1. Langkawi Island
The most popular island and Malaysia’s best known as holiday destination for honeymoon, vacation with family or friends, Langkawi flaunts the best beaches, mountains, rain forest, and mangrove wetlands. With so much to do and see here, every moment spent here would turn into a memory.
Things To Do:
- Enjoy the breathtaking views from the cable car ride
- Visit Gunung Raya, the highest peak on the island
- Visiting Black Sand Beach
- Go Islands and Beach hopping
How To Reach: You can reach Langkawi by taking a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur if you wish to save your time. Though an adventurous way to get to the island is by taking a train from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore till Alor Setar, and then take a boat ride from there.
2. Lankayan Island
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.
Things to do:
- Snorkeling
- A ‘Sea Turtle Corridor’ where green and hawksbill turtles come to nest; visit between June and September to catch the eggs hatching.
- More than 20 dive sites including the Langkayan Wreck (fish poaching boat), the Mosquito Wreck (Japanese WWII boat) to visist.
How to Reach: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan Aiport. Boat that transfer between Sandakan and Lankayan Island are available daily.
3. Kapas Islands
Also know as Cotton Island, with soft white sandy beaches, palm trees, and colorful flora and fauna, Kapas is a marvel worth witnessing. Out of all the islands of Malaysia, Kapas has the most laid-back and rustic ambiance, which makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxing holiday.
Things to do:
- Indulge in Turtle spotting
- Enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving
- Go for jungle trekking
How to Reach: Take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu, and from there hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Marang. Upon reaching the Marang Jetty, take a boat till the Island, which would take only 15 minutes.
4. Mabul Island
A hidden island in Malaysia, Mabul is one of the best Malaysian beach holiday destinations. The island boasts pristine beaches with coconut trees, soft white sand, and emerald water. Thanks to its seclusion, it is still an untouched bit of beauty, which makes a visit here absolutely worthwhile. It is counted among the best Malaysia islands.
Best For: This island is one of the world’s best destinations for muck diving, which makes it a great place for adventure seekers.
Things To Do:
- Explore the island in a transparent kayak
- Visit the Bajau Laut Village
- Witness the gorgeous golden hues of the sunrise
How To Reach: After reaching the town of Semporna from Tawau, take a speedboat to reach the island in 30 minutes.
5. Rawa Island
For experiencing royalty or having a secluded vacation, this island owned by the Sultanate of Johor is the best place to be. Also, one of the top Malaysian islands near Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Rawa is an absolute delight for a weekend getaway.
Best For: This idyllic tropical island is a haven for those in pursuit of peace and wishing to spend some good time with their family.
Things To Do:
- Indulge in snorkeling
- Enjoy the fun of water slides with your loved ones
- Try your hands on fishing, or at a game of beach volleyball
How To Reach: Take a taxi from either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Mersing. After reaching Mersing, take a speedboat or a ferry to reach the island in 30 to 60 minutes.
6. Perhentian Islands
One of the best islands in Malaysia for backpackers, this island is a hideaway waiting to be explored. The beaches are utterly gorgeous, and the accommodation is too cheap. Apart from diving, there’s also a tropical jungle for you to see.
Best For: The Perhentian Islands Malaysia is a shining gem amongst all the islands, and is perfect for budget travelers.
Things To Do:
- Try scuba walking
- Chill at Tupai Beach Bar
- Spot whale sharks and octopuses while diving with Turtle Bay
How To Reach: The only way to get to these islands is by taking a boat from Kuala Besut, which can be reached from either Kuala Terengganu or the Kota Bharu Airport. Both of these airports have direct connectivity with Kuala Lumpur.
7. Pangkor Island
This is not another beautiful island in Malaysia. The people here are friendly and the cuisine is lip-smacking, with resorts that offer the best of luxury. With its stunning beauty, a holiday on this island would definitely leave you spoilt.
Best For: If your heart beats for local culture and lifestyle, Pangkor Island is the best place to be.
Things To Do:
- Take a stroll on the beaches
- Relish the scrumptious seafood
- Stay at the Pangkor Laut Resort
How To Reach: Pangkor Island can be reached by taking a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur or Penang to Lumut, and then a ferry to the main island. However, you can also drive or rent a taxi from the city till Lumut if you’re willing to spend a bit more on fuel.
8. Mataking Island
Located in the Celebes Sea, this island is the perfect reflection of sheer beauty, luxury, and serenity. The top-notch resorts here surrounded by sparkling blue waters make it an enchanting place for having a one-of-its-kind experience. It is one of the best Malaysia islands all over the world.
Best For: Home to first ‘Underwater Post Office’ and connecting two islands via a sandbar, this island is best for both honeymooners and families.
Things To Do:
- Indulge in diving, and explore the famous gardens and viewpoints
- Pamper yourself at Jamu Spa
- Take a leisurely walk to the Mataking Kecil Island
How To Reach: Fly to the city of Tawau and then take a taxi or minivan to Semporna. After reaching Semporna, take a speedboat to reach the island in 45 minutes.
9. Layang Layang Island
Also known as Swallow Reef, Layang Layang is just the perfect place to be if ‘eat, sleep, and dive’ is all you are looking for. While this island is not too cheap, it is definitely a beauty worth witnessing. Make sure to stop by one of the most peaceful Malaysia islands.
Best For: Located in the middle of deep waters, this island is home to rich marine life and refreshing breeze, which makes it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Things To Do:
- Enjoy the underwater world
- Spot whale sharks
- Indulge in sunbathing or bird watching
How To Reach: Take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to the Kota Kinabalu Airport, and then a chartered flight from there to reach the island in around two hours.