Langkawi

From the air like dozens of emerald droplets in the Andaman Sea, the Langkawi archipelago is a cluster of little islands skimming the north-western coast of Malaysia. The largest island, Langkawi, is a tropical paradise of countless pearlescent beaches backed by steep green inclines and skirted by sapphire seas. Though tourism arrived on the islands more than two decades ago, they have mercifully avoided overdevelopment and it's easy to find a piece of rural Malaysia a short way from the beaten track.

Beyond the beach, one of the most popular activities in the islands is to take a boat trip around the many uninhabited islets. Langkawi also encompasses UNESCO-protected geoparks perfect for hiking and exploring, inhabited by exotic wildlife and dotted with picturesque limestone karst caves. Its verdant slopes can be scaled via a cable car for stunning views from the dizzyingly-high sky bridge. For real daredevils, the island also plays host to Asia's highest tandem skydive.

On Peninsula Malaysia's north-eastern seaboard, the island of Redang is another popular beach retreat for travellers to Malaysia. Ringed by crystal-clear waters harbouring colourful coral reefs, the island is the ideal spot for an underwater adventure with dozens of dive sites frequented by reef sharks, turtles and stingrays. The waters include protected marine reserves and turtle sanctuaries ensuring the vibrancy of local aquatic life. Over on the mainland, the modern seaside city of Kuala Terengganu is a pleasant stop between Malaysia's jungles and islands, with an interesting China town, seafront promenade, and a few pockets of traditional life.

Between Peninsula Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, Tioman island has similar appeal to Redang ringed with picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches and thriving underwater coral gardens – the ideal place for lazy beach days, snorkelling and diving.