My family and I just returned from Penang where we were for a week. I previously despised beach resort vacations because I don't like to lay about, and I get frustrated. We really enjoyed Penang though, because of the accessible cultural and nature activities close by, combined with their world famous cuisine. So my question is, are there other places in our region that offer more than a strip of sand a big pool and a nice breakfast buffet? I always had the impression that most of the big destinations were like that, but now I think I may have been wrong. Any recommendations for Penang type places?