Langkawi holidays

Stretching south of Thailand, Malaysia is a somewhat underrated country in South East Asia. It’s often excluded from the well-trodden backpacking route covering Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, and often omitted for a twin-centre stay with Singapore. Travellers often head to the Philippines or Bali in Indonesia....

Langkawi in Malaysia has all the trademarks of a 'paradise island' and is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the incredible but overcrowded and over-commercialised beaches and islands of Thailand, its closest neighbour. There are a handful of large resorts on the island, and Berjaya Langkawi, in an area called Pantai Kok on the west coast, is among the most popular. I recently spent nine nights at the resort. A spectacular bay surrounded by limestone mountains and jungle, it...

If you're looking for somewhere as breathtakingly beautiful as Thailand's islands and beaches but without the hordes of travellers and rapidly-increasing commercialism, then the stunningly picturesque Langkawi in Malaysia is definitely your place.  Turquoise waters, pristine powdery white-sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, intact jungle-covered hills, pretty paddy fields, refreshing waterfalls, and pleasingly affordable - this place has it all - along with some of the best sunsets...