Going away for a Sat night?

[Nora]

We have a friend visiting from the UK and would like to go away on a Sat morning and return Sun evening.....can anyone recommend anywhere that would be suitable for this length of time?  Looking for few sites to see/ activities to do and nice bar/ restaurant in the evening

Thanks
Nora

[Emma]

Malacca on the West coast of Malaysia is nice for a weekend getaway - old colonial town with plenty of places to explore in 2 days.  Nice place to stay is the Heeren hotel on the river.  If you don't have a car buses leave from Lavender bus station although they take a while to get there.

[Conny]

Why don't go to Batam?
I've heard from a friend, that it is very relaxing there - you can book a Spa weekend to enjoy yourself or you also can use the watersports provided.
Nice hotels, bars and resto's are also there!

Another tip for the weekend is Cibu Island, but I'm not sure, if it's "open" now, because of the Monsun Season which coming soon.

[Jo]

I often do across to Bintan's Mana Mana for short weekends...no hassles of travelling...only 45 min by ferry ...no crowded beaches....just a stretch of beautiful peaceful beach...and option to windsurf, sail, parasail, snorkel etc...very relaxing it is.

And when my son Joel joins us..I usually do Desaru Impian which is also a ferry ride away, with loads of activities for kids and golf for me and the other half.

[Casper]

Any recommendations on where to stay when over there Jo?

[Jo]

Desaru Impian is a resort in itself with amusement park and apartment-type accomodation.  

Desaru isn't big so if u call your travel agent, they will be able to book u into a good resort.  I golf there quite abit and stayed there only acouple of times...but there are three hotels surrounding the Desaru Golf Club and if u call the club, they too will be able to make a recommendation.

[jc]

Desaru is nice - I went there a couple of weeks ago - I wouldn't recommend the Impian though (unless you've got kids and need the amusements) - the Golden Sands Resort is much nicer and there's a pleasant restaurant and bar to relax at in the evening.