10 Best Island to Visit in Malaysia

1. Pulau Langkawi: The Jewel of Kedah

Langkawi duty free is one of the most visited and beautiful islands in Malaysia. Take a day trip to UNESCO-listed Dayang Bunting Island, feed the eagles and watch the monkeys swim for food. Langkawi Sky Bridge is an amazing experience. Enjoy the steepest cable car in the world, taking you up to 660 meters above sea level, where the bridge is located. 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.

2. Penang



Penang is one of the most famous places in Malaysia. Most of the state of Penang is located on an island and thus you can enjoy the beaches, sparkling waters, and relaxing islands with a great city experience. This part of Malaysia is also famous for its food, and anyone who loves to eat will really find a food paradise here. Penang Hill is one of the most popular attractions in Penang. The trip is an unforgettable experience, giving visitors an amazing view of the whole island at the top. The best way to get to the top is by taking a train that that travels all the way up for half an hour.

3. Pangkor Islands

Pangkor Island in Perak has empty beaches, a colonial fort and hundreds of hornbills. Locals rent everything, from jet skiing to canoeing to kayaking. The most effective way to see the beauty of Pangkor is from the sea by kayaking. The restaurant has coastal views like those in the Maldives. Expect fresh seafood, delicious desserts and a romantic ambience. The road around Pangkor Island past beaches, mountains and sleepy villages. Some travelers rent a motorbike and ride around the island. Others take the challenge of cycling or walking.

4. Rawa Island, Johor

Rawa Island is located just off the coast of Mersing, Johor and it is a private island owned by the Sultan of Johor. It attracts only a small amount of visitors each year, both local and foreign. To give you an indication to just how small and private it is, there are only two resorts on the entire island – Alangs Rawa Resort and Rawa Island Resort. This is the ideal place for one to relax and unwind as Rawa Island is the ideal destination when it comes to having a holiday with peace and tranquility. Other activities on the island include diving and snorkeling for you to check out the amazing corals.

5. Pom Pom Island

One of the smallest islands on this list, Pom Pom Island is home to a five-star diving resort known as Pom Pom Island Resort. It takes about an hour or so to explore the entire island but the journey to get there will take a bit of time. It takes about 45-minutes to get from Semporna onto the island but the wait is worth it as you will be greeted with pristine waters and beaches that resembles a postcard. Besides the usual snorkeling and diving, the resort on Pom Pom Island also offers a yachting service, which will ferry you around the neighboring islands.

6. Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu

Manukan Island is part of a five-island group around Kota Kinabalu, Sabah that makes up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It is the second largest island in Malaysia’s first national marine park and it also comes with its own resort known as Manukan Island Resort. It is the ideal location for couples as it serves as the perfect backdrop for honeymoons and anniversaries. Its turquoise waters paired with coral white beaches are pristine as ever, making it look as if the island has been left untouched for years.

7. 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.

8. Perhentian Islands

There are two islands on Perhentian Islands which are Perhentian Kecil (Perhentian Small) and Besar (Big), that attract beach lovers, divers and snorkelers. Head to Kecil for the most affordable diving schools and meet other backpackers on Long Beach. If you opt for an exclusive getaway, go for Besar. Forget the road as the only way to get from one beach to the next is by taking a water taxi or trekking along the forest route. Things that you can do here is you can try scuba walking and taking picture while walking in the beach. 

9. Sipadan Island

Sipadan island was rates among the world’s top diving areas and it is also ranks among the planet’s best diving sites. You can hardly find any other tourist as there aren’t any resorts or restaurants. While the island doesn’t offer any accommodation, it is still the best place to escape for a quick getaway. Only 120 people with a special permit can visit the protected zone each day. Sipadan is home to exotic species like sea turtles, reef fish, and hammerhead sharks. One of the most thrilling things that you must not miss when on Sipadan Island is scuba diving. Discover the rich reef life as you go under the enchanting waters. You can find hard and soft coral that is eye-catching.  The most interesting and unique thing that you can’t miss while vacationing on Sipadan Island is for Sipadan Liveaboard. Enjoy a wonderful experience exploring the natural and fascinating islands on the yatch.

10. 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.