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Malaysia islands are something of a dream for travelers, with their signature spots of pristine beaches and lush rainforests, vibrant local cultures, and diving spots boasting world class reputation. Whether it is all about relaxation, adventures, or just an ideal mixture of both, Malaysia's islands offer a variety of experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and numerous opportunities for exploration.
One of the Island in Malaysia (Source: SealSuperYatchs)
Some of the top reasons for visiting Malaysia islands are truly breathtaking natural beauty. The islands boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with turquoise water, white sand, and rich greenery. Among them, there are noisy loud islands and secluded quiet ones, so visitors can choose to their liking.
In Malaysia, many islands also contain different ecosystems, from rainforests and mangrove forests to coral reefs that teem with life, enabling travelers to experience the diverse wildlife and flora. Its marine life, in particular, is remarkable, with colorful fish and sea turtles and other exotic marine animals well protected in many marine parks and conservation areas.
Paradise Island in Malaysia (Source: BiggerLifeAdventures)
The Langkawi, or according to many, the Jewel of Kedah, is one of the most famous islands in Malaysia, being a well visited spot by tourists. It is situated on the northwest coast and has a great landscape that ranges from clear, turquoise waters and sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs and rainforests.
The island is so diverse that it caters for families, honeymooners, and even adventure seekers. The main activities which one can engage in while in Langkawi include the cable car upwards to the Langkawi Sky Bridge for amazing views, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park exploration, and enjoying Cenang Beach with its vibrant atmosphere.
Beautiful Langkawi Island from above (Source: AsiaTrails)
Langkawi is even a duty free island, thus, it is highly ideal for budget shopping, especially in electronics, clothes, and souvenirs. With its green environment and vibrant nightlife, Langkawi has the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Lying off the coast of Terengganu, the Perhentian Islands are indeed paradise found for divers and snorkelers alike. There are two main islands that make up the Perhentian Islands: Perhentian Besar is perfect for families since it offers them better accommodation, whereas Perhentian Kecil has more to do with budget-friendly guesthouses and serves backpackers in a laid back mood.
Perhentian Islands feature crystal clear waters and rich marine life, people are drawn here for great snorkeling, diving, and turtle watching. It is also an appealing place to relax at Coral Bay or enjoy the stunning sunsets at Long Beach.
Perhentian Island life (Source: FlashpackingTravelBlog)
These islands have a friendly, social atmosphere that's popular among younger travelers and nature lovers, just the right place to soak up the sun and enjoy Malaysia's underwater treasures.
Redang Island boasts of its powdery white beaches and thriving coral reefs, which make it an ideal destination for honeymooners and people seeking a quiet retreat with their families. Situated in Terengganu, the crystal waters of Redang promise a vision of great clarity for diving and snorkeling into its dynamic marine life.
The most popular beach on this island is Pasir Panjang, also known as Long Beach, highly regarded for its idyllic setting combined with luxurious resorts catering to those in search of a touch of upscale comfort. Another significant feature of Redang is the Marine Park Centre, which protects its surrounding waters and coral reefs, a haven for marine life.
Tourist in Redang Island (Source: Malaysia)
Ideal for those looking to unwind in natural paradise, the quiet atmosphere combined with stunning scenery ensures a memorable experience here on this island.
The unruly beauty of the island off Pahang creates plenty of options for adventure. Lush jungles and dramatic landscapes attract trekkers, while the sea that surrounds the island calls out to both the diver and snorkel.
That means visitors can get to waterfalls with hikes through the jungle, lounge on pristine beaches like Juara Beach, and even go visit Coral Island. Tioman houses a few kinds of very unique wildlife, like monitor lizards and colorful butterflies, making it all the more appealing as a nature lover's paradise.
Sunset at Tioman Island (Source: TripSavvy)
Dubbed by Time magazine as one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world, Tioman offers a marriage of tranquility and adventure that will make your stay there truly unforgettable.
Off Johor's coast, Rawa is a tiny, private bliss lined by soft sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. With only a handful of resorts on this island, Rawa offers exclusivity and an intimate experience that is just right for honeymooners, couples, and families getting away from it all. Activities are snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, lots of space to relax on the beach.
The tranquil setting and limited accommodations make the island a haven for those who like to shut themselves off from the rest of the world, enjoying Malaysia's nature in luxurious and relaxed surroundings.
Cruise at Rawa Island (Source: Malaysia)
Situated within Perak, Pangkor Island boasts of several cultural heritage and beachside beauties. With fishing villages and historical sites, this island offers a quintessential Malaysian island experience. The famous attractions are the Dutch Fort, which indicates some colonial history of the island, and one pretty Fu Lin Kong Temple.
To beachgoers, Coral Beach is a popular spot to relax or snorkel. Pangkor has turned out ideal for voyagers in quest of an alternative, more cultural experience centered on local culture and food. It is great for those travelers who would want to get off the beaten tourist paths.
Pangkor Island holiday season (Source: HolidayArchitects)
Sipadan Island is among the top diving sites in the world, mostly recognized because of its serious marine life and dive sites. Its most famous sites include Barracuda Point and Turtle Cavern. It usually has sharks, sea turtles, and many fish in schools by its side while diving in its amazingly clear waters.
Sipadan is a highly regulated area to protect its fragile ecosystem, and only a limited number of dive permits are issued each day. Careful conservation has preserved its underwater treasure, making the island the bucket-list location for advanced divers who'd like an unparalleled diving experience.
Crystal clear beach at Sipadan Island (Source: pulaumabul)
Read more: Tour 9 days in Malaysia: Pristine Excursion in Tioman Island
Though widely known, Kapalai Island is actually a sandbank with overwater bungalows sitting on it, placed next to Sipadan and Mabul. Technically not an island but a stunning water village, Kapalai provides breathtaking views and easy access to some of the richest marine life in Sabah.
Ideal for honeymooners and anybody seeking a special tropical holiday, Kapalai welcomes its visitors by offering them the possibility to jump into a dive or snorkel directly in front of their door.
Water Village at Kapalai Island (Source: DiveMalaysia)
This is probably one of the most popular resorts: Kapalai Resort grants guests a lifetime of over the water experiences together with superior class accommodation, excellent diving facilities within its surreal and completely surrounded by water environment.
Lankayan Island is one of those small, lesser known paradises in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Borneo. Thin strips of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters create an atmosphere of tranquility, perfect for all nature lovers and couples who need to get away from it all. Lankayan is really great for snorkeling and diving because of the picturesque reefs with plenty of marine life.
It is also recognized as an island of turtle conservation whereby one will have an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their own habitat. Lankayan Eco Dive Resort The peaceful atmosphere of Lankayan and its eco-friendliness make it an apt destination for the eco conscious traveler.
Diving destination at Lankayan Island (Source: BorneoCalling)
Part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island is an animated and accessible island with plenty of kid friendly activities and turquoise waters. It is easily reached by motorboat, and Manukan Island is a favorite day trip destination filled with snorkeling, parasailing, hiking, and picnicking.
This makes it accessible to travelers who want to combine city exploration with island relaxation. With the broad range of recreational facilities besides the natural beauty of Manukan, it is an ideal destination for families and groups seeking an active island experience close to the city.
The view of Manukan Island from above (Source: Agoda)
This miniature archipelago proffers two very contrasting Malaysian islands: one of luxurious resorts and secluded beaches, and another of cultural exploration and breathtaking dive sites. From rustic beach huts to luxury resorts, these islands have something to suit every taste and make for a perfect setting for a tropical escape.
Read more: Langkawi Island Tour 5 days: Outstanding Natural Beauty
