10 Best Islands in Malaysia, it is situated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is renowned for its numerous captivating islands that showcase breathtaking beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and a rich blend of cultures. Many of these islands are highly sought-after for diving and snorkeling due to their pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Nevertheless, the Malaysian islands offer more than just beachside relaxation and underwater exploration. Visitors can also immerse themselves in colonial villages, visit exquisite temples, indulge in vibrant resorts, and partake in thrilling adventurous activities. Discover further information about the finest Malaysian islands…
Pulau Tenggo is one of the 10 Best Islands in Malaysia
Visitors to Tenggol Island can experience the sensation of being on their own secluded tropical paradise. Although the island was once uninhabited, it now boasts a number of hotels. The island’s lush emerald forests provide a stunning backdrop to its pristine white beaches. Tenggol Island is a beloved destination for both fishermen and scuba divers alike.
Sipadan[SEE MAP]
Situated on the eastern coast of Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan holds a prestigious reputation among experienced divers. This region boasts a diverse range of extraordinary marine species, including vibrant reef fish, majestic sea turtles, and awe-inspiring hammerhead sharks. Recently, Sipadan has been designated as a protected area, leading to the closure of all resorts on the island. However, diving activities are still permitted, with divers being transported to and from the mainland and neighboring islands. Mabul Island serves as an excellent base for exploring Sipadan, offering a selection of luxurious hotels and a handful of hostels.
Pulau Mabul[SEE MAP]
Mabul Island, situated off the south-eastern coast of Sabah, is a picturesque destination known for its pristine beaches adorned with coconut trees, soft white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise water. Renowned as one of the top spots for muck diving worldwide, Mabul Island offers an unparalleled experience. Additionally, this island is home to a remarkable concentration of small marine life, including fascinating species such as frog fish, scorpion fish, cuttlefish, squids, gobies, and various shellfish. Exploring the island is a breeze, as visitors can leisurely stroll around its attractions, including traditional villages with charming thatched huts, all within an hour.
Redang[SEE MAP]
Redang Island, situated off the eastern coast of Malaysia, is renowned for its stunning beaches with fine white sand and pristine blue waters. The coral reefs surrounding the island are teeming with diverse marine life, including nemo fish, baby sharks, and jellyfish, making it a sought-after destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
For those interested in exploring the underwater world, there are numerous tour operators and equipment rental services available. Although the island’s interior is mostly dense and impenetrable, there are several jungle trekking trails for adventurous visitors to explore.
Pulau Tioman[SEE MAP]
Tioman, often hailed as one of the most exquisite islands on the planet, made its mark as a picturesque setting in the renowned 1958 film, “South Pacific.” Despite its significant commercial development, Tioman has managed to retain its innate charm and remarkable array of wildlife, including the presence of monitor lizards.
Due to its encirclement by vibrant coral reefs, Tioman has become a sought-after destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can revel in the delights of jungle trekking, indulging in refreshing swims beneath cascading waterfalls, paying a visit to a turtle farm, and immersing themselves in the local culture at the traditional village nestled along Juara Beach.
Perhentian Islands[SEE MAP]
Situated near the Thai border, off the northeastern coast of Malaysia, lie the Perhentian Islands. These islands are a popular destination for budget travelers in Malaysia. The main islands, Perhentian Besar (also known as “Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (also known as “Small Perhentian”), boast stunning beaches and offer excellent diving opportunities. Moreover, there are numerous affordable accommodation options available for visitors. Additionally, tourists can venture into the lush tropical jungle that blankets a significant portion of the islands’ landscape.
Langkawi[SEE MAP]
Langkawi, the most famous holiday destination in Malaysia, is a collection of 99 islands situated in the Andaman Sea. These islands are located near the Thai border within the Andaman Sea. The largest island among them is Pulau Langkawi, which has a population of approximately 65,000. The only other inhabited island in close proximity is Pulau Tuba.
Langkawi boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including stunning beaches, majestic mountains, lush rainforests, and enchanting mangrove wetlands. This variety offers tourists an array of captivating sights and activities to indulge in. One of the popular attractions here is the cable car ride to Gunung Mat Chinchang, followed by a walk across the Sky Bridge, providing breathtaking views of Thailand. Another notable landmark is Gunung Raya, Langkawi’s highest peak, which features a resort hotel, restaurant, and an impressive lookout tower at its summit. Numerous other attractions await visitors, such as the Laman Padi Rice Garden, the indoor aquarium at the Underwater World, and Oriental Village, where cultural shows, snake charmers, and elephant rides can be enjoyed.
Pulau Pangkor[SEE MAP]
Pangkor Island, which translates to “beautiful island,” offers a picturesque retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Pangkor is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful atmosphere and stunning beaches, including Niphah Bay, Teluk Belanda, Pasir Bogak, and Coral Bay. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as the Chinese Fu Lin Kong Temple, the Kali Amman Temple, and the remains of a Dutch fort that houses the historic Tiger Rock.
There are plenty of leisure activities to enjoy on the island, such as banana boating, jet skiing, jungle trekking, and swimming at night among the blue-glowing plankton. Just a short distance from Pangkor Island is the smaller Pangkor Laut Island, which is home to one of the most luxurious resorts in all of Malaysia.
Pulau Kapas[SEE MAP]
Kapas Island is situated near the coast of Marang on the mainland. The locals have named it Pulau Kapas, which means Cotton Island, owing to its velvety white beaches. The island is a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers who are drawn to its serene waters teeming with diverse marine life.
Penang[SEE MAP]
Penang, known as the Pearl of the Orient due to its strategic location on the sea trade route, is a vibrant and culturally diverse island that boasts world-renowned cuisine. Its rich heritage is reflected in the colonial buildings, stately mansions, and beautiful temples that can be seen during a leisurely stroll or rickshaw ride through historic Georgetown. In addition to exploring the city’s architecture, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as shopping, horseback riding on the beach, photographing snakes at the Snake Temple, and taking a cable car ride up to Penang Hill.
