Josh Bender & Team

Want to witness Langkawi’s history as a sleepy fishing island before its tourism boom? Spend a day on partially-modernized Tuba Island, part of the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park. The island is home to geologically significant granite and marble rock formations dating back over 500 million years. Other popular attractions include a series of caves with exquisite stalactites and stalagmites, jungle trekking, birdwatching, swimming at idyllic beaches, and indulging in world-class seafood.

A historical and cultural complex that portrays local village life during the time of Mahsuri who, according to one of Langkawi's most revered legends, was a wrongly-accused woman who cursed the island with her dying breath. Set against thriving rice fields, the complex includes cultural music and dance performances, live plays, and a museum dedicated to Mahusuri. The heroine's tomb, a reconstruction of her home, and the well said to be the source of her famed beauty are also within the complex.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to Paradise. Whether your idea of bliss is relaxing on a day bed with a cocktail, snapping Instagram-worthy photos, or the adrenaline rush of watersports, you’ll find it at private island, Paradise 101. Only 1km from the shoreline of Pantai Kok, Paradise 101 enjoys exquisite views of the turquoise Andaman Sea from its white sandy shore. The island provides the ultimate hub for watersports, sunbaking, and indulging your taste buds.

Beachy vibes meet classic rock anthems at Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Hear catchy tunes throughout the complex and see tributes to legends like The Beatles at every turn. The action centers around the freeform lagoon pool, the largest swimming pool in Penang. Daily activities entertain while wide-ranging hits perpetually play in the background. Music continues in your room with complimentary electric guitar hire through the Picks program. This is one rockin’ vacation you’ll never forget.

A stay at Rebak Island Resort & Marina Langkawi is the definition of luxury. Eat like a king or queen with in-house chefs specializing in Indian, Malay, and Thai cuisines, then relax on the private beach. The resort is split into 2 wings, the first with traditionally-inspired wooden chalets while the second is more modern but still fitted with Malay-style wooden furniture. Guests in both wings wake up meters away from waves gently lapping at the shore. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Explore Langkawi from Aloft’s convenient location by the shores of Pantai Tengah. If clear, turquoise shores are what you’re chasing, take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary beach buggy service to the soft white sands where watersport vendors await. All guest rooms come with a complimentary mini-bar and added extras like a balcony, beach towels and flip flops and your choice of jungle, pool, or ocean views.

Experience Langkawi’s rice-farming history by sleeping above rice paddies at Gemalai Village. 6 traditional stilted kampung huts are connected by wooden boardwalks above water-filled paddy fields within the Laman Padi complex. Guests experience a taste of village life without sacrificing modern comforts like air-conditioning, a comfy bed, hot showers, and breakfast delivered to your room.

A traditional Balinese warung so small only 8 tables fit in the semi-open dining area. These tables book out days in advance by diners eager to indulge in Melting Wok's authentic curries. Dishes scrawled on humble blackboard menus are few in number, usually 2 main curries and a daily special, meaning chefs focus on quality over quantity, preparing mouth-watering curries worthy of the wait.

A short walk from Ubud’s famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary is this jungle-themed restaurant serving Asian-Fusion cuisine. Indonesian and Balinese classics, like gado gado, nasi campur, and nasi goreng feature on the menu alongside Western favorites like pasta, and burgers. There’s plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians too, all listed on a ‘vegan’ page in the menu.

A 1-stop-shop for Bali’s most iconic tourist attractions. The upper level is a coffee plantation, specializing in Luwak coffee, made from coffee beans discarded in the droppings of civet cats. Visitors can see the coffee-making process from plant to roasting to sampling a range of hot beverages. The café area looks out over an Instagrammer’s playground, with giant swings soaring over traditional rice terraces, large stone sculptures, and even a zipline course.