Penang Family Fun: Rainforests & Waterpark Adventures!

Penang, Malaysia, offers a blend of historic buildings, vibrant culture, and natural attractions, including rainforests and beaches. A recent visit to the island allowed one traveler to revisit a childhood memory and experience the destination with a new generation.

A Childhood Memory Revisited

A trip to Penang in 1989 sparked a lasting impression of the Shangri-La Golden Sands hotel, with its expansive pools and waterslides. Despite staying at a more modest hotel during previous family visits, the allure of the Shangri-La remained strong. Decades later, a return trip with family provided the opportunity to finally experience the resort.

Exploring Penang’s Diverse Attractions

Penang, founded as a British trading post in 1786, is known for its multicultural heritage, reflecting Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and European influences. The island’s food scene is also a major draw, with dishes like Char Kway Teow, roti canai, and satay readily available.

The Habitat, atop Penang Hill, offers a chance to explore Malaysia’s rainforests, which are among the oldest and most biodiverse in the world. Accessible by funicular railway, the reserve features raised walkways and a 230-meter-long bridge, providing views of diverse plant and animal life, including dusky leaf monkeys and vampire crabs.

Entopia, located in Teluk Bahang, combines a zoo, butterfly farm, and educational facility, offering a fantastical experience for visitors of all ages. Nearby, Escape Penang provides both a waterpark and adventure park, featuring attractions like the world’s longest tube slide, “The Longest,” at 1.1km in length.

The Shangri-La Golden Sands ultimately lived up to its childhood promise, offering a memorable experience for both the traveler and their family.

The journalist travelled courtesy of Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines and was a guest of Shangri-La Golden Sands.

For more about Malaysia Airlines and its new A330neo aircraft, visit malaysiaairlines.com.