Restaurants

If you're out at one of the more secluded resorts, chances are, you'll stay there for most of your meals. However, it is worth venturing out of your hotel to try Nam Restaurant in the Bon Ton Resort, Panatai Cenang (tel. 04/955-6787; main courses RM48-RM78; daily 11am-11pm; reservations highly recommended), the best restaurant on Langkawi -- and perhaps in all of Malaysia. Located within the small and charming Bon Ton Resort, Nam serves "West meets spice" dishes along with an excellent selection of wines and desserts in a dreamy Balinese-inspired setting. Arrive at sunset for predinner drinks, and stay after your meal for drinks at the resort's fun Chin Chin bar.

If you're in Kuah town looking for something good to eat, the best local dining experience can be found at the evening hawker stalls just along the waterfront near the taxi stand. A long row of hawkers cooks up every kind of local favorite, including seafood dishes. You can't get any cheaper or more laid back. After dinner, from here it's easy to flag down a taxi back to your resort.