Unspoilt paradise islands - The Perhentian Islands

4) The Perhentian Islands

Where: North eastern Malaysia.

See: Between April and September, Perhentian Besar (the bigger of the two islands) plays host to a rather fabulous parade of sea turtles coming on shore in order to lay their eggs. They're somewhat oblivious to anyone watching them, as they apparently enter a trance while in the process. The other option, of course, is to try and find them in the water – there's great snorkelling around the islands and the sea is full of coral, reef fish and (mercifully small) sharks.

Do: Once you've finished investigating the wildlife in the sea, it's time to head inland. The sands become jungle rather quickly, and all manner of critters can be found inhabiting the trees and tracks. These include relatively friendly monkeys, and some enormous monitor lizards that will give you the fright of your life if they scurry out in front of you. It's OK, they're not poisonous snakes, and they're probably not going to try and kill you

Hang out: Perhentian Kecil (the smaller island), has the best of both worlds. Arguably the most attractive beach is Pasir Panjang, boasting the usual stereotypes of crystal clear water and white sands as well as some of the prime snorkelling territory to dip into. For something a little more lively, head to Long Beach. It's hardly Kho Pha-Ngan, but it's where the younger backpacking set tends to congregate and the only real nightlife of any substance is.

Stay: The name ‘perhentian' means ‘stopping point' in Malay, referring to the islands long-standing role as a waypoint for traders between Bangkok and Malaysia. Staying over (rather than doing a quick day trip) means you're partaking in a bit of tradition as well as enjoying a couple of nights in paradise. An Islands Discovery Package can be bought from the jetty at Kuala Besut (where you need to go to get the ferry out). It includes 2 nights' accommodation in the islands, daily meals, return boat transfers, 1 snorkelling trip, plus snorkelling equipment from £42 per person, based on sharing a twin room.

More information: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my