Beautiful Beaches in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to many of the world's most pristine and celebrated beaches. Its expansive coral beaches produce pure, snow-white sand which sits in dazzling contrast to the crystal blue waters of its shorelines. Many of these waters are teeming with exotic marine life, much of which cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Due to its climate, many of Malaysia's beaches sit right at the forest wall of Malaysia's majestic, lush rain forests, meaning that you can hike the jungles and go scuba diving all in the same adventurous afternoon!

Other activities handily available at many of Malaysia's beaches include jet-skiing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, or just relaxing on the beach and taking in the gorgeous panoramic view afforded at the ocean's edge.Malaysia has dozens of tiny islands on both the east and west coasts that rival the beauty of southern Thailand. Plus, the best Malaysia beaches have the added advantage of being relatively unknown (read: cheaper, less crowded, more unspoilt).

One important fact to keep in mind when planning a trip to any Malaysian beach is the monsoon season – do not visit the east coast of Malaysia between November and March, unless you like rain. Lots of rain. That one caveat aside, here are my top picks for a beach-hopping Malaysian adventure.

Top  beaches and Islands in Malaysia

Redang Island - Terengganu

"Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts; there is also a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore. The Pulau Redang archipelago comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang. Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park,

Perhentian Island - Terengganu

This exotic island has always been a personal favourite. I remember very well the swing hung from a big tree at the beach fronting Cozy Chalet at Pulau Perhentian Besar. This stretch of beach is dotted with big trees and any spot is perfect to hang a hammock or a swing.

Tioman Island - Pahang

Much have been said about this beautiful island. But my favourite beach is at Kampung Air Batang. Huge ketapang trees dot the beach, giving a wonderful canopy not only for hammock swingers but also for those going for those high-back benches. Either swinging in a hammock or sitting on one of the benches, the beach is a perfect spot for watching the glorious sunset.

Pulau Sibu Besar, Johor

This one-resort island has four beaches, each with its own unique character. My favourite is Beach Four, secluded and separated by a rocky hill where Sibu Island Resort’s Check-point Two is located. Its shallow water exposes dead corals and straight-up bakau tree roots, giving an edge to the beach. Further across the water are three little islets — Kukus, Sibu Hujung and Lima.

Langkawi - Kedah

The island of Langkawi, Malaysia has come into its own as a holiday destination. A beautiful, verdant tropical island with white sandy beaches, brilliant aqua waters and emerald green rice paddies. Then there"s the intriguing heritage of fabulous myths and legends of ogres and warriors, battles and romance, fairy princesses bathing at the Seven Wells Waterfalls, the virtuous Mahsuri, and the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, which all adds to its mystical allure.

Pangkor Island - Perak

Less well-known than the lavish island resorts of Langkawi and Tioman, Pangkor Island is more of a low-key holiday destination, located off the country's west coast and home to unspoilt golden sand and great Malaysian cuisine. 

One of the best strands is pretty Pasir Giam with the offshore islet of Giam which is walkable at low tide. Pasir Giam is 2km north of Teluk Nipah.

Head to Pasir Bogak, the island's largest stretch of sand, for marine activities or Nipah Bay, a fine length of clean golden sand with crystal-clear waters.

Sipadan Island - Sabah

Sipadan claims to be the world's best dive site. While this is a big claim, the diving here is certainly world class. Sipadan used to have resorts but to protect the environment these were closed around the year 2002. To dive on Sipadan you have to stay somewhere nearby, such as on Mabul, Kapalai or in Semporna, and take a boat onto the island.

Layang-layang Island - Sabah

Located 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu, you find Layang Layang, part of the disputed Spratly Islands. The island is a true diver's paradise. Though the island is not cheap, it is definitely worth a visit. When you go to Layang Layang, do not expect to arrive at a tropical paradise. The place used to be an active marine base, and until only recent no public visitors where allowed on the 'man-made island'. Because of the splendid diving conditions, Layang Layang is a must-visit destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. There are no tropical beaches on the island; only the naval base, the resort and diving school and the air strip. The (only) resort on the island, Layang Layang Island Resort, is closed from September till February; as during this time the area is being plagued by the monsoon.

Golden Beach and Turtle Beach, Sarawak

These are the two best beaches in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Located close to each other in the Similajau National Park, they boast 30 kilometers of sandy golden beaches surrounded by wildlife. Its jungle streams, waterfalls and 185 species of bird will certainly charm first time visitors. It is normal to spot Macaques, crocodiles, turtles, gibbons and wild boars at this tropical paradise.

Beautiful beaches in Malaysia

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