18 days in Southeast Asia Itinerary

Highly industrialized and urbanized, the island of Penang sits off the western coastline of Peninsular Malaysia and boasts a rich cultural heritage blending Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Although most visitors come for the beaches and fishing villages, no tour of Penang is complete without a stop in World Heritage-listed George Town. This cosmopolitan island capital boasts a diverse architectural heritage, its oldest sections packed with 19th-century mosques, churches, temples, and colonial buildings. Another highlight of Penang tourism are the many festivals, showcasing cultural diversity and offering foreign visitors a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the "Pearl of the Orient."

Langkawi District, an archipelago of 99 islands off the coast of the mainland, supports tourism with spas, bars, and cable cars, but it also maintains protected areas rich in native wildlife and culture--so the cluster of islands offers escape and entertainment in equal measure. Trek across the protected mangrove forests to see the richness of plant and animal life that live there. Or learn of the legends of the islands on guided tours, which offer mystery and nature in abundance. Beaches and lagoons draw tourists for their dive and snorkeling experiences.