Most Beautiful Islands in Malaysia
Here are some of the most stunning islands Malaysia has to offer:
- Sultan’s Private Island: Located in Johor, this exclusive island is owned by the Sultan of Johor. It is renowned for its serene atmosphere and minimal tourist traffic. The island features two luxurious resorts overlooking pristine white sands and picturesque palm trees.
- Mantanani Islands: Found off the coast of Borneo in Sabah, the Mantanani Islands are near Kota Belud and face the South China Sea. They boast some of the best diving spots in the region, with approximately 20 dive sites including three shipwrecks. Divers can encounter marine life such as parrotfish and seahorses, while visitors can relax on the sandy beaches and enjoy stunning sunsets.
- Tenggol Island: Situated near the southern tip of Terengganu, accessing this island requires a combination of transport modes including flights, taxis, and boats. Tenggol Island is one of Malaysia’s most beautiful islands and is an ideal destination for a private getaway. Visitors can engage in various activities, such as snorkeling, diving, jungle trekking, and shark spotting. For further details on tourism in Malaysia, consider reading our article on Malaysian tourism.
- Pulau Tiga: This small archipelago consists of three islands, with Pulau Tiga being uninhabited. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil setting, relaxing on sandy beaches or exploring mud volcanoes, along with numerous other unique experiences.
- Perhentian Islands: Comprising of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, these islands are known for their natural beauty, featuring lush hills and a vibrant coral reef just below the water’s surface teeming with marine life. The Perhentian Islands are perfect for diving enthusiasts or beginners looking to learn to dive, with ideal visiting months between July and October when the waters are calm.
Best Family-Friendly Islands in Malaysia
Here are the top family-friendly islands in Malaysia:
- Batu Batu: Located off the eastern coast of Malaysia, this island is less than a four-hour drive or speedboat ride from Singapore. It features shimmering turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches, and hosts an eco-friendly resort nestled among coconut groves, consisting of 22 wooden villas.
- Pangkor Island: Situated on the west coast of Malaysia near Kuala Lumpur, Pangkor Island is known for its tranquil ambiance and uncrowded beaches, complemented by dense forests housing a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy the calm surroundings and partake in various activities like lounging under palm trees, jungle hiking, sunset-watching, and relaxation.
- Kota Kinabalu: Located on Borneo Island, Kota Kinabalu resorts are ideal for families with children, offering a variety of family-friendly activities like exploring natural wonders, water sports such as swimming and snorkeling, and hiking trails. Parents can even embark on an adventure to climb Mount Kinabalu among many other land and water activities.
- Penang Island: Recognized as one of the best Malaysian islands for family visits, Penang offers a multitude of memorable family activities, such as taking a trip to Penang Hill, enjoying fresh breezes, riding the funicular train, exploring botanical gardens, and dining together in delightful cafes.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Located 3-8 km from the Kota Kinabalu wharf in Sabah, this expansive park comprises five protected islands: Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulu, and Mamutik. These islands are accessible within approximately 15 minutes by boat from the mainland. Tourists can visit Manukan Island for beach activities or snorkeling, while Gaya Island offers a wealth of activities including hiking and a visit to a floating village.
Most Romantic Islands in Malaysia for Honeymoons
Here are the best islands in Malaysia for honeymooners:
- Tioman Island: Shaped like a dragon, Tioman Island is accessible via Tioman Airport, making it a fantastic honeymoon destination with its lush tropical jungles, clear beaches, and diverse marine life. The island features several resorts suitable for newlyweds, such as the Japamala Resort and Minang Cove. Popular activities include kayaking and surfing, with the best time to visit being from March to October.
- Mabul Island: Accessible from Tawau Airport, Mabul Island is a popular honeymoon spot known for its stunning, secluded white sandy beaches, abundant coconut palms, and emerald waters. It offers couples privacy and the chance to engage in activities like snorkeling, sunbathing, and kayaking in transparent canoes.
- Gem Island: Reachable from Kuala Terengganu Airport, Gem Island is a private island providing couples the exclusivity they desire. Activities include resort and spa stays, taking memorable photos, and a recommended visit period of 3-4 days, ideally between April and August.
- Tanjung Aru: This island is conveniently located near Kota Kinabalu Airport, offering stunning white sandy beaches and resorts suitable for couples, such as Sutera Harbour Resort, Shangri-La Resort, and Sipadan Resort. It’s best to visit between April and October.
- Kapas Island: Situated off the west coast of Malaysia, Kapas Island is ideal for couples seeking seclusion and simplicity. With a peaceful atmosphere, it offers a range of enjoyable activities like snorkeling, diving, observing coral reefs and turtles, beach walks, swinging in hammocks, playing beach volleyball, and visiting wellness resorts. The prime visiting period is from April to August.
Cost-Effective Islands in Malaysia
Here’s a list of some budget-friendly islands in Malaysia:
- Pulau Redang: Redang Island is the largest among the islands off Malaysia’s east coast and is considered an excellent choice for travelers on a budget. It allows for various activities like diving and snorkeling to witness marine creatures such as clownfish, small sharks, and jellyfish. The best time to visit is from April to October.
- Pulau Rawa: Located near Mersing in Johor, close to the Singapore border, this small island is popular with budget travelers and features two main resorts. Ideal visiting months are April to October.
- Langkawi: Langkawi is known as a budget-friendly destination with numerous duty-free goods available. It’s a great spot for water sports, offering activities such as walking the Sky Bridge, diving to explore marine life. The ideal visiting period is from January to March.
- Sipadan Island: This island is a popular budget-friendly destination that attracts diving enthusiasts eager to explore its rich marine diversity, including hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. Note that since 2004, resorts have been closed to preserve marine life, necessitating camping on the island.
Number of Malaysia’s Islands
Malaysia is famous for its numerous islands surrounded by water, boasting a total of 878 islands according to the Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department. Of these, 394 are found in Sabah and its vicinity, while the remaining islands are scattered across various regions and states. To learn more about Malaysia’s states, feel free to read our article on the number of Malaysian states. Malaysia also features 510 geographical marine features such as hills, sandy shores, and rocks that are not classified as islands.