If you're seeking a tropical retreat on an island or by the beach, Malaysia offers many enticing options. While many often think of Thailand when looking for a tropical paradise in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is increasingly gaining recognition. The country is home to some of the most idyllic islands and beaches.
Malaysia's islands and beaches cater to a variety of preferences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat, water sports adventures, or cultural experiences, there's something for everyone. From the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia to the east coast of East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, you'll find a destination that's right for you.
Want to know more? Here are the top island and beach destinations in Peninsular Malaysia. Each is blessed with a diverse range of coastal landscapes, offering its own unique charm and attractions. We haven't forgotten East Malaysia. There are several to mention on the island of Borneo, deserving a separate article.
Table of Contents
- Langkawi Island
- Batu Feringghi
- Port Dickson
- Pangkor Island
- Perhentian Islands
- Redang Island
- Tioman Island
- Besar Island
- Desaru
Langkawi Island, Kedah
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A compilation of must-visit beaches in Peninsular Malaysia wouldn't be complete without mentioning Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi). Located 30 km (19 miles) off the northwestern coast of the peninsula, it's part of an archipelago of 99 islands. The island is the largest in the archipelago and a popular holiday destination in Malaysia.
Pantai Cenang is the most popular and liveliest beach on the island. It's a beautiful sandy beach, and the sunset views from here are stunning. Pantai Cenang isn't only for sunbathing and swimming but also offers a hive of activities, whether you're looking for water sports, shopping, dining, or a lively nightlife.
Tanjung Mali is a quieter beach and a beautiful stretch connected to Pantai Cenang. There's also Datai Bay, a secluded paradise surrounded by lush rainforest. Another is Pantai Kok, featuring a scenic bay surrounded by limestone cliffs and dense jungle. Tanjung Rhu is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking with its shallow waters.
Langkawi offers more than just beaches. The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a natural wonder, home to a sprawling mangrove forest, giant limestone formations, limestone forests, and caves. Within is a diversity of wildlife, including eagles and monkeys. The best way to explore the park is to go on a boat tour.
The Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors to the peak of Mount Machinchang. The peak offers panoramic views of the forests, sea, and nearby islands, which are simply breathtaking. It's a thrilling walk between two peaks on the 125-meter (410-foot) long SkyBridge, the longest free-span curved bridge in the world.
Kuah is a small town and the commercial heart of Langkawi Island. The town centers on Kuah Jetty, where ferries arrive and depart from the mainland, Penang, and other nearby islands. An iconic landmark near the jetty is Eagle Square (Dataran Lang), featuring a big sculpture of an eagle poised for flight.
Langkawi is a duty-free island, and Kuah has many duty-free outlets. You can find a range of goods such as electronics, perfumes, chocolates, and accessories. The town also hosts several night markets where you can pick some bargains. They are also great places to sample the island's street food.
Batu Ferringhi, Penang
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Batu Ferringhi is a resort town on the northern coast of Penang Island and about a 30-minute drive from George Town. Batu Ferringh features a lovely beach but can't compare to Langkawi Island. What makes the resort town popular and exceptional is the mix of everything, including the beach.
Batu Ferringhi has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. You can find a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Most are within easy access to the beach. It's also a family-friendly beach resort, offering attractions and activities for all ages.
The beach here is a long sandy stretch lined with swaying palm and casuarina trees. Batu Ferringhi's geographic position reduces the effect of the seasonal monsoons. This is a big plus since it makes the resort town an excellent beach destination in Peninsular Malaysia any time of the year.
You can find operators in their shacks along the beach, offering various water-based activities. Choices include jet skiing, parasailing, speed boat, and banana boat rides. What's more, you can hire a horse and ride on the beach. For a unique experience, you can even hire and ride a camel.
The area boasts a diverse food scene, with restaurants serving a mix of local and international cuisine, including Middle Eastern. While shops here cater to the needs of tourists, the highlight is the night market, famous for its medley of items, including crafts, artwork, souvenirs, clothing, and accessories.
Batu Ferringhi is relatively close to George Town, where you can explore the city, including the UNESCO Heritage Site. Other attractions near Batu Ferirnghi include the Butterfly Farm, Tropical Spice Garden, Penang National Park, and Escape Penang, a theme park with exciting rides and games.
Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan
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Port Dickson is about 90 km (56 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur. Often referred to as PD, it's not only a resort town but also an army town, home to several army bases and training camps. Port Dickson is conveniently located and easily accessible by road from Kuala Lumpur and other nearby cities.
The beaches in Port Dickson are nice enough but far from stunning. It's a popular weekend getaway for residents, including expats, living in Kuala Lumpur and nearby. That said, there's almost an absence of tourists on weekdays. The resort town has a traditional Malaysian vibe, more popular with locals than international tourists.
Port Dickson is renowned for its long stretches of sandy beaches. Some of the most well-known are Teluk Kemang, Blue Lagoon, and Pantai Cahaya Negeri. The calm waters make the beaches ideal for enjoying various water activities like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking.
The resort town doesn't try to be overly touristy. It's laid-back and a pleasant place to explore the local life. You can find a mix of amenities, including a medium-sized shopping mall, a host of local shops, affordable restaurants, and street food stalls serving varieties of tasty local snacks.
Budget-minded travelers can find affordable hotels throughout Port Dickson. There are also mid-range hotels offering comfort and convenience. You can also find several luxury resorts offering a comprehensive range of amenities. Apartment rentals are also available for those who prefer a home-like environment.
Besides the beaches, there are nearby attractions to explore. Cape Rachado is the site of a historic lighthouse built in the 19th century. The Army Museum PD is the only military museum in Malaysia and is free to enter. At the PD Ostrich Show Farm, you can feed these flightless birds, pet them, and even race with them.
Pangkor Island, Perak
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Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor) is a small island off the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia in Perak state. The island is a fraction of the area of Langkawi Island, covering only 18 sq km (7 sq miles), and is home to around 10,000 people. Coming to Pangkor, you'll uncover a rustic island exuding a laid-back charm.
The island is 4 km (2.5 miles) from the coastal town of Lumut on the mainland. There's a ferry service sailing between Lumut Jetty and Pangkor Jetty. To Lumut, it's about three hours by road from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Buses departing from various cities stop near Lumut Jetty, and there's a multi-level car park nearby if driving.
Once at Pangkor Jetty, you can rent a Pink Taxi or Pink Van to take you to your destination. You can get around the island on foot or hire a taxi. You can also rent a bicycle, motorcycle, or car from operators based at Pangkor Jetty, as well as in the hotel areas of Teluk Nipah and Pasir Bogak.
Most of the holiday beaches are on the west coast of Pangkor. The main beaches are Teluk Nipah and Pasir Bogak, where you'll find most of the tourist accommodations. Others include Coral Beach, Pasir Giam, and Teluk Belanga. When the tide is low, you can walk from the beach at Tolak Nipah to nearby Giam Island.
The beaches are beautiful, with white sand and clear waters backed by luscious casuarina and palm trees. Pangkor is laid-back and not overrun by mass tourism, perfect for a relaxing beach getaway. You can rent a kayak from Coral Beach and paddle your way to Giam Island, a popular place for snorkeling.
Pangkor Town is a quaint fishing town with only one street where you can explore the local markets, shops, and restaurants. The island is famous for its fresh seafood, and you should explore the fishing villages and dine at one of the seafood restaurants. For the adventurous, there are trails where you can hike through the lush rainforest.
Perhentian Islands, Terengganu
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Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian) are a group of small beautiful islands northeast of Peninsular Malaysia in Terengganu state. The main islands are Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) and nearby Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian). The islands are relatively small, and many places can be reached on foot.
While not entirely unknown, the islands remain almost unknown to most international tourists. They are perfect if you prefer a less-developed setting. There are no roads, cars, major developments, or even an ATM on either island. The only "town" is a fishing village on the east coast of Perhentian Kecil.
There are boats leaving the jetty in Kuala Besut to the islands. The one-way trip takes 45 minutes to an hour. The nearest airport is in Kuala Terengganu, and the taxi from here is about two hours to Kuala Besut. If driving, there's a car park near the jetty. It's a secure car park, guarded round the clock and near the police station.
These islands are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches. The pristine beaches are perfect for relaxing and dipping in the sea. Besides, the clear waters, rich marine life, and coral reefs offer visitors opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. You'll find several diving centers on both islands.
As part of a conservation effort, the islands are a turtle sanctuary. You can join a turtle-watching tour during the egg-laying. Besides the sea and the beach, you can explore the jungle trails through the lush interior. Several viewpoints along the trails offer stunning panoramas of the surrounding seas.
For a place to stay, opt for one of the beachfront chalets nestled in their rustic surroundings for an immersive island getaway. Those seeking budget-friendly options, the guesthouses offer comfortable accommodations. For a taste for luxury, you can find several upscale resorts on both islands.
Redang Island, Terengganu
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Redang Island (Pulau Redang) is another beautiful island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in Terengganu. This tropical paradise is 32 km (20 miles) southeast of the Perhentian Islands. Though larger than Perhentian Besar, Redang is a small island measuring only 7 km (4.3 miles) long and 6 km (3.7 miles) wide.
The island boasts a more upmarket ambiance than the Perhentian Islands, with most accommodations being luxury resorts. Compared to the more laid-back atmosphere of the Perhentian Islands, Redang is a popular choice for those seeking a refined experience on a tropical island.
The nearest airport is in Kuala Terengganu. There are boats departing to the island from the Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu, and the trip takes up to two hours. Another option is from Merang Jetty in Merang, 40 km (25 miles) north of Kuala Terengganu. The boat trip is shorter, from 45 minutes to an hour.
The largest beach in Redang is Pasir Panjang, on the island's east side, featuring half a dozen resorts. The beach is covered with soft white sand. The waters are crystal clear, and you can see the coral and fish. The other beach resorts are in Teluk Dalam (north side of the island) and Teluk Kalong (the south side).
The beaches are perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and beach games. Redang is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, with over 20 dive sites around the island. The sites are some of the most scenic, with their rich marine life. Besides the independent operators, many resorts also offer snorkeling trips.
Redang Island is relatively small, and many areas can be explored on foot. There are no roads around the island, only trails. Some pass along the beach, and some pass through the lush rainforest. Boats are commonly used for traveling between the various beaches and island-hopping excursions.
Tioman Island, Pahang
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Tioman Island (Pulau Tioman) is an enchanting paradise 32 km (20 miles) from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in Pahang state. It's one of eight neighboring islands in the South China Sea that collectively form the Tioman Island Marine Park. Tioman is the largest of the islands, covering 136 sq km (53 sq miles).
Three ferry services leave from the jetty in Mersing, on the mainland, making different stops around Tioman. The taxi and bus terminal, serving buses from several cities in Malaysia and Singapore, is 1 km (0.6 miles) from Mersing Jetty. If you're driving, there are two fenced car parks near the jetty.
Tioman is sparsely populated, with only 3,700 residents. There are no towns, only villages. The largest is Tekek Village, home to the island's only bank and ATM. You can hire taxi boats in Tekek to take you to the other beaches and villages around the island. While you can rent a bicycle or motorcycle, Tioman has few paved roads.
Tioman is laid-back and not over commercialized. Coming here, you can sense the feeling of remoteness with the absence of a bustling crowd. It's perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The villages are spread around the island's coast, and their laid-back ambiance adds to Redang's charm.
The island is renowned for its picturesque beaches with powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Tekek Village is a popular choice, offering a range of accommodations ideal for both leisure and budget travelers. Secluded villages include Genting, Juara, Salang, Mukut, and Air Batang.
Tioman is surrounded by teeming marine life, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving. There are also opportunities for kayaking and boat trips to the uninhabited islands near Tioman. There are jungle treks through the island's dense rainforests, and some lead to hidden waterfalls.
Besar Island, Johor
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Besar Island (Big Island) is another island paradise off the southeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Johor. It belongs to a group of 13 islands that make up Sultan Iskandar Marine Park. "Besar" means big in English but a small island measuring only 1.2 km (0.6 miles) in length.
You can reach Besar Island from the jetty in Mersing, the same departure point for boats to Tioman Island. The boat service to Besar Island starts around midday. Back to Mersing, boats leave the island after 10:30 AM. Travel time each way takes 45 minutes, depending on the sea conditions.
The island is not as well known as Tioman, and lodging options are limited. There's no ATM on the island, so carry sufficient cash. Besar Island has only one small shop selling drinks, snacks, and basic toiletries. Except for a small burger shop near Aseania Resort, the only restaurants are at the resorts.
Besar Island is a tropical paradise of powdery white beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters. The island is truly one of the most beautiful in Malaysia, and the natural scenery is absolutely stunning, promising an idyllic retreat for a relaxing vacation. Except for the resorts, there's very little development on the island.
The flourishing marine life offers opportunities for snorkeling. You can snorkel directly from the beach or hire a boat to locations beyond the island. Kayaks and bicycles are available for rent from several resorts. For the adventurous, a jungle trail behind Aseania Resort leads to a beach at the other end of the island.
Accommodations are on the west coast, and there are only a handful of places to stay. All are beachfront locations, typically wooden huts or chalets, with some overlooking the beach. For a resort-style stay on Besar Island, options include D’Coconut Island Resort, Aseania Beach Resort, and Mirage Resort.
Desaru, Johor
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Desaru is nestled off the southeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Johor. The Desaru coast spans over 20 km (12 miles) and is a popular day trip for city dwellers residing within distance. That said, Desaru offers several resort-style accommodations for those who plan to enjoy longer stays by the beach.
Desaru is approximately 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Johor Bahru, the state capital of Johor. There are buses departing from JB Sentral, in Johor Bahru, to Desaru. Due to its proximity, it's a popular holiday destination for many Singaporeans. Besides the trip by road, there are ferries departing from Singapore to the jetty at Desaru.
The beach at Desaru is a pristine and picturesque stretch along the coastline. The shoreline is clean and well-maintained lined, featuring fine golden sands. Additionally, the shore gradually slopes into the water, making it an ideal location for swimming, especially for families with children.
Desaru is a popular family destination, and you can find several family-friendly resorts catering to various preferences and budgets. Some are directly on the seafront, including the Tumaya Beach & Spar Resort, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and One&Only Desaru Coast.
This family-friendly destination is more than just about the beautiful beach and resorts. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark features several thrilling water slides and a tidal wave pool, one of the largest in the world. For golf enthusiasts, the Els Club Desaru Coast offers its world-class golf course by the sea.
Nature lovers can take a nighttime river cruise to witness the dazzling spectacle of fireflies along the Lebam River. Another unique attraction is the Desaru Ostrich Farm, where visitors can get up close with these giant birds. At the Desaru Fruit Farm, visitors can learn about and taste various tropical fruits.
