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Malaysia is a land of islands, sea and incredible countryside. Surely one of the most beautiful countries on earth, its islands are stereotypical of most people’s idea of a tropical island paradise. There are 878 islands to choose from so picking a list of the best Malaysian Islands is no mean feat. There are far too many absolutely beautiful islands to simply pick them on beauty alone, so the list hopefully represents islands that combine that beauty, with ease of travel, accommodation possibilities and other factions that help in choosing the right holiday destination. The beaches here rival the best in the world, the best beaches in Thailand, for example, are legendary, but Malaysia’s are just as good. The Malay word for island is Pulau. Malaysia easily rates alongside the very best islands and beaches in the world.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]RAWA ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Rawa Island is another option close to Singapore (even closer than Tioman!).
The only way to get there is by a 1 hour ferry ride (or 30 mins by speed boat) from Mersing Jetty.
There are lesser tourist on this small island compared to Tioman so it may be a better choice for those of you who prefer less crowd. Rawa Island is known for its soft white sand and coral reefs rich with marine life (as it is mostly untouched).
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2062″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]SIBU ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
A small island in Mersing District, Johor, Malaysia. It is actually made up of several islands namely Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island.
Sibu Besar, the main island, is approximately 6 km long and 1 km wide, and for the most part covered by tropical vegetation. On the southern end there is a small fishing village called Kampong Duku with a population of fewer than a hundred people (about 40 families).
The main leisure activities on the island are watersports such as snorkelling and diving – not surprising since the area was designated a Marine Park in 1993 and numerous coral reefs are close to hand.
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2063″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]TIGA ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Pulau Tiga is the first location for the popular reality tv show “Survivor”. The island is situated off the West Coast of Sabah in Borneo.
There are trails, plenty of trails on the island (including one that leads to a mud bath). It may not be your typical luxury island getaway but this uninhabited place will certainly let you escape from reality – or perhaps bring out the Chuck Nolan in you?
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2064″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]TIOMAN ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Tioman is situated in Pahang within the Mersing Marine Park and being in Johor, it’s one of the closest island getaways for Singaporeans.
In particular, Tioman Island created memories for my first dive trip and it is a fantastic starting point for all of you who are interested in getting your scuba diving certification. (Read 5 Reasons to Make You Want to Dive) Time magazine has also selected Tioman Island as one of the most beautiful islands.
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”3078″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]KAPALAI ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Kapalai is an island in Tawau Division, Sabah, Malaysia, known for its scuba resorts.
The island of Kapalai, just 15 kilometres off Sipadan, was a beautiful island two hundred years ago, but now it is only a sand bar. Erosion has reduced the island to sea level and the village now sits on the edge of the extensive Ligitan Reefs.
All of the buildings are on stilts resting on the underwater reef.
Kapalai is mostly known for its scuba diving. There is only one private resort on the island, the rest is uninhabited.
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2066″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]MABUL ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Just look at that accommodation! I want to jump into the waters right there and then.
Who needs Maldives when you have Malaysia?! (Haha okay I’m kidding, I want to go Maldives too). But this place is heaven – friends who have been there swear by it.
I’ve included Sipandan as part of Mabul Island as it is a beautiful dive destination but I’ve been told by Malaysian friends that you need a dive permit to head there. If you don’t have one, stay on Mabul Island, which is equally deserving.
Though, being number 1 comes with a price, be prepared to burn a hole in your pocket!
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2067″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]LANG TENGAH ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Tengah Island is a privately owned island. It lies nine nautical miles off the coast of Mersing on the South China Sea off the east coast of Johor, Malaysia. It is 30 minutes away by boat from Mersing.
Near Besar Island, Tengah Island is 16 km off the coast and is an easy 45-minute boat ride. During the 70’s, the island became famous as a Vietnamese refugee transit camp which was subsequently closed in the early 80’s.
The island was the first location for the making of the TV-show Expedition Robinson in 1997.
In 1985, Tengah Island was one of the few islands gazetted by the Malaysian government as a Marine Park due to its abundant marine life and rare specials of fish and coral.
Besides that, Tengah Island is also a great place to watch the giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay eggs yearly especially during the month of July.
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Locally known as Pulau Redang or just “Redang” is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which is located in Terengganu, Malaysia that is famous for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and the marine fauna with numerous reefs found on Pulau Pinang.
It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts.
Redang Airport is a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Changi Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2069″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]LAYANG LAYANG ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Layang Layang Island is also commonly known as Swallow Reef Island.
It is one of the most population dive destinations for enthusiast and for the rest, it is a serene island to basically chillax.
Bird watching is also a popular activity on Layang Layang.
For the wanderers, do be careful because there is a naval base and trespassing will result in detention! Otherwise, just stay underwater, there’s so much to see, or bask in your deck chairs.
Either way, this is a blissful island retreat.
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2070″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]PANGKOR ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Pangkor Island is situated off the coast of the Perak state, somewhere between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
It was previously reported that celebrities such as Kiera Knightley, Sting and Anna Friel are fans of the island (or more accurately the privately owned sister island Pangkor Laut).
Having said that the main Pangkor Island offers a more affordable getaway with beautiful beaches like Coral Bay and Teluk Nipah.
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Layang Layang Island is also commonly known as Swallow Reef Island.
It is one of the most population dive destinations for enthusiast and for the rest, it is a serene island to basically chillax.
Bird watching is also a popular activity on Layang Layang.
For the wanderers, do be careful because there is a naval base and trespassing will result in detention! Otherwise, just stay underwater, there’s so much to see, or bask in your deck chairs.
Either way, this is a blissful island retreat.
[/vc_column_text][ult_animation_block animation=”zoomInUp” animation_duration=”1″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_iteration_count=”1″ opacity=”set” opacity_start_effect=”90″][vc_single_image image=”2072″ link_type=”magnific” hover_effect=”image-effect-zoom-in” link_target=”_self” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][/ult_animation_block][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][ruler_divider margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″][heading text_color=”text-normal” header_type=”h1″ header_size=”normal” header_weight=”default” header_align=”left” header_fade_out=”off” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]PEMANGGIL ISLAND[/heading][vc_column_text text_color=”text-normal” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″ scroll_animation=”none” scroll_animation_delay=”0″]
Pemanggil Island sits 45 km east of Mersing, the take-off point to most islands off the Southern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is situated next to Tioman, requires a 4- to 5-hour ride by boat from Mersing. To get to Mersing itself takes 4½ hours by car or roughly 6 hours by coach from Kuala Lumpur.
As with most inhabited islands in Malaysian waters, Pemanggil has its fair share of history, mystery and spooky tales. The island is fishermen’s best-kept secret. It is known for deep-sea fishing and good hunting grounds for marlins and mackerels.
This remote island is also famed for the beauty and abundance of marine life within its clear emerald waters. Its other magnetic charms include endless stretches of white sandy beaches and awesome snorkeling spots. Fishing and diving is excellent here.
For the adventurous, the hill outcrop of the island makes for a challenging climb and the summit holds an inherent scenic beauty of the far reaching ocean.
On the north-eastern coast of Pemanggil Island is Teluk Lancang, an isolated bay where coconut trees grow in abundance amidst the tropical vegetation. At the heart of the island, there is a huge boulder known locally as Batu Buau which locals regard as sacred. It would definitely not go unnoticed and is clearly visible as far as 50 km from the south of Tioman Island.
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Besar Island (formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar) is an island off the east coast of Johor, Malaysia. It is accessible by boat from Mersing town (approximately 30 minutes). The island’s highest point rises some 845 feet (258 m) above the sea level.
The island is characterized by quiet, clean beaches of powdery white sand and crystal-clear azure waters. To preserve the unspoiled marine life, the Government has gazetted it as a marine park to protect around 60 species of marine life from any activities that can harm their natural habitats within 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) around the island.
Rich hues of wild vegetations are dappled throughout with the lush greens of the coconut palms and tropical jungles. There are about 7 – 8 small villages that are still populated by around 100 friendly dwellers who are mostly fishermen.
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