looked after when we fell ill, which was not something we expected would happen on holiday, but we were treated with the utmost care. It's a thumbs up from me for Shangri-La Rasa Sayang.
If you're interested in booking a stay, click this link to check availability and pricing at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
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