Berjaya Langkawi Resort

Berjaya Langkawi Resort is set amid tropical rainforest at Burau Bay, on the island's west coast, with the sea a few steps from the chalets. The accommodation is its signature: Rainforest Chalets and Studios tucked into the trees, Premier Seaview Chalets, and a collection of Premier Chalets and Suites on Water, perched on stilts above the bay, where you can step out onto a deck over the sea. The setting feels like a village in the jungle, with boardwalks and steps winding between the buildings. The resort has restaurants and bars, the Taaras Spa, recreational activities including nature walks, island tours and sea sports, and a ballroom and meeting rooms that make it popular for weddings and groups. It is a relaxed, nature-first alternative to the polished beach resorts.

Location and getting around: Burau Bay is on the western end of Langkawi, close to the SkyCab base station at Oriental Village and the Telaga Tujuh waterfall, so the island's headline mountain sights are ten or fifteen minutes away. Pantai Cenang and its restaurants are a taxi ride, and Kuah is further. A rental car, taxi or the resort's transfers are all useful, because the resort sits in its own grounds and the walk out is long.

Rooms and who it suits: the Rainforest Chalets are the classic choice for those who want to be among the trees, and they work well for couples and families, with a Family Chalet that links two rooms. The Premier Seaview Chalets offer a sea outlook, while the water chalets and suites give the romance of sleeping over the bay, with options up to two bedrooms. The buildings are older than at the newest resorts, so expect character rather than showroom polish, and ask about the most recently renovated rooms. The hillside layout involves steps, so it is less suitable for guests with limited mobility, and the resort will arrange a buggy on request.

Good to know: the rainforest brings monkeys, hornbills and the occasional insect, and some guests find the wildlife a highlight while others are more nervous. Keep food away from balconies. Check what is included in your rate, including breakfast, and confirm that the activities you want are running, because water sports and tours can depend on the season. Rates vary with the season, so compare dates before you commit. It is a good choice when the aim is to combine nature, sea views and easy access to the SkyCab.