Angsana Awaits

Angsana Teluk Bahang, managed by the Banyan Tree Group, is a family-friendly resort tucked in a quiet corner of Penang. From dining and outdoor activities to spa sessions and cultural experiences, it offers everything you want out of a quick weekend getaway.

Angsana Teluk Bahang painted a pretty picture of Penang for me on a recent stay – one that was rich with vibrant green hues from surrounding forests, and fiery shades of red and orange thanks to stunning sunsets over the Andaman sea.

Most visitors to Penang would be familiar with Georgetown, lined with heritage shophouses and dotted with hawker centers and popular decades-old eateries. But beyond this thriving (and oftentimes crowded) tourist hub, Penang has more to offer – and this is what the first Angsana property in Malaysia aims to focus on.

Situated 45 minutes from Penang International Airport and 30 minutes from Georgetown by car, Angsana Teluk Bahang is located right after the resort town of Batu Ferringhi and boasts a tranquil seaside location. The 235-key resort currently attracts a strong domestic market, but is more than ready and equipped to meet the getaway needs of Singapore’s well-heeled urbanites. Split into two wings (Angsana and Kerongsang wing), the resort boasts nine types of room and suite configurations – from the cozy 38sqm Superior Seaview Room to a sprawling 236sqm Two-Bedroom Sky Garden Seaview Suite.

During my weekend escape, I had the pleasure of staying in the Angsana One-Bedroom Deluxe Seaview Suite, which measures 104sqm, making it the perfect option for a small family or a couple who want the luxury of space. The room’s rich, hardwood floors and elegant panelled walls are softened by colorful, textured fabrics and rugs that feature bright jewel tones and iconic Peranakan prints and motifs. Meanwhile, the generous bathroom features a large, deep bathtub in the middle, as well as separate toilet and shower areas.

Food options are aplenty at Angsana Teluk Bahang – we are in Penang, one of Malaysia’s most celebrated foodie destinations, after all. For breakfast and dinner buffet, guests flock to Jendela, located next to the picturesque infinity pool, for their local food fix that include live stations, street food favorites, and a sumptuous spread of traditional Malay dishes. Meanwhile, No.11 is the place to be for something a little fancier, where guests get to choose between ala carte offerings or a multi-course degustation menu that features local ingredients. For snacks, bites, and tipples, choose between Fire & Ice or Chill.

Should you decide to leave the comfort of the resort for a bit of sightseeing, but would also like to avoid the journey into Georgetown, the Tropical Spice Garden is worth a visit and is just a five minute drive away. This living museum of spices and tropical plants endemic to Malaysia and the region is spread across five acres and also features a café, shop, and even a space for cooking classes. Also nearby is the Penang Batik Factory, where you can get your hands dirty and your creative juices flowing through batik painting activities. Angsana Teluk Bahang also works closely with the factory as part of its Stay for Good experience, where the resort sources batik fabrics from them to either use at different parts of the hotel or sell at the retail space.

Various activities await you as you return to the resort, ranging from parasailing or horseback riding along the beach. But if you’d like to take it easy and experience another resort highlight, book a session at the Angsana Spa that offers relaxing massages, scrubs, and facials. You’ll emerge refreshed and ready to head back into reality once again.

Gourmet Traveller