Best islands in Malaysia

Approximately 45km off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, Redang is one of the larger islands in the area and famed for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Pasir Panjang – or Long Beach – lives up to its name and stretches across the east side of the island.

Redang is considered more upscale than its island neighbours with several resorts vying for your attention. With its rich marine life, snorkelling and scuba diving are the main activities and you’re likely to encounter a diverse selection of marine species. There’s also jungle trekking, island hopping, canoeing and when it all gets a bit much, lounging around the beach is a good remedy.

Look up the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU), go on a day trip and find out how you can help with their conservation efforts.

Tioman Island is one of the more famous islands in Malaysia and was even known as one of the most beautiful in the world during the ’70s. Much has changed since, but the coral reefs and beautiful beaches still draw divers and beach lovers.

Located 56km off the coast of Pahang, it takes approximately 1.5 hours by boat to the island from the port of Mersing. The main beaches here are Genting, Tekek and Salang, and there’s a wide range of accommodation from beach resorts and basic bungalows to cute chalets and small boutique establishments. If you want lots of water action, this is the island to visit. It’s a great place to learn how to dive and also caters to advanced underwater enthusiasts.

Otherwise, there are also easy and challenging jungle treks and waterfalls to visit (Mukut and Asah are popular), deep-sea fishing, kayaking and snorkelling. Or you could just lay on the beach and enjoy the tropical island vibe.

Lankayan Island is a tiny jewel-shaped island in the Sulu Sea about 1.5 hours’ boat ride from the coast of Sandakan. It’s part of a large Marine Conservation Area and is home to the Lankayan Island Resort, with 16 chalets (including three over the sea water) fronting an incredible beach and surrounding crystal clear seas.

This paradise island is where you come to dive and literally escape from it all. There have been whale shark sightings and a ‘Sea Turtle Corridor’ where green and hawksbill turtles come to nest; visit between June and September to catch the eggs hatching. There are also over 20 dive sites including the Langkayan Wreck (fish poaching boat), the Mosquito Wreck (Japanese WWII boat) and some that are straight off the island’s jetty.

Do note that there’s a permanent military presence on the island and boats are escorted by armed guards due to its location; visitors have reported that this is unobtrusive and makes them feel safe.

There are several islands in this group with the two main ones being Perhentian Kecil (Small) and Perhentian Besar (Large). Located off the east coast state of Terengganu, these islands have become a scuba diving hub and is ideal for everyone, from beginners getting their first certification to those training to be instructors.

The clear waters and gorgeous beaches attract everyone from families to young travellers. Perhentian Besar is the quieter of the two and visitors choose this island for a relaxing island break with the occasional snorkelling session, while Perhentian Kecil is cooler with a surprisingly energetic night scene so the crowd is younger and louder (more fun!). There are about 20 dive sites within a short boat ride of the islands and if you’re here during the right season, you may even spot whale sharks. Green turtles are known to lay their eggs along certain beaches and sea turtle conservation is practised; volunteer programmes are available if you have time to spare.

Kapas means ‘cotton’ in Malay, and in this island’s context it refers to the pure white sandy beaches surrounding the island. Coupled with crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, this is another amazing diving destination.

As it’s only a ten-minute boat from the port of Marang in Terengganu, it’s slightly easier to get to than other east coast islands. Kapas has some unique dive spots including one with a WWII Japanese landing craft. If you’re new to diving, this is an excellent place to get your dive licence.

As with all small idyllic islands, there’s not much to do besides diving, swimming in the sea and hiking; for a buzz, head to Batu Berakit to jump off rocks into the deep blue sea below. Try squid jigging for a night fishing experience or as with every tropical island, just sit back, soak in the rays and enjoy the peace.

Located within the archipelago of the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park on the east coast of Johor, Rawa is a small coral island boasting white powdery sand and the kind of clear seas we dream about when thinking of an island break. It’s a 25-minute boat ride from the port of Mersing and one of the most popular east coast holiday spots.

Explore the surrounding coral reefs, snorkel in pristine waters, go for a short easy hike for views of the island, or just find a hammock and chill out. There are only two resorts on the island, one of which is more family-orientated with water slides and the other is the epitome of boho beach chic.

Lang Tengah means ‘eagle in the middle’ in Malay; fittingly, this island is located between the two very popular destinations of Perhentian and Redang. Located 40km from Kuala Terengganu, Lang Tengah is smaller, quieter and less touristic than its neighbours. There are no roads except for a few jungle paths and the only way around is by boat.

This is a good place to learn how to dive due to the great visibility and abundant marine life which include turtles, leopard sharks, eels and schools of colourful fish. The main diving sites are Batu Kuching, Terembu Kuning and Tanjung Nibong Laut, and you can also go island hopping. If scuba action and exploring the depths of the ocean isn’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with lazing around and perfecting your tan.

Located 15km from Sipadan Island, Mabul is only 20 minutes away from the famous Sipadan and is another dive-centric island covered in palm trees, small beaches and surrounded by a macro diving paradise.

This area is also home to the Bajau Laut (sea gypsy) community who are a seafaring nomadic tribe with a fascinating connection to the sea. They barely step foot on dry land and can be found only on specific islands.

Mabul has several places to stay, from luxe water chalets to basic bungalows and dorms. Diving is the main activity here and you can also visit the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and nearby islands like Pom Pom, Bohey Dulang and Mataking. Dive sites include the Seaventure, an old oil rig that has become home to many marine species, and reef diving off Froggie’s Lair. Look out for turtles, rays, octopus, seahorses, parrot fish and the occasional whale shark.

Layang Layang Island is part of the disputed Spratly islands 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu. That aside, if you’re looking for a true diving adventure, head here. The man-made part of this oceanic atoll is also known as Swallow Reef and the Malaysian Navy once had a base here, so it was strictly off-limits to visitors. Now it’s one of the premier diving spots in the world and is remote enough to be a real adventure destination.

There’s nothing to do here but dive and no pristine beach to get a tan; but the marine life is second to none with various types of rays, schools of hammerhead sharks and dolphins, with the occasional whale shark and orca being spotted. The ocean floor drops to 2,000km, so wall diving is favoured with amazing visibility and you must be an experienced diver. There’s only one way on and off the island – by plane – and Layang Layang Island Resort is the only accommodation, but it’s closed from March to August due to the monsoon season.

Pulau Besar used to be known as Pulau Babi Besar – which translates to Big Boars Island, named for the wild boars that roamed the island. As their numbers decreased, ‘babi’ (‘pig’ or ‘boar’ in Malay) was dropped from its name, becoming what we know today simply as Pulau Besar, Large Island.

The island is part of a cluster of three – Pulau Besar, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Hujong – and is about 30 minutes’ boat ride from Mersing jetty. Thanks to the rich variety of marine life that call these waters home, the area has been designated a marine park, and with water so clear you can see straight down to the seabed at some places, expect lots of great snorkelling and diving. The uninhabited neighbouring islands of Pulau Mensirip and Pulau Harimau also offer amazing waters to explore.

On land, go jungle trekking, or visit the old fishing villages to experience idyllic village life. Internet reception isn’t great, but who cares when you’re on a beautiful island with fine white sand and pristine waters for miles around.