Islands & Beaches - Malaysia
The coastline of Malaysia is dotted with stunning island and expansive beaches
ISLANDS
Langkawi
Langkawi is celebrated for its white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts and tropical beauty. It is one of the most visited islands in Malaysia. Situated close to Thailand in the very north of Malaysia, it’s actually an archipelago of 99 different islands.
A string of high-end resorts such as The Datai and the Four Seasons have helped cement Langkawi’s reputation as a luxury getaway of the very highest quality. Outside of the resorts, Cenang in the southwest of the island is Langkawi’s main beach. In addition to idyllic palm-fringed sands, however, the island also has a breathtaking interior landscape, with mountains, lakes and rainforest adding to the charm.
Langkawi’s latest luxury hideaway boutique resort is the Seri Chenang Resort & Spas Langkawi.
Golf courses, spas, marinas, snorkelling, some diving, a spectacular cable car and a large aquarium are further draws. Island cruises are a popular way of taking in the scenic majesty of the island itself and the surrounding Andaman Sea.
Sipadan

Sipadan is an oceanic island sitting a short way off the southeastern coast of the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. It is a world class dive desitnation which Jacques Cousteau once described as 'an untouched piece of art'.
There is no accommodation on Sipadan. The island is reached by boat, either from the coastal town of Semporna or one of the nearby islands (see Mabul and Kapalai).
Mabul
Mabul is easily reached by boat from the coastal town of Semporna, which is itself around an hour from the airport at Tawau.
Kapalai
Kapalai is reached by boat from the coastal town of Semporna.
Labuan
The island of Labuan is one of Malaysia’s three federal territories. It has its own airport and is situated off the southwestern coast of the state of Sabah.
Labuan Marine Park is located a few miles offshore and comprises three small islets. Its dive sites are well thought of, with four shipwrecks including the Cement Wreck helping to attract underwater enthusiasts.
Tioman
It featured in the film South Pacific and was once named one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world.
There is a wide choice of accommodation. The Berjaya Tioman Resort is the leading high-end option, with excellent golf and spa facilities.
The settlement of Tekek on the west coast is the main tourist gateway and can be reached by both air and sea. There are flights from Kuala Lumpur with Berjaya Air, while ferries from the mainland take approximately one hour.
Perhentian Islands
Perhentian has a strong reputation with backpackers, and although a few bigger resorts are now in place, it still has the magical feel of being under-developed.
Both of the islands are home to turtle nesting sites (which are viewable if on an arranged trip) and water sport activities.
The islands are reached by a 45-minute boat ride from Kuala Besut on the mainland.
BEACHES
East Coast

It’s not just the islands that draw visitors to the east coast. The mainland has a few treats of its own.
Further north, close to Dungun, the Tanjong Jara Resort is a very good luxury option. It has a spa village and incorporates traditional Malay design.

Port Dickson is located in the state of Negeri Sembilan, known for its traditional architecture of upswept roofs. Access is usually by road – it sits around one hour’s drive from Seramban, which is itself some 35 miles south of KL. It’s also possible to catch a train from KL to Seramban.
A little further south, the region in and around the colonial city of Melaka also has some good beaches, including Tanjung Bidara and Tanjung Keling, the latter being a good option for feasting on freshly grilled seafood.
Sabah & Sarawak
The rugged terrain of Malaysian Borneo means that neither Sabah nor Sarawak have many lengthy sandy beaches. There are a handful of notable exceptions.
For more information on Malaysia visit our Destination Spotlight section.
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