Penang hotel that prompted couple to abandoned their home and spend half their lives here instead
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Penang, Malaysia has seen many notable guests over it's 51 years - Malaysia's second Prime Minister the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein who opened the hotel back in 1973, designer Jimmy Choo and even Princess Margaret.
But none have been as memorable as Mr and Mrs Budke.
Every year, Friedrich and Wilma would escape the cold of their native city of Osnabrück in Germany during the harsh winter, and instead spend at least half of the year in the warmth and hospitality of the hotel, situated on the shores of Batu Feringgi beach.
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The hotel was a little piece of paradise for the German couple. Supplied/Shangri-La Group
They began their eternal summer after their first stay in October 1978, deciding to make it an annual tradition to spend six or seven months a year at the island resort.
Friedrich, a retired systems analyst, and Wilma, a devoted homemaker, sung the hotel's praises to all they could.
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When the hotel held a celebration for their 1000th night at the accommodation back in 1991, Friedrich shared in a speech, "From the moment we stepped into Rasa Sayang over 18 years ago, we fell in love with the resort.
"This place has a character and charm that sets it apart from any other hotel in the country. The location itself is steeped in history and stories, which I love sharing with fellow guests during our stay."
Friedrich and Wilma Budke spent many nights at the hotel. Supplied/Shangri-La Rasa Sayang
Wilma enjoyed her leisure time at the hotel Supplied/ Shangri-La Rasa Sayang
Experiencing the hotel for myself, I could see what he was talking about. A walk around the grounds had me at peace and made me feel grounded in a time much before myself.
The snaking pathways in and round the hotel's two wings, Garden Wing and Rasa Wing, led to new discoveries every time I set off.
Though Friedrich passed away in 2012 in their hometown, his wife kept their favoured tradition alive, in doing so becoming a legend in the history of Penang tourism.
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The hotel had many distinguished guests like designer Jimmy Choo (right), but none were as memorable as Wilma (left). Supplied/ Shangri-La Rasa Sayang
"She was indeed one of our most unforgettable guests," the hotel's Director of Communications, Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman, tells 9Travel.
"Mrs Budke would spend six to seven months with us each year, escaping the German winter. She travelled light, leaving her summer clothing with us in storage, and every year before her arrival, our team would prepare her room, launder her clothes, and ensure everything was ready for her stay.
"Her routines and personal touches became part of our hotel's story, and her warmth left a lasting impression on everyone here."
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The dreamy Garden wing pool looked good day and night. Supplied/ Shangri-La Group
The pool
So we thought we'd step into those routines and take a walk in Wilma's shoes.
Wilma would start her day with a refreshing dip in the pool at 7am, enjoying the peace and tranquillity from the hotel's two swimming pools.
While the Rasa wing pool offers more privacy due to its exclusive nature (it's only to be used by guests staying in the Rasa Wing), the larger Garden Wing pool was full of life when I took a dip, filled with families, newlyweds, and others making the most of the hotel's offering.
Friedrich and I both enjoyed the architecture and views of the hotel. Supplied/Madhurima Haque
The food
Wilma would then have breakfast at 9:30am. If she was a guest today, she would have her pick from the buffet at Spice Market Cafe or the semi-buffet and a la carte menu at Feringgi Grill, both on hotel grounds.
The bustling breakfast buffet had every cuisine imaginable, so that guests could have a taste of home away from home, or try something brand new.
My favourite part was the teh (or tea) and Kaya toast stands situated outside the cafe, offering guests a taste of authentic Malaysian street food without even stepping out of the hotel.
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Spice Market Cafe had something for every guest Supplied/ Shangri-La Group
Kaya toast and teh was a must for every breakfast Supplied/Madhurima Haque
Meanwhile Feringgi Grill offered a quiet, more contemplative start to the day with your typical western options available during breakfast, lunch, and dinner enjoyed while overlooking the hotel grounds and far off to the straits of Malacca, on the shores of which the resort is located.
The bar and grill restaurant also offers many events, including a lovely jazz night I attended which was accompanied by a six course dinner and the best steak I've ever had in my life.
For guests wanting a laid-back lunch or a snack by the pool, Pinang restaurant and Bar is also available on the hotel grounds next to the Garden wing pool and provides hearty and authentic Malaysian food with beautiful close-up views of the water.
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Feringgi grill offered a more contemplative vibe. Supplied/ Shangri-La Group
The rooms
Some of their favourite memories were of course in the hotel itself. So renowned was Wilma's legacy that she had her favourite room named after her, with it now being called the Wilma suite, complete with a wooden placard bearing her name.
From that fateful first stay in 1978 to until her death in 2023, Wilma spent many nights in the comfort of her hotel room. I imagine her stay to be like mine, wrapped in old-world charm.
The room definitely spoke to the hotel's decades-long history, with dark wooden furniture and red and gold tones in the furniture and embellishments. The monitor lizards on the handles of the doors - including that of the large pristine marble bathroom and sauna/ shower - elicited a chuckle from me.
The room was wrapped in old-world charm. Supplied/ Shangri-La Group
Despite all the traditional aspects, the room was most definitely a modern one, with a large comfy bed, a TV that seemed almost the same size as the mattress, and a marble spa built into the balcony.
And of course, the finishing touch was a single red rose carefully placed in a vase by the attentive housekeeping staff - as was Wilma's preference across her 45 years in paradise.
The all-marble bathroom made me feel luxurious. Supplied/ Shangri-La Group
Next up on Wilma's agenda was leisure time. Though she preferred spending her time golf-putting and being with other long-term guests, I took the time to explore Penang's UNESCO World Heritage listed capital, George Town.
Visiting George Town, Penang
The city centre still maintained many of its traits from the British occupation 239 years ago, with the iconic colourful colonial style buildings and landmarks such as Fort Cornwallis and the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower being some of their most famous landmarks.
But what intrigued me the most was the fabric of Malaysia's different cultures folding together to create an identity rich in history and integrity.
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Penang's famous street art was a delight to see in real life. Supplied/Madhurima Haque
The streets of George Town were laden with colour Supplied/Madhurima Haque
Whether it be wandering the streets of Little India teeming with colourful sari stores and wafting with the aroma of freshly fried samosas, or exploring the Clan jetties where Chinese immigrants made their homes on the water many years ago.
Maybe even happening across the many Buddhist and Hindu temples or Islamic mosques, as well as George Town's famed street art - it all comes together to paint the perfect portrait of modern Malaysia.
It's no doubt something Friedrich and Wilma would have enjoyed too - watching Penang become its own across the decades they spent there.
The writer stayed as a guest of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang.
