Located in Southeast Asia, the country of Malaysia is known for its many exotic islands that feature stunning beaches, tropical rainforests and diverse cultures. A great number of these islands present popular diving and snorkeling destinations because of their crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs. However, the islands of Malaysia are not just about beaches and diving. There is much more to experience here such as colonial villages, beautiful temples, vibrant resorts and adventurous activities. Find out more about the best Malaysian islands.
flickr/phalinnPulau Pangkor, meaning “beautiful island,” provides a scenic escape from the busy world. Most tourists visit Pangkor for its quiet atmosphere and gorgeous beaches that include Niphah Bay, Teluk Belanda, Pasir Bogak and Coral Bay. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing attractions here such as the Chinese Fu Lin Kong Temple, the Kali Amman Temple, and the remnants of a Dutch fort that shelters a historic rock called Tiger Rock. Plenty of leisure activities abound here like banana boating, jet skiing, jungle trekking and swimming at night amid the blue-glowing plankton. Just next to island of Pangkor is the smaller island of Pangkor Laut, home to one of the most luxuries resorts in all Malaysia.
flickr/timparkinsonJust off the coast of mainland’s Marang lies Kapas Island. Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island, a name given to it by locals, due to its soft white beaches. Snorkelers and scuba divers visit the island because of the beautiful, calm waters filled with a variety of marine life.
Where to Stay Top Attractions in Penang
flickr/SchristiaHistorically regarded as the Pearl of the Orient because of its important location among the sea trade route, Penang is a large and colorful island shaped by its diverse culture, heritage and world-famous cuisine. A must-do here is a stroll or rickshaw ride around the historic Georgetown to see its colonial buildings, stately mansions, lovely temples and impressive hotels. Visitors will find plenty of activities that range from excellent shopping and culinary experiences to horse riding on the beach, photographing snakes in the Snake Temple, and cable car rides up to Penang Hill.
flickr/scubadinTenggol Island offers visitors the feeling of being on their own private tropical island. The island was traditionally uninhabited, but now contains several hotels. Tenggol Island’s brilliantly white beaches are framed by the emerald tropical forests of the island’s interior. The small island is a treasured location by both fishermen and scuba divers.
flickr/dachalanLocated off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is a legend among expert divers. The area is full of exotic species including a rainbow of reef fish, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks. Recenlty, Sipadan has become a protected area and all the resorts on the island are now closed. Diving is still allowed but divers are ferried in and out from the mainland and other islands. A great base to explore Sipadan is Mabul Island (see below) which Is home to a number of high end hotels and a few hostels.
flickr/mastino70A small island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah featuring fine beaches of coconut trees, soft white sand and turquoise water, Mabul Island is one of the world’s best destinations for muck diving. What’s more, Mabul Island also boasts one of the world’s most concentrated reserves of small marine life that includes species like frog fish, scorpion fish, cuttlefish, squids, gobies and various shellfish. Visitors here can easily walk around the island within an hour to explore attractions like the conventional villages with their thatched huts.
flickr/Nicolas LannuzelOne of the largest islands located off the east coast of Malaysia, Redang is favored for its beaches of powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters. The surrounding coral reefs are home to a variety of species like nemo fish, baby sharks and jellyfish, making Redang a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Visitors wishing to snorkel and dive here will find no lack of operations offering tours and equipment. While much of the island’s dense interior is impassable, there are several trails for jungle trekking.
flickr/soham_pabloConsidered by many as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Tioman served as a scenic backdrop in the 1958 movie, “South Pacific.” Although one of the most commercially developed Malaysian islands, Tioman still preserves much of its natural beauty and wildlife diversity that includes monitor lizards. Because Tioman is surrounded by coral reefs, the island is a hot spot for diving and snorkeling. Tourists here can also enjoy jungle trekking, swimming under waterfalls, visiting a turtle farm and experiencing the local culture at the traditional village on Juara Beach.
Where to Stay Tours & Activities
flickr/AdaminaLocated off the coast of northeastern Malaysia not far from the Thai border. The Perhentian Islands are the must-go place in Malaysia for budget travelers. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). They have some of Malaysia’s most beautiful beaches and great diving with plenty of cheap accommodation. Visitors can also explore the tropical jungle that covers much of the islands’ terrain.
Where to Stay Tours & Activities
flickr/trekker308Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 Malaysian islands in the Andaman Sea. The islands are located close to the Thai border in the Andaman Sea. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of about 65,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. With its many diverse landscapes of beaches, mountains, rainforest and mangrove wetlands, Langkawi offers tourists the greatest variety of things to see and do. A popular activity here is to take a cable car ride up to Gunung Mat Chinchang and walk across the Sky Bridge to see incredible views across to Thailand. Nearby is Langkawi’s highest peak, Gunung Raya, which features a resort hotel, restaurant and splendid lookout tower at its summit. Many attractions abound here like the Laman Padi Rice Garden, the indoor aquarium at the Underwater World, and Oriental Village where visitors can enjoy cultural shows, watch snake charmers and ride elephants.
Map of the best islands in Malaysia
© OpenStreetMap contributors © Esri — National Geographic
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I am travel blogger from Malaysia and happy that you cover the stories for Malaysia. I have been to a few of this islands from your list. Of course there are other islands that didn’t get into your list but I do agree with most of your listing.
I got my scuba diving license in Tenggol and I have been Penang and Langkawi various times. Give me a buzz if you drop by in Malaysia
I will be traveling down from Thailand on the 17th March, will the Perhentian Islands be ok to visit as it’s the end of the monsoon season We are looking for quiet beautiful beaches to relax on for 10 days and are happy to island hop.
I disagree with the first spot. Langkawi is slightly sleezy and dirty. The Perhentian Islands are far better, cleaner and the experience is much nicer and more authentic.
Hi i plan to do a budget holiday for about 5 days. Totally want to go to 2 places 1 beach and the other mountain with some camping or rafting activities. Will langkawi be a good beach destination. Having seen some pics i do not know if its really worth cos i have been to maldives.any suggestions