Out of all the many places you can stay or visit throughout Malaysia, the west coast it the most developed. That’s not to say that there aren’t some magnificent tranquil and secluded bays and beaches, it’s just that here you will discover a busier way of life. Of course, that means you will have a fantastic range of hotels, resorts, shops, bars and restaurants.

At the very north of the west coast, just below Thailand, you will find Langkawi. The largest of a group of 99 islands, it measure about 25 kilometres from North to South and a little more from east to west. It is fair to say that Lankawi can be described as a sun-worshipper’s dream and is without doubt one of Malaysia’s first choice beach resorts. The island has an excellent selection of places to stay and is still, on the whole, a very peaceful destination surrounded by beautiful, clear seas and long stretches of golden coastline that are perfect for watersports, especially diving and snorkelling.

The interior of Langkawi is lush and green, and remains virtually unchanged and untouched. In contrast to this, Kuah – the capital – is a vibrant modern town with superb duty free shopping; another great reason for you to visit.

Adding to the beauty and magic of the island are several fascinating legends. And when you stay there you will soon be enchanted by the myths and stories that surround the many places you can visit.

Beneath Langkawi, again on the west coast, is the island of Penang. Dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient” it is altogether more animated and dynamic that Langkawi, with its wonderful mix of first class hotels, beaches, culture, history, food and bargain shopping.

If you want a busier pace of life choose Penang. It is one of the most historical cities in Malaysia and the capital, Georgetown, is full of things to learn and discover. A captivating mix of old and new, modern skyscrapers sit amidst snaking back alleys, European colonial style buildings and wonderful temples and mosques.

Batu Ferringhi is the main beach area in Penang and is situated in the north of the island. Several luxury hotels dot the coastline and if you are staying in Batu Ferringhi you can look forward to the perfect blend of sun, sea, watersports and nightlife – including incredible night markets where you can enjoy haggling for a bargain amongst the many colourful stalls.

Borneo is a side of Malaysia that offers a completely different holiday experience. It’s a nature lovers dream. Separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea, Borneo has two separate states: Saba and Sarawak. Few places in the world can compare to the raw, natural magnificence of these incredible destinations.

Malaysian Borneo – Sabah

Rugged and unaffected, Sabah is packed with thrills and adventures. Glorious high mountain ranges sink into lush green valleys where Orang utans, proboscis monkeys and Asian elephants roam.

For the more action-minded, there are the mountain climbs, white-water rafting, caving and jungle treks in abundance. The fine white sand beaches are simply amazing and the snorkelling and diving are second-to-none.

Malaysian Borneo – Sarawak

Almost completely untouched by commercialism, two thirds of Sarawak is swathed in glorious ancient rainforests and mysterious jungle. The land is protected by no less than ten National Parks and the sheer scale of its geographical interest, with countless numbers of different animal and bird species, as well as indigenous tribes and magnificent rivers, are what makes Sarawak so enchanting and fascinating.

The above are just a small taster of the many fascinating, different places and experiences that await you in Malaysia. To discover more simply visit Tourism Malaysia.