9 Beautiful Islands In Malaysia You Need To Visit In 2023

By Arwa Munnaverali | 26, Jun, 2020
9 Beautiful Islands In Malaysia You Need To Visit In 2023

Multi-ethnic Malaysia is a nation situated in Southeast Asia. It is also known to be one of the most developed and well-off. Malaysia has in excess of 800 islands across the two sides of the peninsula and neighboring Borneo.

The experiences the islands have to offer, make them nothing short of an alluring spot for a vacation. You could take a trip to these islands for any reason – it could either be a family vacation, a short getaway, or if it’s just to spend some quality time with your best friends! These islands are perfect hotspots for a vacation, that will give you the most enriching memoirs forever. Pick these islands in Malaysia to take a break from the hustle and bustle from your normal tedious life!

The following islands ought to be on your bucket list when you visit Malaysia due to their stunning landscape, crystal clear beaches, and energizing and adrenaline-packed activities they bring to the table.

If you're looking for a more casual, tropical retreat, full of nature and views for your next destination, here are 9 beautiful islands in Malaysia you need to visit in 2023!


1. Langkawi Islandlangkawi island

Image Credit: Jay Tun on Unsplash; Langkawi Island is known as one of Malaysia's most popular island destinations.

Langkawi Island in Malaysia is known to many as one of the most famous islands and Malaysia's most popular island destinations. This island displays the best seashores, mountains, rainforest, mangrove wetlands, delightful food and a tremendous amount of breathtaking sights and attractions with such a great amount to do. Bring out your camera for the ideal Instagram picture while at Langkawi!

Langkawi Island

Image Credit: Jesse Vermeulen on Unsplash; You can appreciate the amazing views from the cable car ride in Langkawi.

The island is also considered to be a wonderful spot in terms of nature. It is also easy to get to Langkawi via a flight, which makes it a perfect location for individuals who are searching for a serene stay with nature as their companion. The most ideal approach to explore the island is choosing to rent a vehicle so that you do not have to rely on public transport and can explore the island on your own schedule.

Langkawi Island

Image Credit: Tobi Law on Unsplash; There are many activities that you could do in Langkawi Island.  

There are various incredible attractions on the island alongside numerous extraordinary retreats, typically found right close to a stunning seashore. A few activities you could do is to appreciate the amazing views from the cable car ride, visit Gunung Raya, the most noteworthy peak on the island, or check out the numerous amounts of beaches Langkawi has to offer.


2. Penang Islandpenang island

Image Credit: Geraldine Ng on Unsplash; Penang Island is famous for its diverse cultures, traditions, and the type of food they offer.

If you are on the lookout for islands in Malaysia, there's nothing better than the Penang Island otherwise called Pearl of the Orient. The reason why Penang is considered so famous is due to their diverse cultures, traditions, and the type of food they have to offer.

penang island

Image Credit: Oliver Twist on Unsplash; For hardcore foodies, don't miss out on Penang's local delights.

Penang is perhaps the best island in West Malaysia for the individuals who are a hardcore foodie or have an enthusiasm for exploring different types of cultures. Don't forget to try some of Penang's famous local food and delicacies! 

penang hill

Image Credit: Fidelia Zheng on Unsplash; Don't forget to climb the Penang Hill!

Some pleasant activities that you can do are explore the Penang National Park, go crazy by shopping at Komtar or enjoy Penang's delectable and variety brimming street food which could be viewed as one of Penang's most prominent fascination. Don’t forget to visit the capital George Town and walk around ancient edifices and temples or climb Penang Hill.


3. Pangkor Islandpangkor island

Image Credit: Omar Elsharawy on Unsplash; Pangkor Island is a perfect spot for sightseers to appreciate nature by the beachside.

The most noteworthy point of Pangkor is at 1216 meters which is Pangkor Hill. Since the primary island comprises of just mountains, the roads surround the island. You can get to Pangkor by ship from Lumut, a ride of roughly 30 minutes. There are various extraordinary hotels on the island, making it the perfect spot for sightseers to appreciate nature by the beachside.

pangkor island

Image Credit: M.Fildza Fadzil on Unsplash; Pangkor Island is always brimming with locals who visit the island often, for a short getaway.

During your stay at Pangkor, you will notice the island brimming with locals who visit the island often, for a short getaway. You will discover a plethora of beaches, a colossal assortment of astounding food outlets that can be sought out by consulting one of the bubbly locals. The amazing views of nature make the island a standout. To keep yourself occupied you can go for a walk on the seashores, devour mouthwatering seafood, or just simply mingle with the locals! The perfect spot to pick as your accommodation would be the Pangkor Laut Resort.

 

4. Redang Islandredang island

Image Credit: www.journeytoplaces.com on Unsplash; Redang Island is known for its comfortable and luxurious resorts.

In the middle of marine waters and otherwise called a marine park, Redang is known for its comfortable and luxurious resorts and lodgings which will guarantee a peaceful stay for those who opt for those spots as their accommodation. The island is a striking pull for scuba divers and sunbathing aficionados because of their completely clear waters and brilliantly preserved coral.

As an alternative, you can likewise swim around the island if you would like to. This spot has transformed into one of the most excellent islands in Malaysia for an escape filled with tranquility. If you are a nature lover, Redang island is the best island that is worth your time and money. You would not be disappointed!


5. Tioman Islandtioman island

Image Credit: Kishor on Unsplash; The attractions at Tioman Island are bound to leave you speechless.

Tioman island has been named as one of the most excellent islands on the planet in 1970 by Time Magazine. Tioman Island has an array of opportunities to present to its visitors thanks to their natural landscapes and wildlife available. During your stay, you could visit a turtle ranch, swim under the waterfalls or enjoy diving and swimming. These such attractions are bound to leave you speechless!

Due to tourist exposure, Tioman still holds the top level position for being able to conserve their natural life whilst awarding their visitors with scenic views. Watch out for the giant monitor lizards that wander among the kampungs looking for food and prey. Your best bet would be to maintain a distance and not aggravate them too much to avoid getting attacked.

 

6. Perhentian Islandsperhentian island

Image Credit: Gaddafi Rusli on Unsplash; The seashores at Perhentian Islands are beyond stunning.

Consisting of two little islands, Perhentian Islands is one of Malaysia's renowned beauty. Both the islands offer the same type of accommodation and both are encircled by completely clear ocean water, with immaculate scuba diving and swimming conditions. The primary island is generally adored by hikers and backpackers, the second one for the nature fanatics and individuals searching for peaceful and calm surroundings.

Probably the best island in Malaysia for backpackers and hikers, this island is a hideaway which is considered a must-visit due to the waters being spotless to such an extent that you can swim directly off the seashore and still observe a differing cluster of marine life. The friendly fishermen are also ever ready to aid you or take you out in their boats for a day excursion to swim with sharks and turtles.

The seashores are beyond stunning. Along with diving, there's additionally a tropical wilderness for visitors to check out. Make sure to look out for whale sharks and octopuses while diving and snorkeling at Turtle Bay.

PS - Perhentian is known for being the best island to get your scuba diving permit (PADI).

 

7. Tenggol Islandtenggol island

Image Credit: Tenggol Coral Beach Resort; There are incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities in Tenggol Island.

Tenggol is one of the most wonderful islands in Malaysia for a private escape. It offers a scope of activities such as diving and wilderness trekking. In the event that you visit, do sign up for a whales and sharks tour.

Even though the island of Tenggol is not frequented much, the primary explanation behind a visit is the incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities. The Tenggol Coral Beach Resort provides diving courses for those of you interested in some fun and adventure on your trip to Tenggol Island.

The island starts off at the little town of Kuala Dungun which lies among Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu. You can take a boat to the island which would take approximately 45 minutes to get there. Tenggol is an island that provides you privacy and comfort which would transform your holiday into a memoir that you would cherish for long. Absorb the all-encompassing spectacular perspectives of the island during your stay at Tenggol!

 

8. Mataking Islandmataking island

Image Credit: Mataking Island on Facebook; Mataking Island is perfect for you to spend time with your loved ones due to its sheer magnificence, extravagance, and peacefulness.

Mataking Island is a wonderful tropical island situated in the Celebes Sea. The island comprises of two islands that allows you to stroll from one to the next island. If you wish to pamper yourself and go all out, the Mataking Resort and Spa is an extravagant and luxurious private island resort that is a good option to select. This island is more favored by scuba divers which allows them to snorkel around the island. Islands like Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai and Mataking too can be reached by a boat ride from the seaside town of Semporna which would take close upon to 45 minutes.

Sheer magnificence, extravagance and peacefulness is what Mataking brims of. The choice of hotels here encompassed by shining blue waters make it a charming spot for your accommodation. It is additionally home to the first-ever 'Underwater Post Office'. It also links two islands by means of a shallow sandbar. This island would be a perfect place for you to spend time with your loved ones! Additionally, while you are there you can go for a relaxed stroll to the Mataking Kecil Island and furthermore spoil yourself at Jamu Spa.

 

9. Lankayan Islandlankayan island

Image Credit: Lankayan Island by Lankayan Island Dive Resort on Facebook; A magnificent view of Lankayan Island Dive Resort.

Situated in the north of the city of Sandakan inside the Sulu Sea, the island of Lankayan is located. The island has one lavish hotel, Lankayan Island Dive Resort. Diving is the fundamental aspect individuals look for when they visit the island; however, it is likewise an incredible spot to simply unwind or swim around the retreat. The island is particularly known for its whale shark sightings. It is advised to reserve your spot in advance directly with the retreat to avoid disappointment.

lankayan island

Image Credit: Lankayan Island by Lankayan Island Dive Resort on Facebook; This treasure island of Lankayan is a perfect holiday spot for families with kids.

Lankayan is the ideal hotspot for revitalizing oneself in the midst of the magnificence of nature. Along with luxurious hotels the island also provides wooden chalets to spend your vacation, this island is also an upcoming tourist attraction and chosen for its diving facilities which makes it one of the most famous islands in Malaysia. This treasure island of Lankayan is a perfect holiday spot for families with kids. Try not to pass up the opportunity to explore the Gomantong Caves or travel to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

 

These hotspots will guarantee that you'll have a fabulous time and won't be let down by the activities that Malaysia has to offer for their tourists. Tag along with your loved ones and companions to make sure you have a blast; it will all be worth it!

Living life vicariously through myself by being an experienced napper, professional binge eater, crazy cat lover, avid reader and so-called addict of social media.

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