Angsana Teluk Bahang by Banyan Group Offers an Idyllic Yet Fun Getaway on Penang Island

Tucked away in a tranquil Teluk Bahang beach away from the Batu Feringghi crowd, Malaysia's only Angsana hotel offers 231 rooms and suites, all with a sea view. Renowned American designer Omar Khan designed the exquisite spaces with Peranakan elements and a modern touch.

The five-star hotel spans 3.5 acres and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Georgetown while still being just a Grab ride away. With picturesque views, numerous dining options, and incredible facilities, the hotel offers the perfect break from city life, whether travelling as a family, couple, or with friends.

A 45-minute drive from the Penang International Airport, the hotel appears just five minutes round the bend after you leave the Batu Feringghi area. It is also just a two-minute walk from the ESCAPE theme park. For those who want to commute to other areas, there is a free shuttle service to Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi once a day.

Rooms

We checked into the Angsana One-Bedroom Deluxe Seaview Suite for 3D2N, which spanned a whopping 1120 sq ft and had a private balcony. Like the rest of the hotel, it featured a glorious Baba Nyonya design.

A focal point of the room was the enormous bathroom with a bathtub, a separate rain shower, a vanity table, and his and her sinks. Something I judge every hotel room by is through their toiletries, and this one came with a loofah and bath salts! The conditioner also smelled heavenly and left my hair softer after use.

Image Credit: Booking.com

Upon checking in, we were also treated to a complimentary mini-bar, including a small bottle of Sanpellegrino and Tiger Beer *score*. The room boasted two TVs with various channels and a separate living room with a dining table for four. The free WiFi was quick, and we had no problem streaming YouTube videos. However, the TV lagged sometimes. There were also numerous three-pin and USB plug points scattered around the suite.

If you want to splurge, the most luxurious room is the Angsana Two-Bedroom Sky Garden Seaview Suite penthouse with a sky garden and outdoor jet tub. Phew!

Tucking In

Hotels in Penang with quality buffets and food are few and far between nowadays, so I wasn’t expecting much. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the fare offered here. Angsana Teluk Bahang has four dining outlets, including two restaurants, a bar, and a communal space.

There is a standard breakfast buffet area, but we opted for No.11, which is more private and offers a limitless a la carte menu besides buffet options on the side. We went for Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce made just right and waffles served with clotted cream, jam, and maple syrup. Unfortunately, I found the waffles overdone and too tough. I also wish I had room for the Poori Bhaji, Shakshouka, and Big Breakie, but I was simply stuffed!

I also had my other meals at No.11, including the Angsana Afternoon Tea (RM168 nett per set), which came with a pot of Dilmah tea and a coffee option for my plus one, which is generous, and TWO types of scones, which was a huge plus. The highlight was the Wild Mushroom Ragout on Croffle with Truffle and the Mango Coconut Bavaroise Tartlet, which was delicately made.

I’m not easily impressed by the Western options on the island (I have to admit they’re better in KL), but I savoured every mouthful of the 3-course Degustation Menu (RM288 nett per person, wine pairing RM388 nett per person). Interestingly enough, my favourite was the sourdough bread starter made in-house, which was crisp, fluffy, and flavourful and served with artisan butter, olive oil, and balsamico. Another star of the menu was the fall-off-the-bone 8-Hour Braised Australian Short Ribs, which sat on a bed of fragrant Saffron Risotto.

Facilities

I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in my fair share of hotels and I can easily say that the hotel boasts the most facilities to keep adults and kids entertained by far. As Penang doesn’t have the clear aquamarine waters of the Maldives to swim in, the hotel boasts two pools, including a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Next to the infinity pool was a ping-pong table where you could enjoy a game or two while watching the sun go down. Additionally, their gym was well-maintained and offered top-of-the-line equipment from Life Fitness. The touchscreen console has a feature that lets you feel like you’re walking through different landmarks worldwide, such as Yosemite National Park in California.

Parents with children won’t have to worry about keeping the little ones entertained, as there was also a fantastic children’s pool on a separate level with a waterslide and a rain bucket, which made me wish I was a kid again. There is also a Ranger’s Club for kids up to 11 years old, and although this is usually just a playroom at most hotels, this one had a calendar chock-full of activities, including batik painting and Giant Bubble Fun.

I especially enjoyed a huge space called Jamboree with arcade games (who doesn’t love Tekken?) and a pool table where guests could play, all for free.

Angsana Spa

If you’re familiar with Banyan Group’s hotels, you’ll know that their spas are award-winning. Nestled in a quiet wing of the hotel, the spa entrance is beautifully landscaped to blend with the rainforest outside and is truly a hidden gem on the island.

The pretty extensive spa menu here includes Thai or Javanese body massages, body polishes, and body conditioners. They have different facials to suit various skin types, and I opted for a Splendid Soother 60-minute facial (RM385). I was tended to by a skilled beautician who was gentle yet firm with her strokes as she massaged my face and applied various products. I’ve been to numerous facials before, but never one that used such masterful and skilful techniques.

The Spa uses products from the American brand Pevonia (which has been used by celebrities like Kat Von D), including a collagen sheet mask. By the end of the facial, my face was visibly brighter and more radiant.

Besides all the facilities, the hotel also offers numerous indoor and outdoor activities, so you don’t even have to leave the hotel if you want, such as Sunrise Yoga, fire performances, and beach cleaning activities. There are also water sports and horse riding from third-party operators in the beach area. Suffice to say that all of their activities and facilities kept me well occupied during my 3D2N stay and made me wish that I was staying for another night.

For the eco-conscious traveller, Banyan Group Hotel is always a good choice as sustainability is at the core of their brand. The building was designed using local materials and they implemented efficient energy and waste management systems. Although many hotels now carry out sustainability efforts, I was impressed by the extra small steps they took, such as using cage-free eggs.

Our Take

Overall, I had a delightful stay. The staff was well-trained and attended to my every need, including the housekeeping service, who also attended quickly to my call. Not many Penangites may have visited the hotel yet, but I would highly recommend it, even just to try the food or spa. I can’t wait for my next staycation here!

Check out this Instagram post to win a 2D1N stay in their Premier King Seaview Room and a Hi-Tea for two.