Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Malaysia / Penang / Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang
Penang, Malaysia · Shangri-La · High Luxury
Opened on 9 November 1973 by Malaysia's second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak, Rasa Sayang was conceived as Malaysia's first five-star resort, and the first house under the Shangri-La Group, built around eight rain trees already standing on the former estate, some now more than 150 years old. A RM100 million renovation from 2004 to 2006 cut the keys from 512 to 304 so the low-rise wings could stay beneath those canopies on Batu Ferringhi.
- 304 rooms
- Opened 1973
- Neighborhood: Kampung Tanjung Huma
- Rooms from 431 sq ft (40 m²)
- Interiors: Mapsdesign Pte. Ltd.
About Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang
- The name Rasa Sayang comes from a Malay folk song taught to children across Malaysia and Singapore, meaning a feeling of love. The first couple married here on 23 December 1973, six weeks after opening.
- The public-space art collection is valued at more than RM3 million: antiques, batik metal blocks, traditional jewellery, and the prow of a Malay fishing boat.
- The 1973 opening predates the formal Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts management company that later grew around it.
- Condé Nast Traveler ranked it number 2 Best Resort in Asia in 2024.
- Entry-level rooms start at 431 sq ft (40 m²).
History
Conceived as Malaysia's first five-star hotel and resort, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang opened in 1973 on a former private estate, designed around eight majestic rain trees with Minangkabau-style architecture. The Rasa Wing construction began in 1972, followed by the Garden Wing addition in 1983. It underwent a major RM100 million renovation from 2004-2006, downsizing from 512 to 304 rooms while enhancing its Malaysian heritage theme.
The setting
Located on Batu Ferringhi Beach in Penang, embraced by 30 acres of expansive tropical gardens, 20 minutes from George Town and 45 minutes from Penang International Airport. 7 km from Penang Butterfly Farm. 11 km from Gurney Drive.
Restaurants and bars
- Feringgi Grill — Restaurant · Modern European
- Spice Market Café — Café · International
- Pinang Restaurant & Bar — Bar
- Rasa Deli — Café · Deli
- FIP Lounge — Bar
Experiences
- Swimming pools (Main Pool and Rasa Wing Pool) — Pools amid 30 acres of landscaped gardens. Main Pool open to all guests; Rasa Wing Pool for Rasa Wing guests aged 16 and above.
- Chi, The Spa — Spa open 10am to 10pm; prior reservations required.
- FIP Lounge (Fun Interactive & Play) — Novelty creation at FIP Lounge, listed as FIP Fun Interactive & Play.
- Golf — Golf for in-house guests, 9am to 5pm.
- Tennis courts — Tennis courts available 8am to 7pm.
- Health club — Health club available 24 hours to in-house guests.
Amenities
- Chi The Spa
- lagoon pools
- beachfront
- 9-hole golf course
- kids club
- gym
- yoga
- tennis
- Sauna
- Hot tub
Awards
- #2 Best Resort in Asia
- 5-star rating
- Top 10 Resorts in Malaysia
- Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards winner (multiple categories)
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More Shangri-La hotels
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- Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu — Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia · High Luxury
- Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu — Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia · High Luxury
- Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang — Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia · Core Luxury
- Shangri-La Paris — Paris, France · Apex Luxury
- China World Summit Wing, Beijing — Beijing, China · Grand Luxury
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