The Midland's 'informal' restaurant and bar is casual, yet classy. History oozes from black and white photos of sporting activities and teams on the green-painted wood panelled walls. Its limited menu of simple dishes is well executed, decent value and delicious. Get a window seat overlooking the Central Library, a Mancunian architectural gem.

Peter Street, Manchester,
Tel: 0161 236 3333
www.qhotels.co.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/362hr36

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Naturalism meets eco-tourism at its very best. If you want to learn about and truly see the beauty of the nature around you on this pretty little island, I highly recommend taking one of these trips.

The knowledge and passion of the guides - in particular the founder, Irshad Mobarak - turn an ordinary nature trail or fun boat ride into something that will make you appreciate where you are and reflect upon what role you have as part of nature in this world.

www.junglewalla.com

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Trendy, yet still informally friendly, this city-centre bar-restaurant is contemporary KL at its best, all crisp, cutting-edge design, moody lighting and some rather fine food and drink.

There's a great view of the Petronas Towers too, in case you spend so much time in there that you forget where you are.

Ascott Kuala Lumpur, No. 9, Jalan Pinang, KL
+603 2161 7789
www.sevenatenine.com

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This is a great way to take in a bird's eye view of the city and eat a lovely meal at the same time.

The restaurant at the top of the KL (Menara) Tower is a revolving one, so within an hour you'll have enjoyed a 360 degree view of the city while eating a whole array of tasty food at the fixed-price buffet.

It's also excellent value - although I'd advise you to stick to water and avoid the overpriced drinks.

Book yourself in for a sunset meal!

No. 2 Jalan Punchak, off Jalan P.Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2020 5444
www.menarakl.com.my

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If you'd like to extend your interactions with Thai people beyond bartering with tuk-tuk drivers or ordering another Singha, I heartily recommend booking a cultural exchange trip with this sustainable development / community-based tourism organisation based in Kuraburi on the Andaman coast, two hours' drive north from Khao Lak.

I received a warm welcome from the friendly AD team, who arranged for me to stay with a Thai family in a local fishing village. I got to see and experience various activities that the villagers undertake to support themselves in a post-tsunami world, including planting mangroves, weaving palm leaf roofs, designing batik, fishing, and much more. It gave me a real insight into a very different way of life - and was plenty of fun besides.

Andaman Discoveries also arrange longer-term volunteering opportunities, teaching English at a local school, helping out at a local orphanage, or in a school for disabled children in Phuket.

Soi Nangyon, Kuraburi.
You can get an overnight bus from Bangkok, or it's a three-hour bus ride from Phuket.
www.andamandiscoveries.com

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If you fancy escaping from the frenetic pace of Phuket's beach-and-bar tourism, this little oasis of yogic calm situated off the beaten track is pretty, welcoming and comfortable.

Family-owned, the place attracts a more laid-back tourist, with many long-term visitors and repeat guests available to offer tips on the best beaches and spots to watch the sunset, for the as-yet uninitiated. There's a small pool, a sociable lounge/dining area and an in-house masseuse, plus a morning yoga class available to book if that takes your fancy.

There's also absolutely fantastic food, freshly cooked to order all day. Try the Shanti Delight, and I challenge you to be able to order anything else for the rest of your stay - you'll be hooked!

Shanti Lodge, near Wat Chalong temple. You can print a map from the website and show it to taxi drivers from Phuket airport.
www.shantilodge.com/shanti-phuket-c-13.html
+66-(0)76-280233

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