Are you dreaming of a tropical getaway surrounded by crystal clear waters and sandy beaches? Malaysia’s islands offer exactly that and so much more. With hundreds of islands scattered along its coastline, Malaysia is a paradise waiting to be explored. From luxurious resorts to remote, untouched beaches, Malaysia’s islands cater to all types of travelers.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a virtual tour of the 25 best islands in Malaysia. Whether you’re a beach lover, a diving enthusiast, or an adventurer seeking seclusion, there’s an island in Malaysia for you. So grab a pen and paper, and start planning your next island-hopping adventure in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.
Langkawi: ‘The Jewel of Kedah’
Langkawi is Malaysia’s most visited island, known for its glistening coastline, sandy beaches, and jungle-covered mountains. Start your journey in duty-free Langkawi by visiting the stunning Pantai Cenang, where you can relax on the white shore and enjoy sunset cocktails. Explore the island’s natural beauty by joining a tour to Pregnant Maiden, a picturesque island with a freshwater lake. Don’t miss the opportunity to rent a motorbike or car to explore Langkawi’s hidden gems, such as Mount Raya and Black Sand Beach.
Kedah’s Secret Diving Oasis
For a hidden oasis in Kedah, visit Payar Island Marine Park. This uninhabited paradise offers pristine snorkeling and diving sites, perfect for those looking to explore Malaysia’s underwater world. Join a tour to discover shark nesting areas and feed baby sharks while surrounded by untouched marine life. Payar Island is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Penang Island
Penang Island, also known as Malaysia’s British colonial jewel, is a cultural and culinary haven. Explore the capital city, George Town, with its colonial architecture and vibrant street food scene. Visit Buddhist temples, mosques, and Hindu temples that showcase Malaysia’s religious diversity. Don’t forget to stroll through traditional shophouses and immerse yourself in the rich history of this cosmopolitan island.
Pangkor Island: Hornbills and Empty Beaches
Pangkor Island in Perak is a hidden gem on Malaysia’s western coast. This tiny island boasts tourist-free beaches, jungle-covered hills, and a plethora of hornbills. Stay in budget-friendly guesthouses along Pangkor’s coast and witness the magical sunset at Coral Beach. Immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and meet the famous ‘Hornbill Man’ who feeds these majestic birds every evening.
Terengganu: Rock-Bottom Diving Courses and Luxury Retreats
The Perhentian Islands in Terengganu are a paradise for backpackers, beach-lovers, and snorkelers. Discover Besar and Kecil Perhentians, where you can find some of the most affordable PADI diving courses in Southeast Asia. Enjoy crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts that cater to all types of travelers. Explore the islands by hiking jungle trails and hopping on water taxis to discover hidden gems.
Redang Island: Ultra-Luxurious Beach Holidays
Near the Perhentian Islands lies Redang Island, a luxurious retreat for travelers seeking upscale accommodation and exclusive experiences. Featured in the hit movie “Summer Holiday,” Redang offers celebrity-standard resorts and pristine beaches. Spend a romantic getaway or honeymoon in this paradise and indulge in world-class amenities.
Tenggol Island: Malaysia’s Most Beautiful Island
Tenggol Island is a hidden gem in Terengganu, offering luxury beachside bungalows and crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Get off the grid and embrace the exclusivity of this untouched paradise. Despite the challenges of reaching Tenggol, the island’s raw beauty and high standards make it a must-visit destination for luxury holidaymakers.
Kapas Island: Get off the Grid
Kapas Island in Terengganu is a hotspot for travelers looking to escape the world and immerse themselves in nature. Unplug from the digital world and relax on empty beaches while exploring the island’s biodiverse interior. Kapas Island offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking simplicity and serenity in a tropical paradise.
Lang Tengah Island: Embrace the Remoteness
Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu is a secluded paradise known for its raw beauty and exclusivity. Protected waters surround the island, hosting a thriving marine ecosystem waiting to be explored. With limited hotels and a remote location, Lang Tengah Island offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking seclusion and natural beauty.
Pulau Tioman: Time Magazine’s Most Beautiful Island
Tioman Island in Pahang was voted by Time Magazine as one of the planet’s most beautiful islands in the 1970s. With its bendy palm trees, endless coastlines, and floating bungalows, Tioman remains a tropical paradise in the 21st century. Explore Tioman’s beauty and share the photogenic environment with fellow travelers on this iconic Malaysian island.
Rawa Island: A Secret Island in Johor
Johor’s Rawa Island is a hidden gem, known for its picturesque beauty and untouched landscapes. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this private island paradise. With overwater bungalows and pristine beaches, Rawa offers a unique retreat for travelers seeking exclusivity and natural beauty.
Sibu Island: Exclusivity at Its Best
Sibu Island in Johor is a small chain of islands in the South China Sea, known for its ultimate exclusivity and luxurious resorts. Escape to this secluded paradise and indulge in relaxation activities on the beach or in the spa. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or adventurous excursions, Sibu Island offers a unique experience for luxury travelers.
Aur Island: Sea Fishing, Diving, and Isolation
Aur Island in Johor offers isolation and tranquility in the rugged landscapes of the South China Sea. Experience the thrill of diving and fishing in this remote paradise, surrounded by flamboyant corals and vibrant marine life. Explore the island’s unique attractions, from rugged landscapes to hidden lagoons, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Aur Island.
Labuan Island: The ‘Pearl of Borneo’
Labuan Island near Sabah is a thriving port and duty-free zone, known for its historical significance and diverse attractions. Explore Labuan’s diving spots, shipwrecks, and war cemetery, which pay tribute to the island’s rich heritage. Visit this unique island in the South China Sea and discover a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Bruit Island: Floating Fishing Villages
Bruit Island in Sarawak is home to traditional fishing villages and a rural way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. Immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the rickety floating villages along the island’s shoreline. Discover the authentic charm of Bruit Island and witness the simplicity of life in this remote corner of Malaysia.
Gaya Island: Search for Bearded Pigs
Gaya Island in Sabah is the largest in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, known for its jungle-filled interior and diverse wildlife. Embark on a hiking adventure in the island’s lush forests and encounter the unique bearded pigs that roam freely. Experience the thrill of a zipline from Gaya to Sapi Island, the world’s longest island-to-island zipline, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago.
Sapi Island: Zipline Into Paradise
Sapi Island, located near Gaya Island, offers a pristine escape from commercialization and mass tourism. Experience adrenaline-pumping adventures on the island’s zipline, or snorkel through the coral garden and picnic on the rocks overlooking the coast. Explore the natural beauty of Sapi Island and immerse yourself in the tranquil setting of this untouched paradise.
Manukan Island: A Day at the Beach
Manukan Island in Sabah boasts Kota Kinabalu’s most stunning coastline, perfect for a day of sun, sand, and sea. Discover the island’s sprawling coral reef and witness the diverse marine life that inhabits its waters. Manukan Island is a popular destination for day trippers and tourists seeking a relaxing beach day in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Pulau Tiga: Borneo’s ‘Survivor Island’
Pulau Tiga in Sabah is the original Survivor Island, known for its mysterious mud volcanoes and desert island experiences. Join a day trip to Pulau Tiga and relax on empty coastlines or explore the island’s unique landscapes. Spend the night on this desert island and indulge in luxury amenities, including spas and swimming pools, for a truly memorable experience.
Mantanani Island: Easy to Reach Diving Spots
Mantanani Island near Kota Belud is a haven for scuba divers with limited time in Sabah. Explore over 20 diving sites with tour companies and witness the diverse marine life that inhabits these pristine waters. From seahorses to shipwrecks, Mantanani Island offers a unique diving experience for underwater enthusiasts. Spend the night on the island and experience Borneo’s sunset from a different perspective.
Layang Layang: A Biodiverse Powerhouse
Layang Layang, located 300 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, is a biodiverse powerhouse in the South China Sea. Discover 12 diving sites bursting with colorful marine life, including giant manta rays and pygmy seahorses. Experience the isolation and untouched beauty of Layang Layang, away from commercialization and human interference. Fly from Kota Kinabalu and immerse yourself in this thriving marine environment found nowhere else in Malaysia.
Sipadan Island: Sabah’s Diving Paradise
Sipadan Island in Sabah is a diver’s paradise, consistently ranking among the planet’s best diving sites. Travelers from around the world descend on this tiny island to witness its rich biodiversity and unique marine life. With limited visitors and protected zones, Sipadan offers a pristine underwater experience like no other. Swim with schools of barracuda and giant turtles in this untouched marine sanctuary.
Mabul Island: Sea Kayaking and Sea Nomads
Mabul Island, located near Sipadan, is a favorite destination for divers and adventure seekers. Explore the island’s coral reefs, witness cuttlefish and octopus in their natural habitat, and experience the thrill of sea kayaking. Discover the ‘Sea Nomad’ floating villages and immerse yourself in the local culture of this unique island paradise. Visit during Regatta Lepa and celebrate Bajau culture and traditions in this vibrant setting.
Pom Pom Island: Rare Turtles Nesting
Pom Pom Island in East Sabah offers a luxury getaway combined with ecotourism in the Semporna Archipelago. Stay in overwater bungalows and witness the turquoise waters and coral reefs that surround this tropical paradise. Experience rare green and hawksbill turtles nesting on the island’s shores and indulge in a private retreat in Borneo’s pristine environment.
Lankayan Island: Overwater Bungalows
Lankayan Island in east Sabah is Borneo’s version of the Maldives, offering wooden overwater bungalows and stunning views of the Sulu Sea. Immerse yourself in the island’s calm waters and vibrant marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Escape to this tranquil paradise and experience a unique blend of luxury and nature in a secluded tropical setting.
From the pristine beaches of Langkawi to the secluded beauty of Layang Layang, Malaysia’s islands offer a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Malaysia’s islands have something for everyone. Plan your next island-hopping adventure and discover the beauty of this Southeast Asian gem. Start packing your bags and get ready to explore the best islands in Malaysia!