At Batu Ferringhi on Penang’s north coast, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang is set among mature rain trees, gardens and the edge of the beach. Rooms and suites sit in Garden and Rasa wings, with timber floors, Malaysian accents, balconies and outlooks across gardens, sea or surrounding hills. The resort includes three restaurants, two bars, two outdoor pools, a spa, sauna, steam room, tennis courts, fitness facilities and lawns that run towards the shore. Much of its character comes from the scale of the grounds, where old trees shade paths, terraces and low garden buildings.