Photo Credits: @envy4lens, @jennifer_nee, @lynnl0107
Beach, please!
Nothing beats the smell of the ocean breeze and feeling the sand between your toes. As we dream of crystal clear waters in faraway beach paradises such as The Maldives and Phi Phi Island, most of us tend to forget how our own country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Perhaps it's time to start exploring the beaches and islands of Malaysia before we start venturing further.
Sabah 🏝
Ready to Dive into Paradise?
Best Beaches and Islands in Malaysia
1. Semporna
Speaking of beaches, Sabah is one of the top states for them.
Semporna, located on the southeast coast of Sabah, has crystalline waters so clear that you can clearly see the bottom! We recommend that you hop on a speedboat and head to a quiet island called
Pom Pom Island , where there are gentle turtles calmly swimming by.
Check out our Semporna all-inclusive packages and diving courses below:
2. Pulau Mabul
Pulau Mabul is one of the many islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park on the east coast of Sabah. It's also located between the Philippines and the East Malaysian ocean, and is only 30-45 minutes away from Semporna. The azure waters and beaches here are comparable to the beaches abroad, especially when the sea glitters in the sun. With the sheer beauty of the beaches, sunbathing is a must; sit down with a good book and soak in the If you like diving, you can join
the 4 days and 3 nights of Mabul Island diving package , including 7 diving opportunities!
3. Pulau Sipadan
Pulau Sipadan is a little island in
Sabah that gained protected status in 2002 and claims to be one of the best diving spots in the world. You'll need to hop on a plane, a car, then a boat from the Semporna jetty to get here, but trust us when we say the bumpy journey will be absolutely worth it.
The island shut down all its resorts to preserve its delicate ecology years ago, so it's no longer possible to spend your night here (most people stay at Mabul or Semporna instead, and catch a boat here on a day trip). Besides Pulau Sipadan, there are plenty of other beautiful islands in Semporna such as Pulau Mataking, Pom Pom Island, Bohey Dulang, and more.
Check out Sipadan Island diving packages below:
4. Tanjung Aru
If you were to ask us where to watch the most beautiful sunset in Sabah, we'd tell you that it's at
Tanjung Aru. The view is so gorgeous that you'll find many tourists and locals alike at the beach even before 4pm, waiting for that split moment when the sun descends and the sky is painted with hues of orange and red. While waiting, talk a stroll around the beach and enjoy the soft sand and cooling sea breeze.
We highly recommend checking the weather forecast before going. If it's cloudy, you might not be able to see the sunset.
5. Pulau Mantanani
The
Mantanani Islands consist of a cluster of three isolated islands located northwest of Kota Belud, about an hour's drive and a 55-minute speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu. With turquoise waters filled with diverse marine life, large schools of colourful fish, and age-old shipwrecks, Mantanani Islands is an ocean lover's dream come true.
Even if you're not looking to dive or snorkel, there are plenty of other activities in store on the islands. You can even head out to explore the fishing village or catch a beautiful sunset from a cruise. Book an overnight stay at one of the beach chalets in
Sutera @ Mantanani Island Resort & Spa, a beachfront island resort that promises a tranquil time with your loved ones.
6. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
If you find it an inconvenience to make your way to Semporna, the
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a good island getaway alternative in Sabah. Located just 3 kilometres offshore from Kota Kinabalu, the national park covers a vast area and comprises of 5 beautiful islands - Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Sapi, and Pulau Sulug.
Each island has its own unique beauty, offering everything from nature trails to sandy beaches, secluded bays, coral reefs, and plenty of sun, sand, and fun. You can
book a tour on Klook that will bring you on an island-hopping adventure, inclusive of round-trip transfers from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
Terengganu 🏝
7. Pulau Redang
Oh, beautiful
Pulau Redang. Whether you're looking for a beach with a bustling atmosphere (
imagine: happy kids, beach volleyball, and live music bands!) or a more secluded area to spend some quiet mornings sunbathing, you'll find something up your alley on this little slice of paradise. As
Pulau Redang is one of the nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea, the corals, flora, and fauna here are well-preserved and extremely breathtaking.
Check out the Redang Island all-inclusive packages and diving courses below:
8. Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Island) is divided into two islands - Pulau Perhentian Kecil (home to more budget accommodation and great food options - perfect for budget travellers and groups of friends!) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (dotted with fancier resorts and restaurants - great for honeymoons and if you're looking for a romantic getaway). Pick the island of your choice depending on the kind of trip you're looking for, and we promise you'll get to spend many happy days in the sun. Need a ride to the island? Check out this
Perhentian Island - Kuala Besut Jetty Ferry!
Check out the Perhentian diving courses:
9. Pulau Lang Tengah
Pulau Lang Tengah is a secluded paradise located between Perhentian Island and Redang Island, a
short 45 minutes speed boat ride from Merang Jetty, Terengganu. There are literally no roads on this little island (get around with boats, kayak, and by snorkelling!), and only three operational hotels on this little island, so make sure you pack lots of sunscreen and perhaps a book if you plan to bask in the sun for hours.
10. Pulau Kapas
Pulau Kapas is a hidden gem off the coast of Terengganu - there's literally an island called Gem Island (
Pulau Gemia) here. Lined with idyllic beaches (and tons of hammocks for you to laze in with a book), this island is sure to meet your definition of a tropical paradise. If you're lucky you can even catch sight of turtles and harmless sharks on your swim!
Pahang 🏝
11. Pulau Tioman
Pulau Tioman (Tioman Island) is a densely forested island blessed with spectacular coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a snorkelling or scuba diving adventure. There are also plenty of nature activities such as jungle trekking and waterfall-chasing around the island if that's your sort of thing! With sandy beaches, clear waters, cheap alcohol, and a relaxing tropical vibe, it's no wonder Tioman is so popular amongst beach lovers, scuba divers, and honeymooners.
Check out the Tioman Island all-inclusive packages and diving courses below:
Johor 🏝
12. Pulau Rawa
Unwind and feel your worries slip away by the beaches of Pulau Rawa, lovingly known as the Maldives of Johor (and owned by the family of the Johor Sultan!). Snorkel and scuba dive like you've never before; kayak, jungle trek, camp along the beach, and enjoy a BBQ dinner with your toes in the sand. Due to its close proximity to the little red dot, this island was popular amongst Singaporean tourists prior to the pandemic.
13. Pulau Aur
Did you know that Johor also has many beautiful beaches? If you are someone who loves diving or snorkeling, this island will be like paradise on earth for you. Pulau Aur is located in the Mersing area of Johor and is part of Ferringhi Marine Park. There is a wide variety of underwater life here, and there are numerous offshore pools and coral reefs waiting to be explored.
14. Desaru Coast
Conveniently located just an hour's drive from JB and 4 hours from KL,
Desaru Coast is a dreamy beachside destination that will allow you to temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Desaru's laid-back stretch boasts a coastline spanning 17km of warm golden sand and a handful of dreamy,
luxurious beachfront resorts. If you're looking for a sunny, tranquil beach getaway minus the hassle of flights or ferry rides, Desaru's a great spot to add to your list.
Pulau Langkawi, Kedah 🏝
15. Pulau Payar
A discussion about Malaysian beaches is never complete until
Langkawi is mentioned! Did you know that
Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands? The jewel of Kedah is more than just duty-free alcohol and chocolates - it's an exciting beach getaway destination that's perfect for people of all ages.
Among those islands,
Pulau Payar Marine Park is located near the eastern coastline of Langkawi. It's the ultimate place to go snorkelling due to the magnificent colorful corals. The crystal clear water is home to all kinds of lovely marine life, too. You can even participate in
shark feeding sessions in specific areas!
16. Tanjung Rhu
The name Tanjung Rhu is said to come from the Casuarina or pine trees near the beach. The firther down you walk along the beach of Tanjung Rhu Resort towards the northeast, the more lush and dense the pine forest will become. If you're looking for an Insta-worthy holiday location, this is it! The best time to walk around is during low tides; it's as if mother nature has opened up a whole new path leading into the sea!
Perak 🏝
17. Pulau Pangkor
Located just two hours from
Ipoh,
Pangkor Island is a laid-back paradise that you'll appreciate if relaxation is what you're seeking. Unlike some other beaches on this list, Pangkor remains largely under the radar of tourists - it's rustic and laid-back, minus mass tourism, beach bars, and expensive restaurants.
In fact, you can sometimes have the beach to yourself if you're not here during the peak travel season. Make sure you check out the
Dutch colonial fort and feed the friendly hornbills while you're here. If you're planning a romantic couples getaway here, book a stay at the dreamy
Pangkor Laut Resort for an unforgettable time!
Penang 🏝
18. Pulau Jerejak
Have you heard of this colourful little island located on the eastern coast of
Penang Island?
Pulau Jerejak may not be blessed with clear waters and fine sand, but this hidden historic island is dotted with beautiful photo spots including a rainbow pier, a romantic swing by the beach, and lots of other fun hangout spots. All you have to do is catch a 10-minute ferry ride from Penang Island and you're up for an adventure!
19. Batu Ferringhi
While not as breathtaking as most of the other beaches on this list,
Batu Ferringhi is
Penang's tranquil and friendly beach town - it's all sun and fun in the day and lined with bars to chill in once the night falls.
Bring along a beach towel and catch a sunset here after all that
char kuey teow; we also recommend popping by the night market that's open from dusk till past midnight! If you're looking for a relaxing beachfront stay in Penang,
one of these hotels in Batu Ferringhi may just be up your alley!
Negeri Sembilan 🏝
20. Port Dickson, Seremban
Port Dickson is a family-friendly beach and an easy getaway spot just 90km away from Kuala Lumpur. If you're itching for a short holiday not too far from town, pack your bags and get your engine started - you'll be greeted by sandy shores in just under 2 hours. For convenience, you can book
a private transfer service to save yourself from the trouble of driving!
While it doesn't have the cleanest water, good old PD won't disappoint you with its friendly beaches, pretty resorts, and yummy seafood. If you're looking for something fun to do during your Port Dickson trip, make your way to
Uncle Wong Happy Farm, a family-friendly activity park with a wide variety of activities such as ATV, animal feeding, pedal boat, and kayaking!
Bonus 🏝
21. Kuala Selangor Sasaran Beach (Sky Mirror)
The stunning Bolivia salt flats Salar de Uyuni is known as one of the most surreal sights in the world, but did you know that a similar scenery exists just an hour from KL? Dubbed the 'Salar de Uyuni of Malaysia' due to its mysterious appearance that resembles the salt flats in Bolivia, the
Sasaran Beach Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor is definitely not your common beach.
Named after its mirror-like reflection of the sky, the
Sky Mirror was once one of Kuala Selangor's best-kept secrets, a spot that was only known to the locals of the fishing village. This mysterious 'island' only emerges for a few days every month, and only for a few hours each day!
Car Rental Service
If you prefer driving around by yourself, consider using Klook's car rental services which are convenient and hassle-free! We offer a variety of car models: compact cars, commercial vehicles, off-road SUVs, and more. Just make sure that you bring the car back to the pick-up destination at the allocated time!
Ferry Transfer Service
More Inspiration for Beach Lovers
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