To see culture coming alive, unfettered by politics, religion or race, was the true gift of the Rainforest Fringe Festival. It captured dignity. Scheduled to return next year, the Festival should continue to take people – and their pride – to the next level.

Sustainably built and serving great food, visit Langkawi’s upside-down house – Upsidow – for another view.

Over everything else, eating took precedence. Above the thought-provoking talks, more than the celebrity chefs and on top of the numerous workshops and events – it was the on-site food that held all in thrall.

The fresh, large prawns were not only succulent but relentlessly teased the palate. Buried amid heaps of birds-eye chillies and chopped lemon grass, the Tom Yam Prawns arrived piping hot at our table. In a fresh green coconut. The prawns were slightly spicy, a tad sour and very sweet as they had been cooked in fresh coconut water.