Langkawi (cosists of 99 islands) is one of my favourite island getaways in Malaysia. I highly recommend the beautiful beaches in Tanjung Rhu (especially) in the Northeast and Pantai Cenang in the southwest, stunning mangroves in Sungai Kilim (they do boat tours out to where you can see Thailand from afar), the cable car ride at Guning (Mount) Mat Cincang, and the Pulau Payar Marine Park in the south. Diving at the park can be fun - huge grouper fish, turtles, urchins and rays, although some of the corals are dying the last time I was there. Pulau Dayang Bunting is nice too. The archipelago is perfect for a long weekend break... and it's not far from the major cities! Besides, you'll find beautiful Malay food everywhere you go... from hawker stalls to restaurants in the big hotels. Alcohol in Malaysia is generally expensive, but it is cheap in Langkawi. The island is the designated duty-free shopping haven!
