Malaysia is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that combines history, jungles full of life, multi-ethnic culture, gastronomy and endless paradisiacal beaches and idyllic islands.
In this article I tell you about some of the best islands in Malaysia. All of them are an authentic paradise and you can choose the one that best suits your way of traveling or preferences. Or even if you are a lover of the sea and beaches, you can organize your trip to visit several islands. Without a doubt, any option will be an incredible trip through Malaysia.
THE BEST ISLANDS OF MALAYSIA
1. Pulau Kapas
Although all the islands in Malaysia offer the possibility of snorkeling, there are some islands that are more suitable for this sport. Pulau Kapas is one of them. It is a perfect island for lovers of marine fauna, being able to snorkel or dive off its coasts.
Kapas is one of the islands with the best coral in the world. Although to get to it you will have to go to the northern part of the island, near Pulau Gemia. The best way to get there is by renting a boat with a skipper.
Its beaches are calm and quite lively. And although it is not a crowded island for tourism, it is quite popular. With which you will find comforts for travelers. This island closes with the arrival of the east coast monsoon from November to March.
A very cheap accommodation option that is great is the IBAI BEACH GUESTHOUSE hostel, a double room with a private bathroom costs around 14 euros/night.
2. Pulau Pangkor
Pulau Pangkor is a true paradise. The island is known as the Precious Island and in the past, it was the hiding place for thousands of pirates, as well as the scene of the battle for control of the Strait of Malacca.
The island is very authentic and although there are now large accommodations, it has not yet succumbed to the large resorts, something that makes it very special. You will be able to see monkeys and hornbills, birds of various species, as well as great marine fauna.
This island offers various accommodations for tighter budgets. You can find 2 and 3 star hotels between 15 and 35 euros per night for a double room.
If you prefer to make your stay in style, there is a great 5-star hotel on the island and for less than 200 euros a night, a double villa. Pangkor Laut Resort 5 stars, is a great option to end a tour of Malaysia. Can you imagine a few days of relaxation and comfort?
3. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is made up of five islands; Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug Island. The Park is also home to a large barrier reef with 364 species of fish, several species of sea turtles and dolphins. In addition, from November to February it is possible to spot the whale shark.
There are few lodging options in the park, and they tend to be expensive options. Gaya Island is the best option. Being larger you can choose between 3 and 4 accommodation options. The Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa, 5* hotel is located in a beautiful and quiet cove surrounded by jungles.
4. Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian is made up of two islands; Kecil and Kiss. They are quite touristy and both have a wide variety of accommodation, shops, restaurants... The beaches are beautiful and quiet. It is a good destination to end a route through Malaysia.
If a very cool accommodation option is the Babu Resort hotel, Perhentian Islands, it is a small 4-star hotel that offers all kinds of comforts, relaxation and activities on the beach, surrounded by nature. Their prices are around 130 euros/night for a double room.
5. Pulau Redang
Redang is one of my favorite Malaysian beach destinations. And actually, both the beaches, the accommodations and the nature of the island is very similar to the others. Here you can breathe a very relaxed atmosphere, depending on the season you travel, you can enjoy desert beaches and it is perfect to end your trip on the beach.
I tell you everything you need to know about Redang is a special article; how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay…
6. Borneo
The island of Borneo is immense. In which 4 countries coexist. I have only traveled through the part of Malaysia (which is very large, divided into 2 states) + the country of Brunei.
To get to know Borneo, the Malaysian part and Brunei, spend twenty-odd days. In which you can enjoy an infinity of impressive places. National Parks in the middle of the jungle, beautiful beaches and small islands.
I tell you everything you need to know about Malaysian Borneo and Brunei and the essential places to visit, with a 16-day route in the article: What to see in Borneo | Malaysia and Brunei in 16 days
7. Semporna
The Semporna Archipelago is located off the coast of Malaysian Borneo. On the Sabah peninsula.
In Semporna there are intense green jungles, calm turquoise waters and endless trails for trekking, hidden and tiny beaches to enjoy a true paradise and above all there is a lot of peace. Despite the fact that there are more and more tourists who come to know the archipelago, it is a very authentic place, with few accommodations and respecting the environment.
All the information about Semporna, is in the same article from Malaysian Borneo and Brunei, in 16 days.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Malaysia a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!