Every single leg of this trip, from the Twin Towers to the mangroves to the beach, gave our kids something new to be excited about, twelve nights that genuinely never dragged.

Every leg had something new for the kids, from the Twin Towers to the mangroves. My one wish is that the Langkawi island-hopping day had allowed more time at Tanjung Rhu, we felt hurried back to the boat just as the children settled in.

Penang Hill and its funicular ride were a genuine highlight for our family, cool air and sweeping views that even our restless teenager enjoyed. Wish the Langkawi island-hopping day had allotted a bit more time at Tanjung Rhu Beach since we felt hurried back to the boat.

Kids were absolutely buzzing on the Skybridge of the Petronas Towers, counting floors and pointing at the whole Kuala Lumpur skyline below us. Penang Hill's funicular ride a few days later gave the whole family, including my parents, a proper cool breeze after the city heat.

The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden swim on Dayang Bunting was such a unique, only-in-Langkawi experience for our kids. Kuala Lumpur's city stretch felt slightly rushed though given how much there was to fit in around the Petronas Towers.

The freshwater lake swim on Dayang Bunting was an only-in-Langkawi thing our kids had never experienced before.