Livin' in the Sunshine

Perhentian Islands, Terengganu

www.beautifulterengganu.com

Split into two islands, the Perhentians are a popular choice with foreigners and locals coming in droves from KL to visit. Perhentian Besar is larger and known for luxury stays, honeymooners or families, and beaches tend to be closer to the accommodations. Most of the better snorkeling spots are also located here. The distance between the two islands is very short so going daily to explore is certainly doable.Be prepared for lots of walking on either island - there are no paved roads or cars! Perhentian Kecil offers a wider variety of activities and is considered the ‘budget’ option although you can find lovely chalets or guest houses as well. Regardless, you’re guaranteed clear blue waters as far as the eye can see and the chance to see some amazing sea life up close like baby reef sharks, turtles and plenty of colorful corals.

STAY

Save: Alunan resort (Kecil) / Adik beradik Guesthouse (Kecil)

Spend/Indulge: Perhentian Island Resort (Besar) / Tuna Bay Island Resort (Besar) / Bubu resort (Kecil)

Getting There

Catch a regional flight into Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota Bharu, or hire a car, and then head to the Kuala Besut jetty where you can take a boat across. Cars can be p arked at the jetty for a daily fee.

Langkawi Island

www.naturallylangkawi.my

This 99-island archipelago will take your breath away with its stunning landscapes and the eponymous main island, Langkawi, has activities for all ages. Staying at Cenang Beach will give you easy access to restaurants and night entertainment, and it’s a great spot for families with lots of watersports vendors present along the two kilometer stretch of soft white sand and crystal blue waters. If you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, head north for extra seclusion but slightly fewer restaurants. Langkawi is a UNESCO-designated geopark area and you should definitely take the cable car from the instagrammable Oriental Village to Langkawi Sky Bridge, which winds like a floating silver dragon atop Gunung Mat Chinchang. Keen to explore? Rent a car or motorbike and make your own adventure as you discover why Langkawi is called the “Jewel of Kedah’. Did we mention Langkawi is a duty-free haven?

Stay

Save: Goldsands Hotel / Langkawi Chantique

Splurge/Indulge: Ritz-Carlton / Bon Ton Antique Wooden Villas

Getting There

Catch a flight into Langkawi International Airport, or take the high-speed train from Kuala Lumpur Sentral t hen enter via ferry from the Malaysian states of Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang,