Explore 23 Popular Islands in Malaysia for Your Dream Vacation

 In adventure activities, Islands, Malaysia, Malaysia, photography, Places To Visit, Things to do, Travel, travel guide

Planning a Malaysia vacation? This country has it all – lush jungles, buzzing cities, and the ultimate show-stealer: its dreamy islands! Relax on soft sandy beaches, dive into crystal-clear waters, or wander through peaceful villages where time slows down—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re after adventure, luxury, or a refreshing sip of coconut juice by the waves, these islands deliver it all. From the lively energy of Langkawi to the serene charm of Tioman, the best islands in Malaysia are ready for your visit. Grab your sunscreen—it’s time to start island-hopping!

West Coast Islands (Best Time: November to April):

1. Langkawi

langkawi-beach

Langkawi is a tropical paradise and a true gem among the best islands of Malaysia. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests, it’s perfect for adventure and relaxation. You can take a thrilling cable car ride to the sky bridge for panoramic views or go island hopping to explore hidden beaches. 

Langkawi is also known for its duty-free shopping, so don’t forget to stock up on your favorite items! Whether you’re seeking adventure, luxury, or a laid-back vibe, Langkawi is definitely one of the best Malaysian islands to visit.

2. Pangkor Island

beach-pangkor-island-perak-malaysia

Pangkor Island is the best island in Malaysia for family, offering a mix of natural beauty and rich history. Dating back to 1670, the island is home to the ruined Dutch Fort, which showcases its strategic importance during the colonial era. 

Nearby, you’ll find the Sacred Rock, engraved with markings from the Dutch East India Company, adding a historical touch to your visit. Beyond its fascinating history, Pangkor boasts peaceful beaches, fresh seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s one of the best islands in Malaysia for those seeking a quiet getaway steeped in both culture and nature.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Wildlife Safaris in Malaysia: Best Jungle Journeys

3. Rawa Island

rawa-island-malaysia

Rawa Island is the ultimate tropical paradise, known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. As one of the best islands in Malaysia, it offers the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The island is famous for its vibrant marine life, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving. 

Rawa Island remains a favorite for luxury travelers, offering exclusivity and untouched natural beauty. However, it’s on the pricier side, as transporting supplies and food from the mainland adds extra costs. If you’re looking for a secluded getaway, this island is definitely worth it!

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East Coast Islands (Best Time: March to October):

4. Tioman Island

tioman-island-malaysia

Tioman Island is a nature lover’s paradise, a top island in Malaysia that is ringed by beautiful beaches. It is well-known for its stunning dive sites, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs, sea fans, sea sponges, and even shipwrecks. The island is covered with tropical rainforests, home to fascinating wildlife, including butterflies, lizards, and monkeys. 

For turtle enthusiasts, the east coast is home to the Juara Turtle Project, a hatchery dedicated to protecting and studying sea turtles. It’s the best island in Malaysia for family vacations, offering both adventure and relaxation in a stunning setting.

5. Perhentian Islands

sunset-on-perhentian-islands-malaysia

The Perhentian Islands are two small tropical gems that sit off the east coast of Malaysia. Known for their Malaysia islands beaches, they’re perfect for beach lovers, offering some of the clearest waters and best coral reefs for diving. 

The Perhentian Islands offer something for everyone—whether you’re into partying, exploring nature, or simply enjoying the sand between your toes. These islands make it easy to fall in love with the natural beauty of Malaysia.

6. Redang Island

redang-island-malaysia

Redang Island, located in the Kuala Nerus District of Terengganu, is a true gem of the best islands in Malaysia. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches, Redang is often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 

Perfect for diving and snorkeling, its vibrant coral reefs and marine life are a huge attraction. Whether you’re looking for adventure in the water or simply want to bask on the beach, Redang is a top island in Malaysia that promises relaxation and fun in equal measure.

7. Sibu Island

sibu-island-off-the-coast-of-malaysia

Sibu Island is part of a peaceful island group in Johor, Malaysia, known for its calm and serene beaches. This hidden treasure is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway away from the crowds. 

The island is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or simply lounging on its sandy shores. With crystal-clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere, Sibu Island is a peaceful retreat and a great choice for those looking to enjoy Malaysia islands beaches in a more relaxed setting.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Places For Shopping in Malaysia with Insider Tips

8. Tenggol Island

tenggol-island-malaysia

Tenggol Island is a hidden gem located about 24 kilometers off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. As the last island in a string of islands, including Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang, Tenggol Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, making it a top destination for divers. 

With vibrant coral reefs and stunning underwater landscapes, this island offers some of the best diving spots in Malaysia. It’s a quieter, more exclusive destination, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the best beach islands in Malaysia.

9. Aur Island

malaysia-aur-island

Aur Island is one of the stunning islands to explore in Malaysia, located around 76 kilometers east of Mersing Town, Johor. Part of the Johor Marine Park, this island is known for its beautiful corals, lagoons, and offshore pools, making it a popular tourist attraction. 

Besides its breathtaking natural beauty, the island has long been a stopover for fishermen. Whether you’re snorkeling in its clear waters or relaxing on its pristine beaches, Aur Island is the perfect destination for those seeking a quiet escape into nature. 

10. Tengah Island

pantai-tengah-langkawi-island-malaysia

Tengah Island, also known as Pulau Babi Tengah, is a privately owned island in Malaysia located approximately nine nautical miles from Mersing in Johor. This secluded island is perfect for a peaceful getaway with its untouched beauty and calm surroundings. 

The island offers a range of water activities like snorkeling and diving, with vibrant marine life and clear waters to explore. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Tengah Island has something for everyone, making it one of the top islands in Malaysia to visit.

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11. Besar Island (Johor)

besar-island-malaysia

Pulau Besar is a charming island just a 30-minute boat ride from Mersing Jetty on the southeastern coast of Malaysia. This tranquil island to see in Malaysia is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Its clear waters and sandy beaches make it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. 

Whether you’re exploring the underwater world or simply enjoying the island’s serenity, Pulau Besar promises an unforgettable island experience. For the best activities at Malaysia island, consider hiking, swimming, and relaxing by the beach.

Borneo Islands (Best Time: April to October):

12. Sipadan Island

sipadan-island-malaysia

Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 meters from the seabed in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah. Formed over thousands of years by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone, it is one of the world’s premier diving spots. 

Known for its incredible marine biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and steep drop-offs, Sipadan is a must-visit for divers seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. It truly belongs on the list of the best islands of Malaysia.

13. Kapalai Island

kapalai-island-

Kapalai Island, located just 15 kilometers off Sipadan in Tawau Division, Sabah, is one of the top beach islands in Malaysia that offers an idyllic retreat for scuba divers. Once a beautiful island, Kapalai has now eroded into a sandbar, but its surrounding crystal-clear waters remain teeming with marine life. The island is home to exclusive resorts and is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a top choice for divers and snorkelers. A visit to Kapalai promises a tranquil escape into nature’s beauty.

14. Mataking Island

island-of-borneo-belongs-to-malaysia

Mataking Island, located in the Celebes Sea off Sabah, is known for its best Malaysian islands status. This pristine island is famous for its underwater experiences, offering visitors the chance to visit the first-ever ‘Underwater Post Office’ in Malaysia. 

The island’s beautiful beaches and coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers, while the connection to Pulau Mataking Kecil via a sandbank adds to the island’s charm. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it one of the top choices for diving enthusiasts.

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15. Mabul Island

malaysia-sabah-semporna-mabul-island

Mabul Island, a small island near the southeastern coast of Sabah, has become increasingly popular with divers due to its proximity to Sipadan. Known for its Malaysia islands beaches and vibrant marine life, Mabul is famous for muck diving, where divers can spot rare creatures like seahorses and ghost pipefish. The island was once a fishing village, but since the 1990s, it has transformed into a diving hotspot, making it one of the best Malaysian islands for underwater exploration.

16. Layang-Layang Island

layang-layang-atoll-sabah-malaysia

Layang Layang, also known as Swallow Reef, is a remote island located 300 km off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Part of the disputed Spratly Islands, this isolated location is known for its rich marine biodiversity, offering some of the best diving in the region. 

The island is a haven for underwater enthusiasts, with its steep walls, pristine reefs, and rare marine species. As one of the best islands of Malaysia, it offers a unique and exciting adventure for divers looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination.

17. Manukan Island

manukan-island-near-borneo-sabah-malaysia

Manukan Island is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located just a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It is one of the islands in Malaysia known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. 

With a range of water activities like jet skiing and parasailing, Manukan is perfect for those looking for adventure. Visitors can also relax on its pristine beaches or hike the island’s forested trails. The island is one of the islands to see in Malaysia for those seeking a quick getaway from the city, offering both relaxation and excitement.

18. Gaya Island

gaya-island-beach-pier-in-sabah-malaysia

Gaya Island is the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It’s renowned for its stunning beaches, tropical rainforests, and rich biodiversity. The island is home to several eco-friendly resorts and offers adventure activities in Malaysia such as hiking, diving, and kayaking. 

Gaya Island is also a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with its forests sheltering various species of monkeys and birdlife. One of the most unique aspects of Gaya Island is its quiet, serene atmosphere, making it ideal for visitors looking to enjoy the islands in Malaysia away from the crowds.

19. Lankayan Island

lankayan-island-borneo-malaysia

Lankayan Island, located in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Sabah, is a small, tranquil paradise that has become a haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Known for its coral reefs and clear waters, Lankayan is part of the islands in Malaysia that offer some of the best underwater experiences, including encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of marine species. 

The island is less commercialized, providing a peaceful escape with eco-resorts that focus on sustainable tourism. For those interested in exploring a quiet, pristine environment, Lankayan is definitely one of the islands to see in Malaysia, offering both adventure and relaxation.

20. Mantanani Island

sunset-on-the-deserted-and-paradise-island-of-mantanani-kota-kinabalu-malaysia

Mantanani Island, located off the coast of Kota Belud, Sabah, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and incredible biodiversity. It’s a fantastic destination for divers and snorkelers alike, with its abundant marine life and vibrant coral gardens. 

The island is perfect for those looking for islands to explore in Malaysia, offering a more laid-back vibe compared to the bustling islands of the region. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place for a relaxing getaway.

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21. Tiga Island

tiga-island-or-survivor-island-pulau-tiga

Tiga Island is a volcanic island in the South China Sea, known for its pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and natural mud volcanoes. This island is perfect for those who enjoy exploring wildlife and unique landscapes. 

Visitors can indulge in activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and visiting the island’s mud volcanoes, which are known for their therapeutic properties. Tiga Island is a great island to explore in Malaysia for nature lovers looking for a more adventurous experience.

22. Satang Island

rocks-in-the-south-china-sea-with-satang-island

Satang Island, located off the coast of Sarawak, is famous for its turtle sanctuary and its beautiful beaches. The island is a great spot for turtle watching, especially during nesting season. It’s a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxing by the beach or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Satang Island offers some of the best activities at Malaysia island, including turtle conservation efforts and wildlife spotting, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

23. Bohey Dulang Island

bohey-dulang-island-borneo-malaysia

Bohey Dulang Island, located in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. Known for its hiking trails, the island offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and crystal-clear waters. 

The summit of the island offers panoramic views, making it a favorite spot for photography and adventure seekers. If you’re looking for islands to see in Malaysia, Bohey Dulang Island is a must-visit for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Islands in Malaysia offer an incredible range of experiences, from vibrant coral reefs and pristine beaches to serene escapes in lush tropical settings. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, Malaysia islands have something for every type of traveler. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to consider the best time to visit in Malaysia island, as weather conditions can significantly enhance your experience. With so many beautiful Malaysia island destinations to explore, you’re sure to find your perfect getaway surrounded by nature’s best.

How many islands are there in Malaysia?

Malaysia is home to approximately 878 islands, including popular ones like Langkawi, Tioman, and Sipadan.

When is the best time to visit these islands?

The best time to visit in Malaysia islands is from March to October, during the dry season. However, specific islands may have varying peak seasons, so it’s good to check the weather based on your destination.

What activities can I enjoy on these islands?

You can enjoy snorkeling, diving, island hopping, hiking, and exploring the vibrant marine life. Many islands in Malaysia also offer water sports, cultural experiences, and the chance to relax on beautiful beaches.

Are there accommodation options for different budgets?

Yes, islands in Malaysia offer a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts and beachfront villas to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, catering to all types of travelers.

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