Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RASA SAYANG RESORT$$$
( 881 1966;
www.shangri-la.com
;
Jln Batu Ferringhi; incl breakfast r RM1080-2130, ste RM1710-10,000;
)
Part of the Shangri-La chain, this is a vast and luxurious establishment - the is-
land's only five-star resort - that feels like something out of a South Sea dream. Rooms
are large and decorated with fine hardwood furniture, and cloudlike white duvets float on
the beds; all have balconies and many have sea views. There's a yoga studio, tennis
courts, a putting green and several restaurants. The hotel's Chi Spa is among the poshest
on Penang.
RESORT
HARD ROCK HOTEL$$$
( 881 1711;
www.penang.hardrockhotels.net
; Jln Batu Ferringhi; incl breakfast r RM700-1300, ste RM1350-4000;
)
If you can stomach the corny hypercorporate vibe (and the unrelenting gaze
of Beatles memorabilia), this resort - at research time, Batu Ferringhi's youngest - can be
a fun place to stay. There's a particular emphasis on family friendliness, with child-
friendly pools, kid-friendly suites and teen-themed play areas (complete with pool table
and video games).
RESORT
The Rest of the Island
Explore
Travelling around Penang, you'll find the same cultural mix as in George Town but in
smaller doses and with a more paradisical backdrop. There are hilltop views, quaint fish-
ing villages, quirkly temples and smaller satellite islands to discover.
If travelling by motorcycle or car, plan to spend a minimum of five hours, including
plenty of sightseeing and refreshment stops, to make the 70km circuit of the island. Note
there is no round-island bus. If you are really fit, you could try cycling but you'll need to
allow all day or - better still - consider scheduling a stop in Teluk Bahang for the night to
rest the thighs. The north-coast road runs beside the beaches.
The Best...
ยป
Sight
Kek Lok Si Temple
