Plan Your Getaway With the Best Beaches and Islands in Malaysia

Picture this: you lounging on sandy white sands, with the gentle rustle of palm trees in the cool breeze and the comforting, nostalgic sound of waves lapping at the shore. This is not merely a dream — it can be your reality, waiting to be experienced on the best beaches and islands in Malaysia! Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, the country offers a variety of coastal havens that cater to every preference and budget.

Let’s explore the list to start planning your itinerary, as Glitz unveils the hidden gems and popular escapes that make Malaysia a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Best Beaches and Islands in Malaysia

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The Best Beaches and Islands in Malaysia

1. Perhentian Islands

One of the best islands in Malaysia for family vacations, we highly recommend adding the Perhentian Islands to your wishlist for an unforgettable getaway. Renowned for snorkelling, diving, and rich marine life, these islands are divided into two main parts — Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar. We had the pleasure of exploring both islands, and trust us when we say they are truly worth visiting! The former offers affordable choices, ideal for backpackers and those travelling with friends. Meanwhile, the latter offers more luxurious options and is the ideal place for beginners wanting to earn their PADI certification, making it perfect for honeymooners or those seeking a relaxed escape.

Address	Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
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2. Semporna

Three words we can use to describe Semporna are breathtaking, fascinating, and enchanting. Its vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs make it an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts. With sun-kissed beaches and crystalline turquoise waters, it’s no wonder Semporna is often referred to as the Maldives of Malaysia. We explored everything this town has to offer, from snorkelling in Mabul Island and island hopping to diving in Pulau Sipadan (note: a diving license is required), and exploring Tawau Town. We were particularly captivated by the culture of the Bajau Laut people and discovered their expertise in diving, including their amazing ability to hold their breath underwater for extended periods — up to five minutes!

Address	Semporna, Sabah
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3. Redang Island

Redang Island is among the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Blessed with clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, this island provided us with an unforgettable diving experience. We also enjoyed canoeing and boating, adding more fun to our trip. The beaches, such as Pasir Panjang Beach and Teluk Dalam, are some of the finest resort beaches on the island, and we couldn’t agree more. Looking for a secluded getaway? Teluk Dalam is the one, but if you prefer endless coastline walks, head to Pasir Panjang Beach. Moreover, the island serves as a nesting site for endangered sea turtles – truly amazing!

Address	Pulau Redang, Terengganu
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4. Tioman Island

Ah, Tioman Island, our personal favourite. This island boasts beautiful beaches surrounded by lush greenery and clear waters, creating a laid-back atmosphere that makes it our go-to destination for escaping the noise and crowds of urban life. We genuinely believe you’d miss out on the island’s best offerings if you didn’t snorkel or scuba dive to admire the coral reefs teeming with fish and turtles around its caves and wrecks. It is also popular for its water activities, including beach sports and surfing. Looking to change the scenery? Opt for nature activities like jungle trekking or waterfall hopping across the island. Tioman truly has it all, and we can confirm that!

Address	Pulau Tioman, Pahang
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5. Langkawi

What is the list of the best beaches and islands in Malaysia without including the well-loved Langkawi? This jewel of Kedah comprises an archipelago of 99 islands — isn’t that mind-blowing? A tropical paradise awaits, as Langkawi is home to one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, Tanjung Rhu. With its calming atmosphere, breathtaking sunset views, and pristine shores, this beach is our top recommendation for a tranquil trip. Another beach worth exploring is Pantai Cenang, a livelier spot perfect for socialising, sunbathing, lounging, and swimming. Known for its affordable range of chocolates and duty-free alcohol, Langkawi is a worthy vacay destination for both locals and travellers.

Address	Langkawi, Kedah
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6. Pangkor Island

Planning to visit your hometown, Ipoh, anytime soon? Spend a few days at Pangkor Island, and we just know you will have the best time at this relaxed paradise. Situated just around two hours from Ipoh, you can expect lush greenery and powdery sandy coastlines — perfect for leisurely strolls and building sandcastles. After exploring the vibrant Chinatown, we recommend visiting Coral Beach for water activities like parasailing to enjoy the island’s panoramic views. Despite its amazing vistas and numerous attractions, we were pleasantly surprised to find Pangkor is actually quite underrated, allowing us to enjoy the beach to ourselves during non-holiday seasons.

Address	Pulau Pangkor, Perak
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7. Rawa Island

Owned by the family of the Johor Sultan, we have another ‘Maldives’ in the list. Rawa Island, known as the Maldives of Johor, offers exclusive and idyllic tropical island vibes for a secluded retreat. If you are a fan of trees, sand, sea, and sun, we are certain you will fall in love with this pristine island. Popular with honeymooners and couples, it is perfect for those seeking an intimate getaway surrounded by stunning white beaches, turquoise waters, and green landscapes dotted with Casuarina trees. Whether you are relaxing on a hammock to admire the orange horizons, dipping your toes in sandy beaches, or enjoying activities like windsurfing or snorkelling, you can experience it all in this unspoiled haven.

Address	Pulau Rawa, Johor
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8. Port Dickson

Port Dickson is among the best beaches in Malaysia near Kuala Lumpur, just over an hour’s drive from the country’s capital — though this can vary depending on traffic, especially during peak seasons. If you are looking for a brief escape from stress, we can’t recommend this beach enough. It offers family-friendly spots like Teluk Kemang, where we enjoyed plenty of water sports and indulged in local snacks. Later, to unwind, we visited Pantai Cermin, known for its tranquil orangey sands and ideal for quieter beach moments and capturing sunsets for our Instagram stories. With its expansive beaches, pretty hotels, and delicious cuisine, Port Dickson is a perfect choice for a quick weekend getaway for those residing in Klang Valley.

Address	Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
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9. Desaru Beach

When visiting Johor Bahru, we often find ourselves seeking the serenity of Desaru Beach. Stretching over miles of untouched coastline adorned with casuarina trees providing shade from the blazing sun, it has earned its place as one of the best beaches in Malaysia for swimming and other activities such as boating and fishing. With several food stalls, public prayer rooms (surau), and toilet facilities available, we feel the beach is suitable for families and groups of friends to relax, picnic, and enjoy the cool breeze on their faces and hair. Moreover, it has recently become a popular camping spot.

Address	Desaru Beach, Johor Bahru
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10. Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi Beach is a beach destination in Penang famed for its lively night markets and family attractions, always bustling with visitors. We personally enjoy the variety of activities available here, such as parasailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, and banana boating. For a more leisurely experience while admiring the sunset and listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing onto the shore, horseback riding is a perfect choice. We also splurged a bit, purchasing local crafts and souvenirs, and indulging in delicious street food from the bustling market stalls.