Known as ‘the Jewel of Kedah’, Langkawi boasts some of the best beaches in Malaysia along with rainforests teeming with wildlife, villages preserving local traditions and impressive limestone caves. Once a haven for pirates, the 99 tropical islands of this archipelago lying off the northwest coast of Malaysia are fringed with white sand beaches and clear waters ripe for snorkelling and diving. Inland, tangled jungle hides exotic birdlife such as hornbills, while colugos (flying lemurs) swing from tree to tree. If you prefer a more lively atmosphere, you can head to Pantai Cenang beach with its bars, restaurants and live music, while spending days exploring on kayaks, quad bikes and cable cars.

November to April is the best time to visit Langkawi, as this is when Malaysia’s west coast receives the most sunshine and the least rain. Winds begin to pick up in May, and there’s more chance of thunderstorms. In June and July, you may experience short, sharp showers. Between August and October heavy downpours become more common.

Langkawi Cable car is also known as the Sky Cab claims to be the steepest cable car ride in the world; that takes visitors at a height of 708 meters up in the sky, above the sea level.