Last weekend’s family getaway turned out to be a whirlwind of drama, laughter, and delicious surprises. The highlight? Catching the Fire Dance at Batu Feringgi. But before we got mesmerized by blazing torches and hypnotic rhythms, our first pitstop was dinner—and what a dinner it was—at Bahang Bay Hotel, Penang.
Let me rewind just a little.
We made a last-minute dinner booking at Bahang Bay, crossing our fingers that we’d actually get there on time. Hubby and I hopped into a Grab from Paragon Gurney Mall, fully expecting a chill 40-minute ride. But oh no—Penang traffic had other plans. It took us nearly 2 hours, bumper to bumper, moving like snails at a car meet. Imagine a parking lot, but with honking.
And this, dear readers, is where my Drama Queen moment hit. Halfway through the jam, nature called—loudly. I pleaded with our ever-patient and highly “cekap” Grab driver, who—bless him—skillfully pulled over in the chaos just so I could make a toilet dash. I sprinted to the nearest public toilet like I was chasing an Olympic medal. Honestly, I might’ve clocked my personal best in the half-marathon category that day.
Back in the car, sweaty and victorious, we finally arrived at the serene Bahang Bay Resort, stomachs growling louder than the traffic horns. The place was gorgeous—calm, breezy, and a welcome contrast to the madness of the ride. We were ushered to the restaurant overlooking the pool and hills, and within minutes, we were deep into the À la carte menu.
We didn’t manage to photograph everything (too hungry, sorry!), but here’s a shout out to the standouts:
Bahang Bay Bliss
When we finally arrived at Bahang Bay Hotel, we were tired, hungry, and oh-so-relieved. The resort was beautiful—peaceful, breezy, and welcoming. The restaurant, though quiet that night, felt cozy and charming. Despite our late arrival, Chef Yana greeted us warmly and promised something special from the À la carte menu.
She did not disappoint.
The Food: Comfort Meets Flavor
Chef Yana prepared a delicious spread for our hungry family:
- 🥦 Vegetarian Mee Hoon Goreng – Cooked specially for my mum-in-law, this dish was a star on its own. Fragrant, perfectly spiced, and full of fresh veggies—she gave it a big thumbs up!
- 🍢 Satay – Juicy, smoky, and paired with a thick, nutty peanut sauce. The kids devoured them in minutes.
- 🍗 Grilled Chicken Chop – Tender, flavorful, and grilled to perfection. A comfort food winner.
- 🐟 Grilled Salmon – Crisp on the outside, moist and flaky inside. Light yet satisfying.
- 🍔 Chicken & Beef Burgers – The patties were thick, juicy, and came with generous sides. Perfect for the little ones (and the grown-ups too!).
- 🍲 Sup Kambing – Rich, hearty, and spiced just right. A soul-warming bowl that my brother in law couldn’t stop raving about.
Despite being a last-minute booking, everything was prepared with care. It felt like a home-cooked meal—if your home had a professional chef with a great palate. The best part and the highlight for the night was, my brother in law, Sangar gave us this special dinner treat! We hit jackpot!!
So Good… We Forgot the Time
Somewhere between the grilled salmon, slurping mee hoon, and sneaking satay sticks off each other’s plates—we lost track of time.
We were bonding, sharing stories, laughing, and just soaking in the moment. It was one of those rare dinners where everything just clicked. The food, the company, the setting—it all blended into a perfect, happy bubble.
And then… we realised: the Fire Dance had already ended.
My sister-in-law Shanti was devastated—she’d been so excited about it. But we promised her: next time, we’ll make it for the show. (And maybe leave four hours earlier.)
Final Thoughts
Our “detour” dinner at Bahang Bay Resort turned out to be the real highlight of the night. Sometimes the best memories aren’t the ones you plan for—they’re the ones you stumble into, with good food and great company.
Huge thanks to Chef Yana for the incredible food and hospitality, and to our Grab driver hero for making sure we got there safely (and dry).
Rating: 9/10
For the food, the feels, and the Fire Dance we missed… but didn’t really need. ❤️
chrisywong.com 