Low clouds cling to rugged, tree-covered hills as golden mosque domes and modern towers pierce the lush green landscape. A torrential downpour accompanies the car journey from Penang Airport, with giant puddles splashing high enough to wash over other vehicles' roofs. This is the dramatic welcome to Malaysia's island paradise.
Arriving at a Tropical Sanctuary
The approach to Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Penang feels like entering a verdant tunnel, with various tropical trees creating a natural canopy. The resort sits beside Batu Ferringhi Beach, a name translating to 'foreigners' rock' from its historical role as a resupply stop for seafarers navigating hazardous coastal waters.
The hotel features two distinct wings: the Garden Wing and the more exclusive Rasa Wing. Built in 1973, the property showcases traditional Malay architecture with Minangkabau-inspired roofs characterised by sweeping curves resembling water buffalo horns.
Inside, guests discover an art collection valued at over RM3 million ($1.1 million), featuring regional antiques, gold ornaments, traditional boat prows, and batik metal blocks. Despite its cultural richness, the five-star hotel maintains a modern, bright, and elegant atmosphere.
Luxury Living in the Rasa Wing
The Rasa Junior Suite spans 62 square metres of pure luxury. The spacious layout includes a king-size bed with chaise lounge, a large dividing desk, comfortable sitting area, and reception hall with dressing table. Thoughtful touches include two sizes of slippers—avoiding the usual oversized options—and complimentary thongs for pool visits.
The bathroom features double vanities and a massive walk-in shower with multiple options, including massaging jets. The balcony runs the room's full length, complete with dining table, daybed, and the ultimate indulgence: an outdoor bath overlooking lush gardens filled with pink and purple bougainvillea, lipstick palms, and majestic rain trees, some over 150 years old.
Cultural Discoveries and Culinary Delights
Evening cocktails in the Rasa Wing Lounge offer complimentary drinks and canapés accompanied by piano music. Dinner at Feringgi Grill showcases tableside preparation, including tomato soup flambéed with gin by staff member Abdul, who jokes about the fire hazards of his beard-free appearance.
Breakfast presents authentic Malaysian experiences at Spice Market Cafe, where friendly staff member Roman expertly prepares teh tarik—'pulled' tea with evaporated and condensed milk—and traditional roti bakar toast with kaya coconut curd.
A morning tour of George Town reveals colonial architecture, including the Town Hall (completed 1880) and City Hall (opened 1906). The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, donated in 1897, stands nearly 30 metres tall. At Chew Jetty, a waterfront settlement established by Chinese immigrants in the late 1800s, residents pay surprisingly low rents of 110RM annually ($40) for residential properties.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate murals by Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong and Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic's famous Children On A Bicycle on Armenian Street. The Street of Harmony features four different places of worship coexisting peacefully.
Wellness and Return Promises
The Chi Spa, set within garden villas, offers the Signature Herbal Asmaradana Massage using Malaysian techniques and steamed linen poultices filled with local herbs. The resort's spice garden grows about 24 varieties, including turmeric, cardamom, and lemongrass used in treatments.
Active guests can enjoy tennis courts, water sports, and a pitch and putt course. However, the temptation to simply relax in the private outdoor bath or by the adults-only pool proves strong for many visitors.
The journey from Perth involved Singapore Airlines with a five-hour flight to Singapore, followed by a 70-minute connection to Penang and 45-minute drive to Batu Ferringhi. Private transfers arranged through the hotel cost RM170.20 ($62.50) each way.
Rasa Wing Superior Rooms start from RM950++ ($350) per night, including express check-in, daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner drinks. The warm hospitality, exemplified by staff members who remember guests' preferences and extend genuine welcomes, creates an environment where return visits feel inevitable.
