Beyond the boundaries of the island's excellent hideaway hotels lie stunning expanses of nature to explore. Take a guided walk through the jungle past cascading waterfalls, or up Gunung Raya, the highest peak on the island, to see centuries old trees. There is also superb snorkelling and diving and for those missing the golf club back home (shame on you) there is a championship course near the Datai.

Also off the east coast of peninsula Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca lies Pangkor Laut, a privately owned 300-acre island and home to the internationally acclaimed and eponymous hotel - think villas on stilts, private beaches, a serious spa, fine dining and super-attentive staff. If you can drag yourself away from all this decadent relaxation, we recommend you accompany the resort's resident naturalist on his daily trek through the rainforest. Various other excursions and island-hopping trips can also be arranged.

George Town is the main city and urban centre of the western state of Penang. Dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the city is bustling with things to do, playing off the many faceted cultures that reside together in an impressive harmony. Once known as The Pearl of the Orient, George Town still exists as a link between Asia's two halves and the perfect place to explore diversity in its most remarkable from.