Originally Posted by
jpdx
I wouldn't go to Bali for beaches, and I'm not at all a fan of Phuket (Khao Lak is ok, but I don't feel a strong urge to go to Thailand in general). Langkawi is great, but the Datai is crazy pricey, and the Andaman regrettably burned down (was insane value on BRG). I don't think the beaches in Desaru and Penang are anything special. Kota Kinabalu town stinks, but there are decent beach options nearby. I spent a few very pleasant and quiet nights at Hyatt Kuantan, but it's not much of a nightlife destination. I don't drive in MY/TH/ID, but outside of cities MY is fine, arguably better not to be dependant on crazy bus or Grab drivers.
Have you considered Phu Quoc? Beaches can be great or awful depending on the weather/currents, but there are some spectacular and reasonable hotels there (e.g.,
IC,
Regent). Scoot is about to start flights SIN-PQC.
Thanks for the input regarding driving. TBH I haven't yet compared prices of car rental vs flying (although domestic flying in MY is crazy cheap). I was thinking more about the convenience factor and perhaps the flexibility of driving through Batu Caves on the way to KL and not having to commute in/out of KLIA.
Not too worried about Kuantan being quiet. With a kid in tow, bottom shelf booze from the lounge and the occasional off-site curry will be the wildest this holiday will get. Laying by the pool and calm seas would very much fit the bill.
Will look into Phu Quoc but frankly, Kuantan is ticking a lot of boxes.