Top 25 Malaysian Islands to Visit

Malaysia has an abundance of islands situated along its extensive coastline.

High-end resorts, renowned diving sites, and vibrant urban centers attract a multitude of visitors, while others remain uninhabited featuring extensive stretches of pristine coastline.

Frequent destinations for travelers include both Langkawi Island and Penang Island during their stay in Malaysia.

Adventurous souls often opt to explore the numerous islands along the east coast of the Peninsula, while a smaller number venture out to Sabah’s tropical islets in Borneo.

GoTravelDaily compiles a selection of the 25 premier islands in Malaysia, showcasing options for beach getaways, diving, and overnight experiences on secluded islands.

1. Langkawi: ‘The Jewel of Kedah’ (Kedah)

The shimmering coastline of the most frequented island in Malaysia is bordered by sandy beaches and enveloped by lush jungle-covered mountains.

The initial destination in duty-free Langkawi is often the breathtaking Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach), where gentle waves caress the white sands, and distant tropical islands emerge on the horizon.

Beachfront establishments offer Malaysia’s most affordable beverages and sunset cocktails.

Participate in a tour to the Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting). From a distance, the island appears to resemble a pregnant woman reclining on her back. Capture images of the postcard-worthy pier and swim in the island’s central freshwater lake.

Rent a motorbike or a car to traverse the island’s perimeter, visiting Langkawi’s tallest peak (Gunung Raya), Black Sand Beach, and the serene Malay villages.

2. Kedah’s Secret Diving Oasis (Kedah)

Payar Island (Pulau Payar) serves as Kedah’s concealed gem located in the Straits of Melaka.

This marine park includes several uninhabited islands between Langkawi and the mainland of Kedah.

This area lacks any resorts or beachfront residences.

Instead, it offers untouched snorkeling and diving locations around this lesser-known island chain.

Massive tropical fish inhabit these waters, perhaps having never encountered a human before, providing snorkelers and divers with the opportunity to explore without other individuals around.

Tour groups guide visitors to shark nursery sites for observing baby sharks.

Payar represents the finest of West Malaysia’s marine environment, conveniently accessible from both Langkawi and Penang.

Access is granted exclusively through organized tours.

3. Malaysia’s Most Cosmopolitan Island (Penang)

Penang Island is often regarded as Malaysia’s colonial treasure.

Situated in the Straits of Melaka, George Town, the island’s capital, attracts various travelers.

Some visitors are drawn by the colonial architecture, while others seek to savor the culinary delights found within Malaysia’s gastronomic capital.

Buddhist temples coexist alongside mosques and Hindu temples, reflecting a vibrant religious diversity.

Traditional shophouses line the colorful streets, bursting with intricate details.

Penang has cemented its reputation on Malaysia’s travel map, rarely disappointing travelers with its offerings.

4. Hornbills and Empty Beaches on Pangkor Island (Perak)

Pangkor Island is positioned on the western coast of Peninsula Malaysia in Perak.

This small island features tranquil, tourist-free beaches, jungles, and numerous hornbills.

Consider staying a few nights at the economical guesthouses along Pangkor’s western coast. Spend your days relaxing on the beaches, exploring vibrant Chinatown, and discovering the remnants of a 350-year-old Dutch fort.

Encounter the ‘Hornbill Man’ at Sunset View Chalet, who consistently feeds dozens of hornbills every evening. Witness the captivating sunset from Coral Beach.

5. Rock-Bottom Diving Courses and Luxury Retreats (Terengganu)

The Perhentian Islands in Terengganu represent West Malaysia’s island paradise.

Backpackers, beach enthusiasts, and snorkelers often gather on Besar (Big) and Kecil (Small) Perhentian islands.

The island of Kecil attracts a younger clientele and diving aficionados, with many opting to stay near the budget-friendly Long Beach, where multiple diving schools provide some of the most affordable PADI courses in Southeast Asia.

Visibility in the crystal-clear waters often exceeds 20 meters (approximately 65.6 feet).

Besar caters to Malaysian holidaymakers who favor relaxing in upscale resorts situated along the secluded shores.

The Perhentian Islands lack roadways; visitors traverse between beaches via jungle trails, while water taxis offer transport over larger distances.

6. Ultra-Luxurious Beach Holidays on Redang Island (Terengganu)

The Perhentian Islands attract backpackers, divers, and vacation seekers, whereas the neighboring Redang Island appeals to those desiring a luxurious getaway.

Redang Island’s accommodations rank among the most opulent in Malaysia.

Guests anticipate a truly exclusive experience.

Prior to its appearance in the acclaimed film “Summer Holiday,” a hit from Hong Kong in 2000, Redang was relatively unknown.

Day visitors often seek to relive the experiences of their favorite stars, while honeymooners invest substantially for a brief stay in its luxury resorts.

7. West Malaysia’s Most Beautiful Island (Terengganu)

Tenggol Island stands among Malaysia’s most magnificent, offering everything luxury vacationers desire.

Beachfront bungalows provide an idyllic atmosphere, with immediate access to pristine sandy beaches. The clear waters create optimal conditions for snorkeling and diving mere meters from the shore.

Reaching Tenggol may require some effort, yet the experience rewards travelers with its exclusivity and high standards.

Located south of Terengganu’s island chain, visitors must first take a domestic flight to Terengganu State, followed by a two-hour drive to the port, where water taxis then transport travelers to the island.

8. Get Off the Grid in Kapas Island (Terengganu)

Kapas Island represents a prime location for beach enthusiasts in search of a temporary escape from civilization.

This island is situated within the South China Sea, in Terengganu State.

Commonly populated by backpackers, its beaches are lined with guesthouses suited for budget-conscious travelers.

Explore trails through the verdant forest to witness the island’s diverse ecosystem, or simply relax on deserted beaches throughout your stay.

The island’s primary charm lies in its simplicity, with minimal Wi-Fi, affording visitors a chance to disconnect.

Kapas Island exemplifies the tranquil essence of a tropical getaway.

9. Embrace the Remoteness on Lang Tengah Island (Terengganu)

Only a select few adventurous travelers make their way to the privately-owned Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu.

Visitors who do arrive appreciate the island’s remoteness, seclusion, and pristine beauty.

Protected waters around Lang Tengah host a diverse and thriving marine ecosystem, offering visitors the chance to swim directly from the beach into a vibrant underwater world.

This island features a limited number of hotels, which typically fill several weeks or even months in advance.

Traveling to Lang Tengah exclusively requires speedboats, which cover the 40 kilometers (25 miles) spanning between Kuala Terengganu and the island.

10. Time Magazine’s Most Beautiful Island (Pahang)

In the 1970s, Tioman was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the most beautiful islands worldwide, a title it confidently retains into the 21st century.

Tioman Island provides an idyllic vision of a tropical paradise, complete with swaying palm trees, endless coastlines, and bungalows seemingly floating on crystalline waters.

However, this picturesque beauty comes with some caveats.

Since its feature in Time Magazine, Tioman Island in Pahang has become a fixture on Malaysia’s tourist route, necessitating travelers to share this breathtaking environment with others.

11. A Secret Island in Johor (Johor)

Johor in southern Malaysia often remains overlooked by tourists, with many unaware of the state’s picturesque islands.

Nonetheless, the enigmatic Rawa Island, situated 16 kilometers (10 miles) off the mainland, stands as a notable exception.

This exclusive island attracts affluent visitors from Malaysia and Singapore, offering only a few overwater bungalows amid two resorts.

Majestic palm trees frame the soft white sands that kiss the shoreline, while rocky outcrops within the gentle azure waters create picturesque scenes.

Away from the beachfront, vacationers can traverse jungle trails, venturing into the heart of Rawa Island, where primates, tropical birds, and oversized insects await.

Some guests spend their afternoons indulging in sea kayaking.

Travelers can reach Rawa Island via ferry from Mersing Port.

It is advisable to plan excursions several months in advance.

12. Exclusivity on Sibu Island (Johor)

Sibu comprises a modest chain of four islands within the South China Sea.

Featuring only two resorts, the island offers unparalleled exclusivity among Malaysia’s myriad islands.

Visitors primarily hailing from Malaysia and Singapore frequent the island’s luxurious accommodations.

Activities on Sibu focus on relaxation, with options to spend time on the beach and visit spa facilities.

Schedules can be arranged for boat excursions to undiscovered diving locations or fishing expeditions.

13. Sea Fishing, Diving, and Isolation on Aur Island (Johor)

Johor’s Aur Island is situated far from mainland Malaysia.

Located 76 kilometers (47 miles) east of Mersing Port in the South China Sea, the island guarantees a sense of isolation.

The resorts primarily cater to experienced divers and enthusiastic anglers.

Aur and its four nearby islands are part of the Johor Marine Park.

Vibrant corals scattered throughout the seabed provide habitats for diverse marine life. Snorkelers and scuba divers can encounter manta rays, sharks, and barracuda.

Fishing fans can target some of the largest species during their fishing trips.

Additional activities include exploring rugged landscapes and capturing images of lagoons while island hopping.

14. Labuan Island: The ‘Pearl of Borneo’ (Labuan)

Labuan functions as a dynamic port near Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei Darussalam in the South China Sea.

Malaysia has transformed the once-unknown island of Labuan into a flourishing financial center, hosting numerous offshore companies to leverage its free trade opportunities.

However, the duty-free island offers more than just business prospects.

Labuan boasts an array of diving locations, including four shipwreck sites and secluded beaches.

Visitors also have the chance to explore the War Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for nearly 4,000 Allied soldiers who perished during World War II.

15. Floating Fishing Villages on Bruit Island (Sarawak)

Instead of sandy shores and lavish accommodations, Bruit Island consists of traditional fishing communities.

Malay families make their living from the South China Sea following age-old practices, maintaining traditions that have persisted for centuries as reflected in the island’s architecture and lifestyle.

Bruit is one of the largest islands within the Rejang Delta, located close to Sibu.

Travelers may take a ferry to discover floating villages and immerse themselves in the rural lifestyle.

16. Search for Bearded Pigs on Gaya Island (Sabah)

Gaya Island is the largest island within Sabah’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Contrasting with its neighboring islands, Gaya’s appeal lies in its lush jungle interior and approximately 9,000-strong Filipino floating village.

Travelers can take a speedboat from Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu and spend a day hiking through the jungle, with the island’s peak reaching 300 meters (984 feet) offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago.

Gaya comprises roughly 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of hiking trails, showcasing some of Sabah’s most accessible jungle tracks where bearded pigs may be spotted in the foliage.

A zipline run by Coral Flyer extends 235 meters (771 feet) from Gaya to Sapi Island, recognized as the longest island-to-island zipline in the world.

17. Zipline into Sapi Island (Sabah)

Sapi Island, the second smallest in the marine park, lies just across from Gaya Island.

Unlike its more commercialized neighbor Manukan, Sapi Island offers a more tranquil environment.

Speedboats frequently operate between Kota Kinabalu and Sapi.

This island generally attracts thrill-seekers, with the world’s longest island-to-island zipline connecting it to Gaya.

Monitor lizards of considerable size can often be seen scurrying across the beaches and into the jungle.

Visitors can snorkel through relatively undisturbed coral gardens and enjoy picnics along the coastal rocks.

Consider pairing a trip to Sapi with an excursion to Gaya Island.

18. A Day at the Beach on Manukan Island (Sabah)

Manukan Island boasts one of Kota Kinabalu’s most picturesque coastlines.

This island, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, attracts thousands of visitors daily.

Ferries traveling just 15 minutes from Jesselton Point transport tourists to Manukan. Local Sabahans and numerous tourists frequently visit for a day of leisure on the beach.

Equipment rentals for snorkeling are available, enabling guests to witness the extensive coral reefs and marine life thriving beneath. Some coral formations resemble intricate designs, while others appear as ancient trees reaching skyward.

Pay attention to the macaques that often roam the beach, as they might snatch personal belongings.

19. Pulau Tiga: Borneo’s ‘Survivor Island’ (Sabah)

Pulau Tiga in Sabah is famously known as the original Survivor Island.

After hosting the debut season of the renowned reality television series, the island chain located near Kota Kinabalu has seen a surge in tourist activity.

Tour operators organize day excursions from Kota Kinabalu to Pulau Tiga (translated as ‘Three Islands’).

Visitors can relax along the deserted shores or hike to the intriguing mud volcanoes.

For those staying overnight, the experience is enriched with luxurious amenities that go beyond mere camping.

20. Easy to Reach Diving Spots in Mantanani Island (Sabah)

Scuba enthusiasts with limited time in Sabah frequently opt for the Mantanani Islands.

This chain of islands, situated in the South China Sea, lies near Kota Belud and is approximately an hour and a half from Kota Kinabalu.

Tour operators offer excursions to over 20 dive sites as part of their day tours. Adventurous divers might encounter seahorses and stingrays, while certified divers can explore three renowned shipwrecks.

Some other operators take divers to pristine locations that are largely unexplored by others.

Alternatively, visitors can spend the night on either Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Lungisan, or Mantanani Kecil while enjoying the famous sunsets of Borneo from the comfort of a boat.

The next day can be spent kayaking or visiting nearby islands.

21. Layang Layang: A Biodiverse Powerhouse in the South China Sea (Sabah)

This former military base, positioned 300 kilometers (approximately 186 miles) from Kota Kinabalu, lacks the usual tourist attractions such as beaches and hotels.

Nevertheless, this isolated area within the South China Sea benefits from minimal human interference, fostering a thriving marine ecosystem rarely found elsewhere in Malaysia.

Layang Layang features 12 diving locations teeming with species that have never interacted with humans. Visitors can expect to see magnificent colored fish, large manta rays, and diminutive pygmy seahorses.

Certain times of the year witness the migration of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and bottlenose dolphins.

Access to Layang Layang necessitates a flight from Kota Kinabalu.

22. Sabah’s Diving Paradise on Sipadan Island (Sabah)

Sipadan Island in Sabah consistently ranks among the world’s premier diving locations.

Diving enthusiasts from across the globe converge on this small island situated near Semporna.

Unlike its neighboring islands, Sipadan lacks hotels and restaurants, allowing only 120 individuals with special permits to access the protected waters daily.

Those fortunate enough to visit are treated to an astounding variety of marine life, swimming alongside barracuda schools, or experiencing rich biodiversity.

Lucky visitors may even catch sight of large turtles gliding near the shoreline.

23. Sea Kayaking and Sea Nomads on Mabul Island (Sabah)

Located a mere 15 minutes from Sipadan, Mabul Island is a popular choice among diving aficionados.

This oval-shaped island offers varied accommodations that cater to both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking upscale experiences.

Adventurers can navigate the surrounding waters, swimming with cuttlefish and octopus. Due to the lack of accommodations on Sipadan itself, divers typically opt to stay on Mabul Island.

In addition to diving excursions, visitors may partake in sea kayaking, explore the ‘Sea Nomads’ floating villages, and marvel at the starlit sky after sunset.

The annual Regatta Lepa, a celebration of Bajau culture and traditions, occurs in April.

24. See Rare Turtles Nesting in Pom Pom Island (Sabah)

Pom Pom Island merges luxurious accommodations with ecotourism in East Sabah’s Semporna Archipelago.

With a limited number of resorts, this small island guarantees a private retreat in Borneo.

Relax on the beach, appreciating the almost ethereal turquoise waters. Grab some snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life within the coral reefs.

Witness dawn’s beautiful display of oranges and purples from the comfort of an overwater bungalow.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the rare green and hawksbill turtles, whether they are swimming in the sea, nesting on the sandy beach, or hiding at the hatchery.

25. Overwater Bungalows in Lankayan Island (Sabah)

Lankayan Island in East Sabah can be described as Borneo’s own version of the Maldives.

The tranquil waters of the Sulu Sea surround this tropical haven, which is teeming with corals and diverse marine life.

Wooden overwater bungalows offer an idyllic setting for a stay.

Enjoy views from the beachfront balcony in the morning, then join a tour to explore the uncharted underwater realms later in the day.

Lankayan is a beloved local holiday destination, although reaching it can be challenging. Travelers need to make their way to Sandakan before taking a ferry that lasts approximately 90 minutes.