Beyond the vibrant cities and breath-taking landscapes, Malaysia boasts a gold mine of enchanting islands that appeal to every beach lover’s soul. These islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise, perfect for an escape to rest and rejuvenate. It’s no wonder that folks from all around the world often flock to Malaysia to visit her islands.
In this article, we delve into the top 5 islands in Malaysia that everyone should visit at least once.
1. Lankayan Island
North of Sandakan is a tiny little island called Lankayan Island. A 1.5-hour boat ride from Sandakan jetty, Lankayan Island was declared a Marine Protected Area. As a result, this island and its surroundings are a pristine and untouched bit of paradise. Have you ever dreamed of an endless pure white sandy beach? This gem of an island will not let you down.
There is only one resort here, the Lankayan Island Dive Resort which features 23 wooden seafront chalets. While this little island is a great place for families, it has also gained popularity amongst divers worldwide as it offers 14 dive sites including the Lankayan Wreck. Expect magnificent displays of diverse marine life from giant groupers to tiny ribbon eels. Between March and May, there are also regular sightings of whale sharks. Don’t worry, they’re harmless!
Things to do:
- Explore marine life through snorkeling or diving
- Ocean kayaking
- See turtles nesting and witness new hatchlings released into the sea
2. Rawa Island
Named after the Malay word for white doves, Rawa Island is a coral island known for its seclusion and pristine beaches. It’s a small islands with mostly walkways and no proper roads. On one side of the island you can find a white sandy beach, while the other side consists of a rocky vertical cliff. Just a few metres from the shore, you can snorkel and experience the natural coral reefs of the island. If you’re visiting, be sure to catch the stunning sunset views here.
Rawa island is accessible via a 20-minute boat ride from Mersing, Johor and has a couple of resorts you can choose from depending on your budget and preferences.
Things to do:
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Island hopping
- Hiking to the top of the island
3. Layang Layang Island (For Divers)
The intriguing Layang Layang Island, also known as Swallow Reef, is a remote island about 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This diver’s paradise is not cheap, but it’s definitely worth a visit if it’s within your means. This island was previously an active marine base, and only recently were public visitors allowed.
Because this island is located in the middle of deep waters, divers can explore rich marine life. There is a reason Layang Layang has earned its reputation of being one of the top 10 diving sites in the world – divers can expect hammerhead sharks, leopard sharks, various different species of stingrays, and sometimes even whales.
The only mode of transport to and from Layang Layang island is by flight due to its isolation.
Things to do:
- Scuba diving
4. Perhentian Island
Probably the most renowned island on this list, Perhentian Island is surrounded by lush greenery and white sandy beaches not to be missed. It is well-known as a marine paradise and is a part of the National Marine Park of Malaysia. It’s made up of two main islands, namely Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.
Besides its clear blue waters and unblemished beaches, there are various other activities for travelers. You can go for jungle trekking where you may see wild magpies, harmless monitor lizards, or even the unique Lutong monkeys. The island’s location is also strategic for snorkeling and scuba diving. Between June and September, you might see giant turtles laying eggs on the beach if you’re lucky!
Things to do:
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Squid jiggling
- Kayaking
5. Lang Tengah Island
Lang Tengah Island is situated right between the infamous islands of Redang and Perhentian, about 40km northeast of Kuala Terengganu. The island is accessible by boat from Tanjung Merang. If you’re seeking a quiet tropical island getaway, you may find Lang Tengah appealing as it has a lot less development as compared to Redang or Perhentian.
Its crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life makes it a popular tourist destination. It boasts pristine coral reefs, diverse species of fish, and occasionally some sharks and rays. Between April to October, tourists can also find nesting green turtles on the beaches of Lang Tengah. The island is surrounded by a lush forest, in which a wide variety of birds, lizards, frogs, and insects can be found.
Things to do:
- Snorkeling
- Jungle trekking
- Island hopping
- Diving
Recap of the top 5 must-visit Islands in Malaysia
- Lankayan Island
- Rawa Island
- Layang Layang Island (For divers)
- Perhentian Island
- Lang Tengah Island
