Rasa Sayang turns 40

NOSTALGIC: Take a trip down memory lane at the hotel’s Tepi Laut Gallery which features photographs of the hotel’s past achievements and famous names

GEORGE TOWN: RASA Sayang Resort & Spa celebrates its 40th anniversary next year and to commemorate this, the resort has put up a photo gallery of its history.

The Tepi Laut Gallery takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about celebrity visits, past celebrations and the hotel's various accomplishments.

Opened in Nov 9, 1973 by the Prime Minister then, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the resort was the first five-star resort and Shangri-La property in Malaysia.

It was built and is managed by Hong Kong based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group.

The name Rasa Sayang which means "a feeling of love" in Bahasa Malaysia was thought up by Lim Chee Wah, former chairman of the group during lunch at a restaurant in George Town.

Other highlights in conjunction with the anniversary include a "comeback" of some of the favourite dishes from the 1970's at the hotel's Ferringi Grill.

The Cinta Discotheque, a popular hangout during the heyday of disco and night clubs in the 70's and 80's will be revived for one night only.

In addition, the hotel is also organising its 40th anniversary charity dinner to raise funds for its "embrace" project.

A range of limited edition charm bracelets and key chains by Amee Philips will be issued to commemorate the anniversary.

To get a charm bracelet, guests need to spend RM400 or more on a single bill at Spice Market Café.

There are four charms in total, which can be converted into either a charm bracelet or a key chain.
"The passage of time has not faded the appeal of this iconic resort. It remains fresh, interesting and contemporary, consistently winning prestigious awards for its architecture, infrastructure, products and services as well as its green approach to sustainability," said the resort's director of communications, Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman.

He added that they aspired to continue to be the leading resort in Penang and to grow exponentially while sustaining their economic and environmental sustainability for the next generation and future guests.

For reservations, call 04-888 8888.

(from left) Tunku Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman with Golden Sands general manager Tom Kies, Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, general manager, Elaine Yue and Traders Hotel Penang general manager, Markus Christ.