Kuala Lumpur offers the best of both worlds (From Dorset Society)

Kuala Lumpur offers the best of both worlds

11:53am Tuesday 1st September 2009

By Patrick Gough »

PLANNING that big summer holiday can be a real headache. Do you want to spend your precious free time lounging on a sun-kissed beach or exploring a bustling cosmopolitan city?

After much research, my partner and I decided to take a chance on tropical Asia and a fortnight in Malaysia.

Our plan consisted of a few days soaking up the culture in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur then flying to the Malaysian island of Langkawi to frolic in the sand, sea and surf.

However, before catching a flight from Heathrow, I had a few reservations about possible monsoons and malaria. Fortunately both my fears proved unfounded. Our doctor advised that cases of malaria were rare, although we started a course of anti-malaria tablets to be on the safe side. In most places in Malaysia there is a double rainy season, with the heaviest rains falling March to May and September to November – though despite travelling in April we didn’t get caught out once by the weather.

Stepping off the 12 and-a-half hour flight with Malaysia Air, the temperature at KL Airport was at first oppressive but you soon acclimatise to the sultry, humid heat.

The first thing you notice about Malaysia is value for money and how far the local currency of the ringgit will take you. After a leisurely and cheap taxi ride into Kuala Lumpur we arrived at our home for the next few days.

The Traders Hotel is a contemporary city centre hotel that appeared to cater for smart businessmen and comfortably off travellers. The hotel offers 571 stylishly appointed rooms and suites in the very heart of the city, just opposite the impressive Petronas Twin Towers. These were the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. In fact, from our bedroom we had a breathtaking, panoramic, city view that allowed us to admire the twinkling lights and immensity of the towers.

The Traders also boasts the aptly named SkyBar, which offers guests the ultimate in cool drinks and intoxicating views. Perched at the top of the tall building in a very chic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

SkyBar's contemporary setting attracts the trendiest of Kuala Lumpur society and we spent hours sipping cocktails, chilling out and gazing out of the window at the glow from the illuminated towering twin wonders.

Kuala Lumpur has an estimated population of 1.6 million and is the largest city in Malaysia. This means tourism plays an important part in the city’s economy. Casually saunter down the street and you’ll find it has developed into an international shopping destination with a wide variety of shopping centres and megamalls, which all seem to carry well-known global and local brands. Once we’d shopped till we dropped and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city, we caught a direct flight north to Langkawi International.

Langkawi is a duty-free island, which is adjacent to the Thai border. With a population of only 45,000 this was the perfect place to get away from it all in style.

We chose to stay at the charming Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa, a world class resort inspired by a traditional Malaysian village concept along a kilometre of white sandy beaches.

Covering 30 acres, the complex offered a relaxing atmosphere amid meticulously landscaped gardens and palm trees laden with tasty coconuts.

The sprawling resort has 51 single- and double-storey wooden chalets linked by paths alongside sandy beaches. Our chalet was on stilts with a spacious verandah that allowed for some stunning sunsets over the Andaman Sea.

While constructed in the traditional Malay style, inside it was kitted out with all the modern luxury conveniences you could wish for.

Facilities on site included an array of mouth-watering dining options with assorted restaurants specialising in Malay traditional cuisine, authentic Chinese, Western favourites and Thai dishes as well as fresh barbecue delights by the beachfront.

In the moments when we weren’t taking it easy by the pool or eating copious amounts of delicious food, we hired a kayak and explored the uninhabited islands that surround Langkawi. A five-minute stroll from the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort is Cenang Beach, which offers every sort of watersport from jet skis to parasailing. For a country with such a wealth of diversity, Malaysia was a dream welcome to Asia.

Fact File

Traders Hotel

Lead-in prices for a deluxe city view room at The Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur start from approximately £76 per room, per night, including all tax and service charges.

For more information please visit shangri-la.com Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa on Langkawi offers Deluxe rooms from £128 per night in September – spread across double storey chalets, the rooms are in close proximity to 2 designer pools, and the palm fringed beachfront.

With a choice between views of the lake or pool facing, all rooms feature a private verandah, wardrobe area and bathroom.

To book go to Meritus Hotels link below For further information on the region go to link below