Children with painted faces participate in the Jacmel Carnival parade, in Jacmel, Haiti, 20 February 2022.  In the midst of the social, political, and economic crisis that Haiti is going through, the festive atmosphere took over the streets of Jacmel, in the southeast of the country, with its traditional carnival parade, an annual celebration in which traditional dances and native masks stand out.   EPA / Johnson Sabin

Today's best photos: from a Haiti carnival to a canine Baby Yoda



More from The National:

Sunday's best photos: from a whirling dervish to Storm Eunice in Netherlands

Saturday's best photos: from a child leaving eastern Ukraine to a burnt ferry in Greece

Friday's best photos: from Storm Eunice to Expo 2020 Dubai

Thursday's best photos: from Buddhist monks to a fishy choice

Wednesday's best photos: from a lantern festival to cattle swimming in a polluted river

Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

Updated: February 21, 2022, 12:47 PM