Hello. My fiance and I are keen to go to Malaysia in August. He wants to play golf. I want relax on the beach and explore shops & markets. Can anyone suggest a good location?? <BR>Thank you, Donna

I was in Malaysia and Singapore for about 6 days in 98'. Fantastic country and if you're looking for beaches and markets you're going to the right place. Definitely go to Penang! You will be able to find everything you are looking for there. There is a small city that is culturally stimulating. Fantastic beaches on the North and West shore (try the Shangri La's Rasa Sayang resort if you're looking for luxury accomidations) and there is plenty of golf on the island... there's also a kind of touristy, but interesting Butterfly sanctuary. I would also suggest a few days at a more secluded beach location on the eastern shore where you can rent a hut on the beach or over coral for real cheap...wake up in the morning and just roll out of bed into a lagoon of pure crystal waters. Malaysia is a great taste of all that SE Asia has to offer...Enjoy!

Donna <BR> <BR>Penang has more shops and local markets while Langkawi has better beaches and is lot quieter. Both island have lovely golf courses which will keep your fiance occupied while you shop. <BR> <BR>Penang is a colourful island with many interesting sights while Langkawi is famous for its lovely beaches. If you're only into relaxing on the beach and nothing else, Langkawi is the place otherwise you'll get bored after four or five days there. <BR> <BR>I would also recommend Rasa Sayang Resort in Penang. This hotel is one of my favourite hotels in Asia. If you are staying there do ask for rooms at the Garden Wing, the rooms there are newer, bigger and quieter. The beautifully landscaped garden and swimming pools are also by the garden wing. Enjoy your trip.

hi donna. <BR>i was in penang, langkawi and k.l. in april. i was very nice. penang was good for to make photos, but the beach is not good. we stay swiss hotel. <BR>langkawi have a very nice beach. the beach was pantay chenang. very beautiful but the coulor of the see was grey. (ab-motel and a good indian restaurant oasis) <BR>we hear from other tourist, that the island perhentian is one of the greatest place in malaysia <BR>have a nice trip donna

I found the Tanjong Rhu resort on Langkawi to be an excellent getaway. In my opinion, the beach at the resort is the best on Langkawi - I took a motorcycle ride around the island and found none better. Please look at the Tanjong Rhu website (one of the best I have ever seen).

Certainly go to Penang for some excellent food and culture. Not noted for the beach, though. Langkawi is great for shopping (duty free island) and Scott was right to recommend Tanjung Rhu. But don't forget The Datai (if you want to splurge - chalet can cost up to US$400 per night) and the Andaman (sister hotel but slightly cheaper - can get room for US$150). The beach at the Datai Bay is better than the normal Langkawi beach, for some reason. Although, Tanjung Rhu beach is also great. For golf and beach combined, Langkawi has it. Also, try the neighboring Rebak Island and stay at Rebak Marina Bay - simply gorgeous. Have fun!