Malaysia

Malaysia gives you three cultures, two coastlines and a rainforest older than the Amazon, all with excellent infrastructure and some of the best food in Southeast Asia. For Indian travellers it is a natural first trip abroad: direct flights of around four hours from Hyderabad, visa-free entry for now, familiar flavours in the Indian quarters and a warm welcome from a large Tamil-speaking community.

Our six-day Malaysia trip spends three nights in Kuala Lumpur. You will stand on the Skybridge of the Petronas Twin Towers, climb the 272 colourful steps to the cave temple at Batu Caves, see the administrative capital of Putrajaya with its pink-domed mosque and take the Awana SkyWay cable car into the cool Genting Highlands for its theme parks, casino and Chin Swee temple. Then you fly to the duty-free island of Langkawi for two nights: ride the SkyCab to the curved Sky Bridge above the rainforest, take an island-hopping boat trip to the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden and eagle-feeding spots, and unwind on Cenang Beach at sunset. Travellers combining Singapore can add a road journey down to the island city.

Malaysia suits families with children, couples, honeymooners and senior citizens, since distances are short and hotels are excellent value. Kuala Lumpur works all year, while Langkawi is at its sunniest from December to April. Remember to fill in the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before landing, carry modest clothing for temples and mosques, and leave space in your luggage for chocolates and duty-free shopping from Langkawi.