Langkawi does have some good beaches, for instance Pasir Tengkorak or Tanjung Rhu:
http://www.molon.de/galleries/Malaysia/WestCoast/Langkawi/Northern/
Thailand does have better beaches but you have to consider the convenience which Langkawi offers, if for instance you are in Pinang with the family and are looking for a beach place where to relax. And usually with two small kids on a beach you are busy monitoring the kids and have no time to snorkel anyway.
Hi all of you -- well so many things to consider and Laszlo will realize that I have been undecided for weeks now:) Well fact is that I have already booked my flight Hanoi (where I live) - KL but cant make my mind on the onward travel. Hesitatign btw
1) Bali. PRO: kids-friendly (can afford nanny etc), not high season and not impacted by Chinese New Year, beaches and temples etc / CON: rainy season, have been already (but not on Nusa Penida / Lembongan on which I think to focus)
2) Malayia. PRO: not been yet, better season / weather / Penang... CONTRA: Chinese News year, less baby friendly (afford nanny, calm places)..
Well I am close to a final decision now but maybe somebody can influence it a bit?
If we go to Malaysia than I think it might be a good idea to avoid Chinese New year by going to Koh Lipe (90 min by boat from Langkawi, which then would be more a transfer destination than a goal in itself). So something like flying directly KL- Langkawi , then boat transfer to Koh Lipe, spend their 1 week, then Penang wih car rental, trying to see the additional places your mentioned... But Bali might be just easier as I wouldnt have to pre-plan any itinerary:)
Combine Penang and Bali, I'd say.
Bali is great, usually enjoyable even in the rainy season.
If you prearrange accommodation and transport to Penang, CNY there could actually be fun.
Lipe - not been, but obviously a pure beach destination, and quite a busy one for its size.
Btw, if going to Bali and diving us important, I really think Menjangan is a must, even though it is on the opposite side of the island compared to Lembongan.
By far the best coral around Bali, basically up to East Indo standards! Only big fish are scarce, for that Penida might be better.
@Laszlo - you really think I should do both Bali/ Penang in 2 weeks holidays? As for Menjangan, I was there and don't remember it as something particular...
@yumseng- I googled this, you mean latern festival ? So I should not avoid but target Penang for Chinese New Year ??! The first week of my holidays is before , the second during Chinese New Year ...
You could do both in 2 weeks, but it's up to you.
I also said that Chinese New Year in Penang should be fun.
And if you want to avoid the noise, you could stay out on the beach in Batu Ferringhi, and just go to Georgetown when you feel like.
There's 15 days for CNY/Tet celebrations in Penang & Chap Goh Meh is the 15th day. So its NOT the 1st week but you'll still get to witness Penang's unique Hokkien style of celebrations if you're there during CGM (2nd week).
You could spend the 1st week in Krabi or stick to Langkawi.
I thought the beaches of Langkawi were no better than at Penang, and the water was just as murky. This came to me as a bit of a shock, after all the hype about Langkawi as a beach paradise. Still, both are OK for swimming with small kids, but unlike from Langkawi beaches, from Batu Ferringhi one can make numerous interesting and cheap excursions by hopping on Penang's excellent, comfortable public buses.