Best Beaches and Islands in Malaysia

Malaysia has two very different beach seasons, and choosing the best beaches and islands in Malaysia for your trip depends mostly on when you travel. The west coast faces the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea, the east coast faces the South China Sea, and Malaysian Borneo has its own islands off Sabah. For a detailed comparison, read our guide to the best islands in Malaysia.

West coast beaches and islands

Langkawi is the easiest beach island to reach, with an international airport and ferries from the mainland. Pantai Cenang is the main beach, with a long stretch of sand, restaurants and sunset views, while quieter bays lie along the north coast. Langkawi is open all year, but the drier months from around December to March bring the calmest seas.

Penang’s beaches at Batu Ferringhi are fine for an afternoon, but most visitors come to Penang for George Town and its food rather than the sea.

East coast islands

The east coast has Malaysia’s clearest water and whitest sand, but it is seasonal. The northeast monsoon brings rough seas from around November to February, when many resorts close and ferry services are reduced. The season usually runs from about March to October.

• Perhentian Islands: two islands off Terengganu. Perhentian Kecil suits backpackers and divers on a budget; Perhentian Besar is quieter and suits couples and families.
• Redang Island: known for its bright water and snorkelling, with many stays sold as resort packages including meals and boat trips.
• Tioman Island: a large, forested island off Pahang with scattered villages, good diving and jungle walks. It is the most accessible east coast island from Singapore and southern Malaysia.

Sabah’s islands

Sabah’s islands are reachable for most of the year, with weather generally less affected by the monsoon than the peninsula’s east coast. From Kota Kinabalu, the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are a short boat ride away and make an easy day trip. Further east, Semporna is the base for island hopping and diving, including Sipadan, one of the world’s best-known dive sites, which requires a permit.

Off the west coast of Sabah, Labuan is a duty-free island known among divers for its shipwrecks.

How to choose

• Travelling between November and February: head to Langkawi or Sabah.
• Travelling between March and October: the east coast islands are at their best.
• First trip with limited time: Langkawi is the simplest to combine with Penang or Kuala Lumpur.
• Snorkelling and diving: Perhentian, Redang, Tioman and Semporna offer the best underwater life.

Whichever island you choose, check ferry schedules and marine park fees on the operator’s or park’s official channels before you travel, as they can change with the season.