If you’re looking for your next family holiday destination in Southeast Asia, Penang is often a top choice for its mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. We recently stayed at Shangri-La Golden Sands, a family-friendly beachfront resort on Penang’s Batu Ferringhi Beach. Whether you’re traveling with young kids, older children, or even extended family, this hotel offers something for everyone. However, as with any destination, there are a few things to consider before booking your stay. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of staying at Shangri-La Golden Sands in Penang and whether we would recommend it or not.
Pros of Staying at Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang
1. Perfect for Families
Shangri-La is our go-to reliable choice if we’re travelling with the kids and want a relaxing holiday. We loved our trip to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu and had heard great things about the Golden Sands. And for good reason too…Shangri-La Golden Sands is a fantastic choice for families. A short 1.5 flight from Singapore, and a 45 minute drive from the airport, one of the perks of choosing Penang as your next destination is that it’s super convenient and accessible for a short trip from Singapore.
The resort offers a range of activities that will keep both adults and children entertained. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the kid-friendly vibe—from the dedicated family lounge to the family suites and endless options for outdoor play. Our kids (aged 7 and 9) loved the combination of pool activities, beachfront location and big open spaces to run around in. The kids also rated the food choices available, with all the restaurants catering to younger diners as well as the adults!
2. Water Slides and Splash Area
One of the standout features of any hotel stay is its pool, and at Shangri-La Golden Sands, our kids were so excited to enjoy the water slides and splash area. There are two slides and then a splash water play area, complete with sprinklers and sprays to run through. The main pool also has giant floating beanbags which provided hours of fun. The hotel have also thought about sun exposure and have provided a shaded, covered area of one of their pools which is perfect if you have really young children. My favourite bit was the adult-only plunge pool which was super deep and offered a moment of quiet respite in between the water slides!
3. Endless Activities to Get Involved In
Whilst we didn’t have enough time on this trip to make the most of the facilities, there are endless opportunities if you’re looking for other ways to fill your time at the Shangri-La Golden Sands. Whether it’s kayaking in the sea, participating in the kids’ club activities, or trying your hand at the mini-golf course, there’s always something on. They also have a large indoor play area called Adventure Zone which you can pay an additional fee to use – but be aware that you have to wear long sleeves, something we weren’t prepared for!
And if you don’t want to do any organised activities, just walking around the resort is a lovely way to spend an hour. There’s plenty of wildlife you can try and spot – our favourites were the spider monkeys, and the monitor lizards (who also enjoyed a swim in the pool!!!!)
4. Food for Every Taste
One of the biggest selling points of this resort is its varied food offerings. From international favorites like pizza and burgers to local Malaysian dishes, the resort’s dining options cater to all tastes. The buffet-style meals at the main restaurant are perfect for families, and there are also a few à la carte options if you want a more upscale experience. If you’re traveling with picky eaters, you won’t struggle to find something for everyone.
5. Incredible Staff
The staff at Shangri-La Golden Sands really make a difference. From the friendly service at check-in to the attentive staff at the restaurants, it’s clear that hospitality is at the forefront of their priorities. We were so happy to see one of the amazing foot therapist team from Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu is now working at Shangri-La Golden Sands!
6. Nearby Attractions Like Entopia Butterfly Farm
For those looking to explore beyond the resort, there are some good activities nearby. About 10-15 minutes away from Shangri-La Golden Sands is Entopia, the renowned butterfly farm. This is a great way to spend half a day experiencing the natural beauty of Penang, and the kids will love the interactive exhibits, especially the chance to get up close with hundreds of butterflies and other creatures in the tropical garden.
While the resort offers a variety of dining options, you’re also in a prime spot for exploring local restaurants and night markets. A leisurely stroll along the beach will lead you to a variety of beachside restaurants, where you can enjoy local Penang specialties. Additionally, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market is just a short walk away, making it easy to explore local handicrafts, food stalls, and souvenirs in the evening.
Cons of Staying at Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang
1. Long Trip to Georgetown
While Shangri-La Golden Sands is a fantastic spot for a relaxing stay, Georgetown—Penang’s vibrant historic center—is about a 30-40 minute drive away. If you’re keen to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this may feel like a bit of a trek, especially during peak traffic hours. We were at Shangri-La Golden Sands over Diwali weekend and our trip back from Georgetown one evening was over 1.5 hours long so it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re travelling with young kids. Georgetown was a real highlight of the trip and shouldn’t be missed. The street art, heritage buildings, little boutiques and delicious food options were all worth the trip into Georgetown so it’s worth factoring in travel time if you’re planning to explore it more extensively.
2. The Beach is Not Ideal for Swimming
The beach at Shangri-La Golden Sands is gorgeous for a stroll or lounging, but it’s not particularly swimmable due to so many jellyfish in the waters. If you’re hoping for a sea swimming experience, this might be a letdown. However, the beach is still great for paddling, playing in the sand, or simply enjoying the stunning sunsets. If you’re keen to swim, the pools at the resort are an excellent alternative.
3. Crowds During Peak Season
During peak holiday seasons, the resort can get quite busy. This means that while the facilities are large and varied, you might have to deal with the occasional crowd at the pool, especially around the kids’ pool and water slides. It’s not overwhelming, but if you’re someone who values quiet and solitude, this might be a consideration.
Final Thoughts: Would We Return?
Despite the few drawbacks, we had a truly relaxing and fun-filled stay at Shangri-La Golden Sands, and we would definitely return—especially for a long weekend getaway. The resort is excellent for families, with fantastic facilities, friendly service, and a prime beachfront location. It’s perfect for those looking for a no-fuss, everything-on-site experience where the hotel covers all the bases.
That said, if your trip to Penang revolves around exploring the culture and history of Georgetown, you might want to consider staying there for at least part of your trip. While Shangri-La Golden Sands is fantastic for relaxation and beach activities, Georgetown offers a unique cultural experience that’s well worth experiencing. Staying in both locations—one in Batu Ferringhi and one in Georgetown—could give you the best of both worlds!
Would I recommend Shangri-La Golden Sands for families? Absolutely. But, if you’re looking for a more adventurous Penang experience, balance it with some time spent in the heart of Georgetown. Interestingly, there is another Shangri-La right next door to this hotel so if you’re looking for a trip with older kids or want a more exclusive feel, make sure you check out the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang.
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