On Langkawi island, the North West coast is where you will find the exclusive beach resort of Datai Langkawi, (http://www.ghmhotels.com) where you can choose from rainforest villas or roomy sea front chalets on stilts over the water. Spa, tennis courts, three restaurants and on-staff jungle trekking guides complete the experience.

Further south, and handy for both beach and cable car above the rainforest to Mount Machinchang, are the Tanjung Sanctuary Hotel, a stylish intimate resort with just 32 bungalows and a private beach (http://www.tanjung-sanctuary-langkawi.com) with a restaurant built on stilts jutting out from the rocky headland. Breakfast here and you can see dolphins leaping in the sea.

Around the headland is the much larger and busier Mutiara Burau Bay Resort (http:// http://www.mutiarahotels.com/mutiara_buraubay/)  with 150 cabanas, all a short walk to the white sandy beach or the freshwater swimming pool. (watch out for the monkeys!)

The world famous Skybar in Traders Hotel has spectacular view of the Petronas Twin Towers