Recently voted among the world’s ‘Top Ten Beaches’ by National Geographic magazine, dreamy Datai, on the far northwestern tip of Langkawi, is the loveliest bay on the island, with a single, exquisite ecolodge nestled amid the carpet of prim…

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The jewel in Pangkor’s crown is a tiny island off its southwest tip, occupied by a very special place to stay. Offering exclusive access to a bay of shimmering, transparent water and golden sand, the Pangkor Laut Resort comprises uber-luxur…

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Long since upstaged by the likes of Phuket and Langkawi, Tioman is today all about tranquillity – and there’s plenty of it at this secluded luxury hideaway on the southwest side of the island. Access is via private, twin-propped plane from…

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Of the twin Perhentian islands of Besar (‘Big’) and Kecil (‘Small’), the latter is marginally less developed, appealing in the main to independent-minded travellers looking for a beach that’s lively in the evenings, but not a rolling party…

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On a coral reef island off the northern coast of Borneo, a short ferry ride from Kota Kinabalu, the award-winning Bunga Raya Resort occupies a tranquil bay of aquamarine water enfolded by rainforest and mangroves. Its 48 timber villas, terr…

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Set discretely in the diplomatic quarter, this delightful boutique hideaway offers 20 beautifully designed rooms ranged around a lagoon pool and tropical garden, only 10-mins’ walk from the Petronas Towers. Its thatched roofs and low-hangin…

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Thanks to its coat of traditional indigo limewash, Cheong Fatt Tse’s Blue Mansion in Penang has been one of the city’s most desirable and distinctive residences since it was built in the 1880s. Aside from a few modern conveniences, nothing…

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Formerly owned by a family of wealthy rubber planters, this lovingly restored Pernakan shophouse on Heeren St (aka ‘Millionaires’ Row’) has been converted into a quaint heritage boutique hotel. Behind the elaborately decorated Neo-classical…

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This lavish, landmark 5-star occupies a plum position between the city centre park and iconic Petronas Towers, in the heart of KL. It has plenty of presence and glamour, without ever becoming brash, and is run with a great sense of pride an…

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Back in Malaysia’s pre-war boom years, the Majestic was the hotel in KL, often mentioned in the same breath as Raffles of Singapore, Bombay’s Taj Mahal and the Strand, Rangoon. After a lavish refit, it once again occupies pride of place in…

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Occupying an evocative 1920s mansion, this stylish heritage hotel recalls the colonial heyday of Melaka. Floor-to-ceiling windows, framed by opulent silk drapes, make the most of the fabulous views, which extend across the river and nearby…

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If you’re travelling to the hills for echoes of the romance and gracious living of the colonial era, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Conceived in high plantation style, with shuttered windows, tall French doors and extensive use of…

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