The Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located at the prime beach front of Batu Feringgi, Penang, Malaysia, is proud to announce the completion of its RM50 million (approximately USD14 million) year-long redevelopment programme. This redevelopment programme is the most extensive ever in the resort’s illustrious 30-year presence in Penang.

The family-friendly resort has opted to commence its redevelopment programme in late 2008 during the global economic crisis with the projection that by the time of its completion, the world economy is expected to be on the way to recovery.  In hindsight, it has proven to be a prudent and practical decision.

The 387 brand new guestrooms offer plush accommodation with value-add refinements, among which are the largest family-sized rooms for a hotel of its class in Penang.  They include family combo units of two interconnecting rooms that can easily accommodate up to six persons, 14 suites with panoramic coastal and hill views, and 208 deluxe sea-view rooms furnished in a cheerful and contemporary style that celebrates ethnic diversity and resort living.

Many rooms come with Murphy Beds (pull-down, retractable wall beds) that can comfortably accommodate a third person in the room and up-to-date facilities such as LCD TV, DVD player, satellite TV channels, USB/iPod/modem ports in a user-friendly audio-visual panel and free broadband Internet access.

The Cool Lounge is a new feature to the resort and the first of its kind within the Shangri-La Group of Hotels and Resorts.  Located in the lobby area, the Cool Lounge is a veritable oasis for early arrivals and guests who are checking out late.  This dedicated lounge serves refreshments and amusements with modern conveniences in a relaxed setting.   Internet stations, gymnasium, shopping arcade and a spacious waiting area with changing rooms, lockers and shower facilities are housed within this area.

The Golden Sands Resort’s wide selection of recreational activities remains one of its key attractions.  Facilities include a water sports centre, three tennis courts, a Par-3 Executive Golf Course, a spa and beauty centre as well as two lagoon-shaped swimming pools. There is always excitement for everyone with organised daily activities such as water aerobics, volleyball, golf-putting competition, cooking lessons, tai chi, Petanque and jungle trekking.

Children staying at the resort are especially in for a treat with the Adventure Zone, a unique family entertainment venue that is one of a kind in Malaysia.  The 10,300 square feet air-conditioned indoor facility houses three categories of exciting drop slides, multiple sections of modular play equipment, a game zone, toddler area, themed birthday party rooms and café.  A Kids Club is also housed here, with complimentary organised daily activities for the little ones and includes a ‘Kids Eat, Stay and Play For Free’ package for up to three children less than 12 years of age per family.

Three new food and beverage outlets provide diversely exciting dining options.  All-day dining restaurant Garden Café serves savoury local and international cuisine in a garden environment while Sigi’s Bar and Grill on the Beach, transformed with a brand new look and  new menus, serves grill and bar cuisine al fresco by the beach and pool.  The new Lobby Lounge is bright and breezy with an inimitable sense of casual chic, serving cool cocktails and drinks with happy hour options.

Two adaptable meeting and banquet rooms as well as a 250-person capacity ballroom are available for business and social events.  Along with new, state-of-the-art facilities, guests can expect legendary Shangri-La service from the resort’s Events and Banquet specialists.

“With redevelopment complete, the rejuvenated ambience and updated facilities at the Golden Sands Resort makes it a premier family resort once again.  We look forward to many more years of providing value for money and memorable holidays to our local and international guests,” said Bruno Cristol, general manager of the Golden Sands Resort.

In changing to delight guests, the Golden Sands Resort is set to commence a fresh chapter of its presence in the popular island of Penang, Malaysia.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 65 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.  The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States.  For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

PRESS CONTACT:        Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman
Director of Communications
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
and Golden Sands Resort
Tel: 604-888 8888
Fax: 604-881 1800
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


For digitised pictures of the group’s hotels, please go to http://www.shangri-la.com/imagelibrary.