If you’re considering getting away from it all, Angsana Teluk Bahang is one luxury hotel you should stay at.
Nowadays, the only Malaysian state I often visit is Johor Bahru – I’m there almost every fortnight. (Come up and say hi if you spot me!) If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll fly up to Kuala Lumpur. And… that’s about it. The universe (or the Malaysian government) probably wanted me to explore other places, which was how I ended up in Penang last weekend. After a dramatic day dealing with flight delays, I finally landed at 2am and was promptly chauffeured to Angsana Teluk Bahang, a seaside resort residing on Teluk Bahang beach.
When they say escape, they really mean it
Billing itself as an “idyllic escape”, this five-star seaside hotel is an hour’s drive from Penang International Airport. According to Jeanize Low, the hotel’s marketing and communications director, the location is purposely selected so tourists can escape the city life’s hustle and bustle. However, if you still intend to venture out during your stay, you can take the bus or book a private hire car. So keep that in mind if you choose to stay here, since it’s pretty isolated and there’s nothing much to do except heading to the beach and using the hotel facilities.
The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival is the hotel size – it’s massive! The resort takes up 3.5 acres and is divided into two buildings: the Kerongsang Wing, which caters to large groups and families, and the Angsana Wing for small, intimate parties. The drop-off area is expansive, with enough space for more than one private transportation to drive in. I liked the lobby, which has high ceilings, colourful sofas, and unique bird decorations. There’s a retail space within the lobby too, in case you want to do some last-minute souvenir shopping after checking out.
It was already 3am when I reached the hotel, so I quickly checked in, headed up to my room, showered, and plopped myself into bed. “Review starts tomorrow,” I told myself as I dozed off.
A spacious room with gorgeous views
After a fitful rest, I was fully reinvigorated and ready to check out my accommodation. I stayed in the one-bedroom suite, which faces the Andaman Sea. The suite measures 82 sqm – almost equivalent to a four-room flat in Singapore – and starts with the dining area. There’s a powder room tucked away, which is handy for freshening up or if someone’s holed up in the main bathroom. The living room is simply decorated with a cosy sofa and flat-screen smart television, which can connect to your phone if you want to watch your own shows. I appreciated the spacious room but didn’t spend much time in it. It’s probably too much for a two-person stay.
A wall and sliding doors separate the bedroom from the dining and living areas. In the centre of the room is the king bed, fitted with a comfortable mattress and pillows that offer adequate support to your head. The bedroom opens to a private balcony, where you can sit in the evenings and enjoy the sunset views. While I liked the suite (especially the lamp decorations, which look like gilded cages), it felt a little dark. Photos look a little dim even with the curtains drawn. You’ll have to find the right angle before you get a decent photo of the room.
The huge bathroom comes with a bathtub and separate shower and toilet spaces. You know you’re staying in a luxury hotel if they segregate the two areas. There’s a vanity area, so you can preen after washing up. I enjoyed a good, long soak on my second night there.
Plenty of food options to make you full
Angsana Teluk Bahang boasts food and beverage establishments on site, so you don’t have to worry about going hungry. Staying at the hotel with family? Jamboree is an ideal place for get-togethers. Unwind and savour sandwiches, pies, milkshakes, and smoothies, while arcade games keep the children entertained.
Those into live music should hang around between 9am and midnight, when there are performances by the in-house band. If you’re into grilled cuisine, No.11’s perfect for you. The restaurant is open for afternoon tea and dinner, where you can feast on exceptionally prepared fusion dishes. I had the three-course degustation dinner, which included chicken consomme, Ipoh duck leg confit, and coconut panna cotta. I enjoyed my meal, though I felt it was a touch salty – probably due to my wonky taste buds.
If I had to choose, I’d say Jendela at level three is where you’ll gravitate to most – your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are settled here. Brekkie is buffet style, with local and international cuisines to choose from. The food served is the standard variety, so you won’t miss out much if you sleep in. Lunch and dinner are a la carte, with dishes such as Penang-style char kway teow, truffle chicken breast, and ribeye steak. I ordered the ayam panggang bumbu and nasi Angsana and lapped them up clean. Be sure to get them if you’re eating here!
When the sun sets, make your way down to Fire & Ice. This cool beach bar is where it’s at, with its wooden deck chairs, colourful bean bags, and fringed umbrellas. Breathe in the salty air and sip on your refreshing drink. It’s a recommended place to wind down the night before retiring to bed.
Incredible amenities to keep you busy
While it may be tempting to stay in bed, there are activities to get up to. Squeeze in a workout at the gym before cooling off at the infinity swimming pool; both facilities are on the third floor. The jubilee pavilion is one spot I’m still thinking about as I write this review. The stunning open deck beside the pool is the best place to bask in the view and watch the sun go down.
If you prefer something more relaxing, Angsana Spa on the fifth floor is ready to welcome you. Managed by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, it uses aromatherapy in its treatments. You’ll definitely feel pampered during the session and rejuvenated afterwards.
Of course, we can’t forget the beach. Besides chilling out at Fire & Ice, you can walk along the coastline or swim in the ocean. Adventure seekers can participate in water activities, such as parasailing, operated by external beach vendors.
Angsana Teluk Bahang runs a Stay for Good programme that invites travellers to experience their destinations authentically by checking out heritage sites and activities. I went for a tour around Tropical Spice Garden, a stone’s throw away from the hotel. This five-acre landscaped live museum contains many spices and tropical plants to discover. You can join a guided tour, which runs twice a day, or explore the area on your own. Keep a lookout for certain animals (read: lizards) residing there – you don’t want to provoke them! FYI, if you need to do urgent business, there are only two toilets situated far away from each other.
Folks still keen to get out of the hotel can get a ride down to nearby attractions such as Penang National Park, Escape Theme Park, Entopia (a butterfly garden), and Batu Ferringhi Night Market. If you want to venture further, it’ll take at least 30 minutes by car.
An idyllic break from life
I’m a city boy through and through, so beach destinations are never my top priority when it comes to vacations. That said, staying in Angsana Teluk Bahang made me appreciate a break from city life. It felt good to take a break and connect with nature. The highlight of my trip was definitely the Tropical Spice Garden, where I got up close to many specimens, including cocoa, coffee, and even poisonous plants. So if you’re thinking about a beach vacay, consider coming to Penang and booking a stay at this luxe resort.
Angsana Teluk Bahang, 11, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Malaysia
