Jacinta Fabricius

Long-haul flights are something we all absolutely dread. You’re stuck on a cramped plane for what seems like forever. The person who designed the seats clearly didn’t understand that normal people have legs. Making your flight more enjoyable is not that difficult. These 19 easy flight tips will make your trip pass in flying colors so that you never dread a long-haul flight again.

Langkawi's UNESCO Global Geopark status attracts millions of tourists each year… but what does it actually mean? The Geopark Discovery Centre breaks down Langkawi's complex and ancient landscapes to explain how the earth was formed. The center should be the first stop on any Langkawi itinerary. Mangrove tours and even the Langkawi SkyCab take on a whole new meaning when you better understand the ancient landscapes and habitats surrounding them.

One of 3 main sections of Langkawi's UNESCO-listed geopark, Kilim Geoforest Park is home to some of the island's most exquisite and geologically significant landscapes, with Setul rock formations dating back 490 million years. At 100 sq kms, Kilim Geoforest Park is best explored by boat. Local tour operators ferry tourists to a selection of 14 attractions, covering caves, islands, beaches, eagle spotting, and a floating fish farm.

Step back in time and spend a day as a traditional Malay in a kampung (village) house. The wooden house has been constructed using local architecture methods and fitted with traditional furnishings, tools, and ornaments. Every item in sight could have been found in a similar house decades before modern technology and western influence arrived in Malaysia. Try some activities including tasting and cooking local delicacies and playing traditional game, congkak.

These natural saltwater hot springs were formed by unique layering of sedimentary rocks deep within the island heated by geothermal forces. The water and algae in the springs at Ayer Hangat Village contain restorative minerals and nutrients known to heal skin conditions like eczema and also relieve joint pain. Visitors can dip their feet in one 3 communal springs, ranging in temperature from cool to 42 degrees Celcius, or hire a private jacuzzi to rejuvenate their whole body.

Explore Langkawi’s ancient rainforest from a different perspective… amongst the treetops. Skytrex Adventure has built over 30 ‘games’ in the jungle, from rope ladders and plank bridges to flying foxes and extreme swings, at the foot of Gunung Mat Cingang.

For a horse lover, no vacation is perfect until they feel the wind in their hair on the back of a steed. Island Horses offer 3 unique riding trails, 1 along Langkawi's pristine white beach sand, 1 through the lush rainforest, and 1 through a traditional Malay village. Horses here are highly trained and responsive, making Island Horses the perfect place to learn, practice, or simply enjoy the ride.

Malaysia's largest crocodile park home to almost 4,000 crocs. Crocodile Adventureland focuses on conservation, education, and safe interactions with humans. A series of interactive shows include crocodile jumping, stunts by a daring keeper, and feeding or holding juveniles. Don’t miss the park's most recent addition "The Legend of Sarcosuchus", a live performance where Jurassic Park meets Indiana Jones. The show features the world’s largest animatronic dinosaur.

The United States is blessed with plenty of places to enjoy outdoor activities. From the ski mountains and lakes to the backcountry trails and canyons. But for sure, the best places in the country for the outdoors are in the National Parks. Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in US and for good reason. The country's waters are packed full of a beautiful rainbow, bass, salmon, and pike.

Travel in a virtual time machine to an era of wooden houses built on stilts above flooded rice paddies. This authentic Malaysian experience can be found today at Gemalai Village.

Spend an evening floating upon Langkawi’s turquoise water, surrounded by steep-sided islands on this 3-hour sunset cruise. Once clear of the main island, staff drop a large net at the rear of the boat for guests to climb down and enjoy a “saltwater jacuzzi”. Other activities include a photo-stop for selfies with Langkawi’s iconic Eagle Square and a karaoke machine. Because every party needs a feast, the cruise includes free-flow drinks and a set barbecue dinner.

This private island is made for photography and relaxation lovers. We put our feet up for a few hours and watched the boats sail by as the gentle, warm wind kissed our cheeks.

One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia located on one of the region’s smallest islands. Underwater World Langkawi is split into the 3 main sections: tropical rainforest and river ecosystem; temperate & sub-Antarctic; and marine. Highlights include a walk-through rainforest with flamingos, fish, and birds; 3 playful fur seals; over 60 African penguins; and a 15-meter long tunnel tank with giant stingrays, sharks, turtles, and more.

Channel your inner Formula 1 driver on the longest dedicated go-karting track in Malaysia. Feel the adrenaline rush in the lightweight state-of-the-art Sodikart SR4, reaching speeds up to 60km/hr (37mi/hr) around the 1,290m track. Real-time kart tracking technology provides accurate lap timings so you can find out which of your buddies is the fastest.

Learn traditional Malay rice farming methods on an active rice farm. Verdant, water-filled rice fields provide a serene backdrop for the Laman Padi complex. Museum galleries are the main attraction with informative posters and examples of traditional rice farming equipment, from small tools to large threshing hubs and winnowing machines. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for your next bowl of rice.

The gold standard in safe and ethical interactions between humans and animals. Langkawi Wildlife Park has over 45 species of animals from Malaysia and across the globe, many of which wander freely in semi-open enclosures for visitors to feed from purchased feeding packs. Most enclosures have been constructed to mimic the animal’s natural habitat. Successful breeding programs with several species are a sure sign Langkawi Wildlife Park receives the animals’ tick of approval.