10 Best Beaches in Malaysia, it may not be renowned for its beaches, often overshadowed by the picturesque beaches of nearby Thailand and Indonesia, making it an unconventional choice for beach enthusiasts. However, Malaysia boasts equally stunning coastlines on both its east and west coasts, rivaling its neighboring countries in beauty.
From breathtaking tropical islands adorned with coral reefs and pristine white sands to the serene and expansive beaches on the mainland, Malaysia offers a diverse range of beach destinations. Additionally, the far-flung Malaysian Borneo is home to incredible beach locations that further enhance the country’s appeal as a beach destination in Southeast Asia.
Let us now explore some of the finest beaches that Malaysia has to offer.
Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil[SEE MAP]
The Perhentian islands, located off the northeastern coast of mainland Malaysia, are widely recognized for their stunning beauty and are considered the most popular tropical island destination in the country. Perhentian Kecil, the smaller of the two main islands, is a favorite among backpackers, while Perhentian Besar is known for its luxurious resorts. Perhentian Kecil boasts several gorgeous beaches, but none compare to the vast and appropriately named Long Beach. The sand at Long Beach is fine and white, and the water remains shallow for an extended period due to the tide, creating perfect swimming conditions in the warm waters. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing at this magnificent beach.
Juara Beach, Tioman[SEE MAP]
This large tropical island, situated off the eastern coast of the Malaysian state of Pahang, boasts dense forests and a low population. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, earning it the prestigious title of one of the world’s most beautiful islands by TIME Magazine in the 1970s. Among these beaches, Juara stands out as a true gem.
Juara Beach, located in a relatively secluded area, is considered one of Malaysia’s finest beaches. Accessible only by a paved road that traverses Tioman’s central mountain range via a 4WD vehicle, it adds to the allure of this remarkable destination.
Aside from its breathtaking beauty, Juara Beach is also recognized for its commitment to sea turtle conservation. The Juara Turtle Project actively manages a hatchery here, contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures.
Manukan Island, Sabah is one of the 10 Best Beaches in Malaysia
© Mohd Kafii Isa / Dreamstime
Located off the west coast of Sabah, Manukan Island is yet another captivating island that attracts residents from the nearby state capital of Kota Kinabalu. Situated within the boundaries of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, which holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s first marine national park established in 1974, this small island is renowned for its exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling sites just off its shores. Moreover, Manukan Island is equally famous for its breathtaking beaches, where the crystal-clear sea merges with pristine white sand, creating a picturesque coral paradise.
Apart from its coastal allure, the island offers abundant opportunities to explore its lush vegetation through a network of hiking trails that intersect its terrain. These trails provide a gateway to discover the island’s dense flora and fauna, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty.
Kapas Island, Terengganu[SEE MAP]
Kapas Island, situated near the town of Marang in Terengganu, is undeniably one of Malaysia’s most stunning islands. Its pristine beaches, reminiscent of a bygone era, are akin to the picturesque scenes captured on vintage postcards. However, in today’s digital age, these beaches have become a popular subject on Instagram, showcasing palm trees swaying gracefully over fine, white sands that are gently caressed by crystal-clear waters, creating a mesmerizing turquoise-blue panorama.
Kapas Island is not only a visual delight but also a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Its diverse marine ecosystem boasts a plethora of vibrant coral reefs, offering a captivating spectacle for underwater explorers.
In addition to its breathtaking beaches and marine wonders, this tropical paradise in the South China Sea is renowned as the primary research location for Amphidromus, a fascinating species of snail known for its colorful shells.
Rawa Island, Mersing[SEE MAP]
Located off the northeastern coast of Johor, the southernmost state of mainland Malaysia, lies the enchanting island of Rawa. Accessible from the coastal town of Mersing, this hidden gem is a beach lover’s paradise. The island derives its name from the abundance of white doves, locally known as rawa, that inhabit its shores. Rawa is a sanctuary for both marine and terrestrial wildlife, offering a unique blend of natural wonders.
Due to the absence of proper roads, the island is traversed solely by footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its various attractions. On one side, towering cliffs add a rugged charm to the landscape, while the other side boasts pristine white-sand beaches that seamlessly merge with the crystal-clear azure waters. This idyllic combination creates a picturesque scene reminiscent of paradise itself.
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi[SEE MAP]
Langkawi, the top island destination in Malaysia, boasts of having everything that makes up the perfect beach – from top-notch facilities to nearby accommodations and restaurants. It’s no surprise that its best beach, Pantai Cenang, is a combination of all these elements.
Even though Pantai Cenang is a popular spot for both local and international tourists, it can still feel like your own private beach during the off-season. Backpackers can enjoy the beach all year round without worrying about crowds.
The vast white-sand beach at Pantai Cenang is dotted with smaller islets that rise from the turquoise waters. Visitors can easily find food and drink options just a few steps away from the beach. The calm waters and nearby amenities make it an ideal spot for families as well.
Pasir Panjang, Redang[SEE MAP]
Mukherjeesaikat / Wikipedia
Redang Island, one of the largest islands off mainland Malaysia, is situated in the seas off the northeastern state of Terrenganu. Renowned for its pristine white sand and sparkling, transparent water, it has gained a reputation as a tropical island retreat.
The island’s coastal beauty is exemplified by Pasir Panjang, a stunning beach that stands out among the rest. With its gently sloping stretch of soft sand, which curves around a circular bay, it attracts both local and international tourists. Whether visiting for a day trip or staying at one of the many beachside hotels, visitors are captivated by the allure of this popular destination. Additionally, there is an added bonus as a portion of the sand extends to create a smaller secluded beach area, separate from the main bay.
Sipadan Island[SEE MAP]
Sipadan Island, situated in the deep Celebes Sea off eastern Sabah on Malaysian Borneo, is a mesmerizing gem that captivates both above and below the water’s surface.
With its breathtaking turquoise waters and vibrant tropical reef lagoon, this island has gained fame as a renowned diving destination. Divers from all over the world are drawn to Sipadan to witness its thriving marine life. It comes as no surprise that it has been recognized as the ‘Top Dive Destination In The World’ on Scuba Diving Magazine’s Gold List. The presence of loggerhead turtles, manta rays, hammerhead and whale sharks further adds to the allure of this almost mythical place.
Even the legendary undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau described Sipadan as ‘an untouched piece of art’ back in 1989. Fortunately, for both marine conservationists and diving enthusiasts, the island has remained relatively unchanged since then. While Sipadan does offer beautiful beaches, not exploring its waters through diving would be a missed opportunity.
Coral Beach, Pangkor[SEE MAP]
Perak, a state located on Malaysia’s west coast, offers a multitude of attractions, and one of the most prominent among them is the enchanting Pangkor Island. This island is adorned with a plethora of historical sites, ranging from a centuries-old Dutch fort to remnants of the previous Chinese settlers found in the Fu Lin Kong Taoist temple. Consequently, it has become a popular destination for tourists in the region.
Nevertheless, Pangkor Island’s allure extends beyond its rich cultural heritage, which witnessed the signing of one of the initial treaties leading to British rule in Malaysia. The island is renowned for its exquisite beaches, with Coral Beach being the epitome of beauty.
Exuding an atmosphere of a secluded paradise, Coral Beach boasts a picturesque scenery where white sands gracefully meet the turquoise-blue sea in a gentle curve. Towering palm trees elegantly lean over the radiant sand, creating a scene that resembles a postcard-perfect depiction of paradise.
Mataking Island, Sabah[SEE MAP]
Mataking Island, situated off the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a tropical paradise that offers a unique beach experience. The island is connected to Pulau Mataking Kecil by a sandbar, which means that the majority of the island is covered in pristine beaches. The entire island is surrounded by white sand, providing ample space for visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the coral sea. Mataking Island is also renowned for its exceptional diving opportunities, with a diverse range of marine life and the distinction of being home to Malaysia’s first underwater post box.
