Malaysia - beach getaway from KL for a week?

Hey all

First time poster here so please be gentle! I am about to embark on my trip of a lifetime starting next April 09 as we fly into Kuala Lumpur.

We have to wait in Malaysia for a week before a friend can make it over to join us. We fly into KL on a saturday morning and we're wondering whether its possible to spend a week retreat at a nice beachside location not too far(expensive) from KL.

Is there anywhere that fits the bill? As we will come back after a week and see KL with our friend.

Thanks

Az

Tioman Island might be a good option. I haven't actually been there myself but I have a friend who spent quite a while there and loved it. It's a few hours from KL.

[ Edit: Edited on Nov 18, 2008, at 10:43 PM by bex76 ]

Thanks mate that looks pretty spot on for what we're looking at.

Does anyone have any recommendations on where's best to stay on the island? Looking to unwind a bit as we will have all just finished working, a bit of nightlife wouldn't go astray either.

Thanks
Az

I quite like Penang island but that is 180 miles away.

Yeh Penang is on the list, but I think we will go there after KL!

I'd also recommend the Perhentian Islands if you are going to be in Northern Malaysia, they are gorgeous, and less touristy and developed than Penang.

After doing a bit more digging around it seems like a cheaper option to just fly to Penang or Langkawi with Asia Air.

Are they a safe airline as their prices are pretty amazing?

Which of the two would you guys recommend?

Thanks again
Az

Air Asia are really good - when I flew with them a couple of times 2 years ago their planes appeared to be brand new.

Regarding your choice of island, I haven't been to Langkawi but I wasn't particularly impressed with Penang as it was a little bit too touristy for me; I'm not sure how Langkawi compares in this respect but I think it's possibly a bit more expensive and upmarket than Penang.

Air Asia seem to be getting a pretty good wrap from everyone I have seen so far so they must be alright!!

Would love to hear from people who have been to both Penang and Langkawi and recommend which they think would fit the bill. Is there really not all that many other young (20-30's) backpackers on Langkawi?

Perhentian Islands - can you fly there? As we're just spending a week there we don't want to spend to much time travelling there and back.

the nearest airport to the Perhentian Islands would be Kota Bahru, which Air Asia may fly to. Otherwise, a good way to travel up the country is on the jungle train to Kota Bahru from KL. It takes a day and is worth it for the scenery you travel through en route. From Kota Bahru you can then get a taxi to the port to get the boat to the islands.