Langkawi

Peppering the Malacca Strait just south of the Thai border, this shimmering gem of an archipelago glows with the ivory-white hues of its sands and the deep green colouring of its inland rainforests. It’s a land of Robinson Crusoe beaches, soaring coastal mountains, bustling port towns, gushing waterfalls and sprawling luxury hotels, all shaded by swaying groves of coconut palms and set to the earthy aromas of fruity bamakoise and seafood fry ups. Most Langkawi tour guides will direct first time visitors to the summit of Gunung Mat Chinchang, where the archipelago’s iconic Sky Bridge towers high over the islands and the tree canopies, and the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls beckon for a dip just a short hike away. Then, many make a beeline straight for the beaches, exploring between the famous stretches of Pantai Cenang, or the more secluded enclaves of Pantai Kok. And if you can raise yourself from the laid-back vibe or cocktail bars of the beaches, perhaps a sailing jaunt to the rugged karst caves of the Pirate Lagoon is in order, a wildlife spotting excursion to the sprawling mangroves here, or maybe just a round at one of Langkawi’s many award-winning golf courses.