Chris

Hi <BR><BR>I'm planning a trip to Malaysia this summer does anyone have any suggestions of where to stay. I have about 10 days to stay and enjoy white beaches and secluded atmosphere. Any suggestions on where to sleep (4 star hotels and above) and where to go visit/stay?<BR>

Kathie

My favorite spot is Kuantan. There is a lovely Hyatt there that is quite inexpensive.

Carrie

If money is no object, try Pangkor Laut. It is a private island and you'll get all privacy you want. The beach is pristine too! Only a few hours drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Michael From New York

Langkawi - the Sheraton Perdana...<BR>you can see some photos I took while I stayed there at:<BR><BR>http://community.webshots.com/user/michaelfromny<BR><BR>M

Jen

I found the beaches at Kuantan very ordinary. Further north at Cherating there's a Club Med, though, so it might be better there.<BR><BR>Langkawi is a favorite with foreigners. Locals prefer Pulau Redang on the east coast - beautiful! However, I don't know how many stars the hotels get over there (we stayed on the mainland and boated over for a tour).<BR><BR>I've seen photos of Pangkor Laut Resort and it does look incredible. Didn't see any shots of the beach, though.

Elaine

Like Michael (hi again Michael btw) I've stayed at the Sheraton Perdana on Langkawi and thought it was an excellent hotel on a very beautiful island. However, the beach is not one of Langkawi's best (the pools made up for it though imho) and if money really is no object and you are looking for seclusion, then I would suggest you have a look at the Datai - www.langkawi-hotels.com/datailk/index.htm

Kristy

Last summer as part of a three week trip through Malaysia, my boyfriend and I stayed at two of the most incredible beach resorts in Malaysia. The first resort, Minang Cove Reosrt on Tioman Island, was very small (about five or six cabins). It was incredibly picturesque, secluded and relaxing. All meals are included in the price of the rooms which was good since the resort is many miles away from the nearest town. Not much to do there except relax on the beach, snorkle and dive. It was really ideal. The resort web site is: www.minangcove.com.my The resort is really as beautiful as it appears on the site. It's also very reasonably priced. One word of warning - Minang Cove is very secluded and visitors should be prepared for total relaxation. As a New York City dweller I was a little nervous about the slower pace of this part of the trip but it really was perfect.<BR><BR>The second beach resort we stayed in (Tanjung Rhu) was on the opposite coast on the island Langkawi. It was equally as enjoyable as staying at Minang Cove but in a completely different way. It's a really high end more western style resort (one that I could never afford to stay in here in the U.S. or in the Caribbean). The beach here was great and the resort was excellent in every way (food, service, etc. . .) . Their web site is www.tanjungrhu.com<BR><BR>Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions about these resorts.

jenomad

U will love Tioman island, paradisic island in South China Sea, clean, (quite) unspoilt by tourist and most friendly islanders. We locals really like Pulau Redang, fantastic for snorkeling, that's our castaway place. Stay at Berjaya Resort both islands. <BR>Also don't miss out the Canopy walkway in Taman Negara, the oldest rainforrest. Watch out for leeches, tough. Other recommended sports: Langkawi, Pankor Laut, Cherating, Pulau Besar...

Tannin

I agree with Carrie on Pangkor Laut. I was there three years ago( b/f had a conference there) and had a very relaxing break there. The beach on the west side of the island, Emerald Bay (I think) was just beautiful and deserted. We were the only couple there. We love it so much that we actually spent one night under the stars. It was sooo romantic. The hill villa we stayed was beautiful designed in local architecture and furnished. There's outdoor tub where we spent quite a few hours in it. The only complaint about this island was that there weren't many choices for meals, there're only three restaurants and the food was just slightly above average. The catering might have improved now. Anyway, I would be more than happy to go back there if someone else is picking up the bill.<BR><BR>Enjoy Malaysia - it is a beautiful country.

Sean

my vote goes to Pangkor Laut on the west and Pulau Redang on the East. Enjoy your trip!

Anne

Visited Langkawi in January this year and stayed for 10 days at the Sheraton Langkawi. The hotel was absolutely superb, staff very pleasant and helpful - the whole experience here was just wonderful. Car hire (through the hotel) was very cheap. Visit the beach at Tanjung Rhu - an absolutely fabulous beach. Longing to get back to Langkawi - a truly relaxing holiday and very interesting spots to visit that are so close. Hotel occupancy across this small island in January was only 60%.