Malaysia, washed by the waters of the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, travelers call a tourist paradise. It conquers with the harmony of the unique beauty of virgin nature with historical sights and the benefits of modern civilization. The islands of Malaysia, scattered around the peninsular part of the country, are remarkable for their stunning exotic flavor. The highlight of some islands was the magnificent sandy beaches surrounded by luxurious tropical nature, the other – the historical and cultural attractions of the place, the third – the traditional ethnic culture. If you wish, thanks to excellent transport links, you will be able to enjoy the whole palette of the best Malaysian islands during your vacation.

Langkawi

Langkawi, located in the Andaman Sea in northern Malaysia, 30 km from the mainland, is surrounded by amazing sandy beaches with crystal clear azure water along the entire perimeter. Today it is a model for resorts throughout Southeast Asia. Excellent infrastructure, organization of excursions, excellent beach relaxation and duty free shopping centers with inexpensive prices are a great opportunity to enjoy your vacation.

Acquaintance with Langkawi begins with the capital city of Kuah. The first thing that tourists see when approaching its port is a huge statue of an eagle, which has become a business card. Kuah is interesting for its picturesque parks, cinemas and nightlife in bars and clubs located close to the water. There are no beaches suitable for swimming in the city itself. Not far from the airport, the Cenang beach area stretches for 2 km with fine light sand and a gentle entrance to the sea, surrounded by hotel complexes with restaurants, swimming pools, children‘s clubs and spas. On the south side of Chenang, behind a stone cape, Tenang Beach stretches, with yellow coarse sand and a sharp slope at the entrance to the water.

It is famous for the best water attractions in the area: paragliders, bananas, ATVs and cottage complexes immersed in greenery. The western shores of Langkawi are attractive with Burau Bay with luxurious beaches at Pantai Kok and Pantai Burau Bay, a cable car stretching to the Sky Bridge hanging over the abyss. Among the public beaches, the best stretch in the northeast: Rekreasi Kastam, which stands out for its picturesque coastline with comfortable bungalows, and Tanjung Ru with light sand, surrounded by coniferous groves and mangroves.

Penang

Penang is an island connected to the “mainland” by a 13.5 km bridge, similar in appearance to the San Francisco Bridge. It will be of interest to tourists who prefer sightseeing tours on vacation, hikes in picturesque corners of nature, nightlife and are not demanding on beach service. The capital of Penang – Georgetown is called an open-air museum. Fort Cornwallis testifies to the solid age of the city, the walls of which served as protection for the first settlers from attacks by pirates.

A city grew up around the citadel, leaving a legacy of streets imbued with the spirit of English colonial architecture, quarters of Indian ethnic culture and Chinatown with a pronounced Chinese flavor. The harmonious coexistence of four cultures is represented by the snow-white church of St. George, a mosque, Hindu and Chinese temples. Many wonderful museums will enrich the impressions of art lovers. Tourists do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque view of the landscape from the observation deck of the Penang hill, where they climb to a height of 830 meters on a funicular.

Built the largest temple in Southeast Asia – Kek Lok Si, a notable combination of architectural traditions of China, Thailand and Burma. Other than Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang has no beach areas suitable for swimming, so you should combine your stay here with other islands with great beaches.

Borneo

Borneo, divided between three states: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, is called Kalimantan on the world map. Two Malaysian states – Sabah and Sarawak occupy an area in the north of Borneo. The coasts of the state of Sabah, stretching for almost one and a half thousand kilometers, go to the waters of three seas. The beaches amaze everywhere with picturesque coral reefs and atolls famous for the underwater world.

The highlight of the west coast, washed by the waters of the South China Sea, is called Tanjung Aru Beach. It is located near the state capital – Kota Kinabalu, attracting attention with the luxurious Shangri-LaTanjungAru hotel complex, a notable comprehensive service. Boats depart from Tanjoug Aru to the islands of the Tunku Abul Rahman Marine Reserve, where there are 2 amazing resorts with comfortable villas and large diving training centers.

The eastern shores, overlooking the Sulu Sea, interest tourists with four Turtle Islands, where only one of them – Selingan – is allowed to stay overnight. On the southeastern coast of the Seleb Sea, there are world-famous dive resorts: Mataking, Mabul, Sipadan and Kapalai. Holidays on the beaches of the state are perfectly combined with excursions: hiking to the top of Mount Canibalu, visiting the orangutan reserve, thermal springs and the Pearl Farm.

The state of Sarawak, located in the west of Borneo, is washed by the South China Sea. It is attractive with magnificent beaches, virgin jungle and the world's largest Niah Caves, decorated with prehistoric drawings. Not far from its bank on the Sarawak River lies the main city of the state – Kuching, translated from the Malacca language as “cat”. Sculptures of cats, the symbol of the city, flooded the streets and squares, and a whole museum was dedicated to them.

It is interesting to get acquainted with the history and cultural heritage of Borneo in the Sarawak Museum and on an excursion to the ethnographic village. A lot of impressions will be delivered by trips to the crocodile farm and Gunug Gading Park with many exotic plants and the rafflesia vampire flower that feeds on the juice of lianas. To complement the impressions of excursions, you can go rafting or an exciting safari, and then indulge in enjoying beach relaxation at the foot of Santubong Mountain. It's good to come to Borneo all year round and preferably for 2-3 weeks to embrace the immensity!

Pangkor

Pangkor is a paradise island off the western coast of Malaysia in the Strait of Malacca, stretching from north to south for 9 km, from west to east for 3.5 km. Only 2 km separates from the mainland, connecting with it by high-speed ferry. Surrounded by luxurious fine sandy beaches and hotels that satisfy every whim of guests, Pangkor has become a favorite holiday destination in Malaysia. Most of the territory is covered with jungle and only along the coastal strip are fishing villages.

It will not take much time to see the “highlights” of Pangkor – Niphah Bay, the ancient Dutch fortress and the architecture of the Chinese temple Fu Lin Kong. Basically, Pangkor expects a calm beach relaxation, occasionally interrupted by flying exotic hornbills. Tourists call Coral beach and Teluk Nipah the best places to relax with extensive beach infrastructure, cafes and shops.

Sitting under the canopy of trees on Coral Beach, you should close your bags from monkeys jumping through the trees and stealing food. Night clubs and noisy bars are absent here. In the vastness of the Tuluk Nepah Marine Park, they usually spend the whole day. Having rented equipment, they dive into the depths of the sea and go snorkeling. A selection of affordable, comfortable hotels and villas at the authentic Tiger Rock Hotel cater to all tastes and budgets.

Tioman

Tioman is one of the best islands in the world for a romantic getaway, snorkeling and diving. Even the most sophisticated travelers admire its flora and fauna. Fantastically picturesque coral reefs inhabited by turtles, exotic fish and whale sharks attract romantics of the water depths from all over the Earth, especially since visibility under water reaches 35 meters. Tourists will also see exotic terrestrial fauna: pygmy deer, iguanas and minah birds, bewitching with unusually beautiful singing, which is why they were ranked among the main attractions.

There is practically no infrastructure on Tioman. Some villages do not even have electricity or running water. Only one paved road is laid from the airport to the Berjaya hotel, located with comfortable rooms – a chalet on the seashore. The presence of a large territory in the hotel, animation, a fitness center and a golf course will not let either couples or families with children get bored. You have to get to the bungalows of other hotels by boat. Tioman is attractive due to duty-free trade and sale of alcohol in hotel bars and shops.

Labuan

Labuan enchants with wonderful white sand beaches and excellent conditions for diving. The capital city is Bandar Labuan. It has an air and sea harbor that receives aircraft and sea transport from Kuala Lampur and Kota Kanibalu. To the delight of tourists, Labuan is a duty-free trade zone, which makes it cheaper to stay on vacation. In all corners, the affordable cost of rooms in hotels of different status and apartments, inexpensive delicious Indian and Malaysian cuisine in restaurants, clean well-maintained beaches.

In Bandar, you should look at the beauties of the Peace Landscape Park, the Bird Park and visit the parrot show. The sale and consumption of alcohol, as well as smoking, are not prosecuted in the city. For divers in Labuan, boundless expanse. They are attracted by the remains of long sunken ships lying among corals and aquatic vegetation. Of great interest are the artifacts of the Maritime Museum, raised from the seabed after shipwrecks and the inhabitants of the sea, swimming in a large aquarium. The best beaches are located on the west coast, where diving centers and golf courses are concentrated.

Kapas

Kapas is a small exotic island about 2 km long and 1 km wide, located 6 km from the mainland of Terengganu state. There is electricity, running water, cellular communication. Surrounded by wonderful fine sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, picturesque cliffs and virgin jungle. All beaches are connected by concrete bridges, which are convenient to cross when choosing a place to stay. Along the beach line there are several comfortable hotels equipped with modern amenities and the Internet, ready to satisfy any wish of the guests.

There are also many budget options – economy class chalets and bungalows. From the hotel complexes Kapas Island Resort and Turtle Valley Resort, walking trails are equipped deep into the jungle, and from the observation deck there is an amazing view of the nearby island of Gemia. Crystal clear water, sea depths, amazing variety and picturesqueness of coral reefs, schools of colorful fish and turtles attract explorers of the sea depths – divers to Capas.

The water area of the island is a great place for surfing, canoeing and kayaking, snorkeling and fishing. Capas, where accommodation is much cheaper due to its lack of popularity, can be a great alternative to expensive holidays on the advertised islands.

Tengol

Tengol is a small island in the southern state of Malaysia, stretching 3 km long and 2 km wide, located 45 minutes sailing from the town of Kuala Dungun. Its rocky surface is overgrown with tropical forest, ending in sheer cliffs that in some places go straight to the sea. Until recently it was uninhabited. Today, several hotels and comfortable bungalows have been built here near the water. The impetus for the development of Tengol was the amazing underwater world around the coast with 20 dive sites that bring exotic diving pleasure.

In the quiet Tengola Bay, along a gentle slope, the depth smoothly reaches 20 m, admiring the seascape with bizarre boulders, tunnels, crevices and coral gardens. Journey through several underwater dive sites with families of bats, blue fish, butterfly fish, moray eels, crabs and other exotic inhabitants of the middle depths can be made with experienced instructors. Tengol is also suitable for a beach holiday.

There are small beaches surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical vegetation. Soft sand and transparent sea are favorable for beautiful sunbathing and comfortable swimming. From any height here you can endlessly admire the stunning view of the South China Sea, stretching beyond the horizon. The picture of a tropical paradise is complemented by rare birds with their colorful appearance and voices.

Lankayan

In the northeast side of the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, in the expanses of the Sulu Sea in the protected area, there is a small picturesque island of Lankayan, shaped like a drop. From the city of Sandakan, you can get to it by boat in an hour and a half. Surrounded by an emerald lagoon, palm trees, white sandy beaches interspersed with shells and corals that do not heat up in the sun. Its top is covered with tropical forest.

On the quiet side of the sea is one hotel Lankayan Dive Island Resort, which includes 23 comfortable chalets with all-inclusive service, relieving many of your worries. Meals are organized according to the “buffet” principle with an abundance of exotic fruits and vegetables. Almost every bungalow has its own private beach with sun loungers. Away from the hotel there is a dive center located in a separate building on stilts with all necessary amenities. You can rent equipment there, there are rooms for assembling and disassembling equipment.

All entertainment in Lankayan is connected with water. Diving at nearby dive sites allows you to see rare whale and bamboo sharks, colorful fish and octopuses. For fans of the study of sunken ships, there are several wrecks nearby. The underwater life around the island is also impressive for snorkelers. There is a station for the study and conservation of turtles that come here from July to October to lay their eggs. Despite this, nothing stands in the way of a peaceful and exciting outdoor activity.

Sipadan

Sipadan is a small exotic island with an area of no more than 12 hectares, shaped like a foot. Luxurious sandy beaches are bordered by dense tropical forests. Visiting Sipadan is the dream of any diver. An amazing underwater kingdom with stunning coral and volcanic landscapes, more than 3 thousand species of exotic marine life firmly guaranteed the island to be in the ranking of the 5 best islands in the world for diving.

The famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau also conducted his dives in these places. It is forbidden to go deep into Sipadan, but on the shore you can meet monitor lizards, other animals and birds that live here. Excursions are organized daily to the island to visit the most famous dive sites, consisting of rocks overgrown with sponges and corals. Among them are the most interesting: the “Valley of Turtles” near the southern coast, the frightening underwater cave “Turtle Cemetery” with numerous labyrinths of tunnels and caves near the eastern coast, Barracuda Cape – with barracudas that form mind-blowing patterns with movements of shoals, coral and hanging gardens with exotic fish. Dives are done from boats and directly from the shore.

Since the island is protected, people do not live here, there are no hotels and beach infrastructure. Usually tourists are accommodated in a chalet on the nearby: Maboule and Kapalai. If you are going to visit Sipadan, you need to take water and food with you.

Redang

You can get to Redang by ferry from Kuala Terengganu. Surrounded by grandiose reefs, among which the mushroom-shaped reef Mushroom, famous in diving circles, with a cap in diameter of 20 m, beckons divers and snorkelers to the island. It cannot boast of hotels and beaches with a developed infrastructure. Tourists who are picky about service should book The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort, which features a magnificent spacious beach and gorgeous sea views from designer rooms.

The beach in the area of the Laguna Redang Resort hotel, which stretches near the airport, has a developed infrastructure. There are shops, a souvenir shop, and several restaurants with live music. Basically, the entire holiday on Redang is focused on beach relaxation, diving, windsurfing, boat trips and jungle raids.

Percentian

The volcanic islands of the Perhentiana archipelago are located in the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea at a distance of 19 km from the mainland in the region of Terengganu state. Two largest islands have tourist attraction: Small – Perhetian-Kechil and Big – Perhetian-Besar, surrounded by small islands. Landscapes are rocky plateaus overgrown with tropical forests. The beach strip of the Big and Small Islands, separated by cozy bays and a series of coral reefs, resembles a Bounty advertisement – luxurious palm trees against the backdrop of soft white sand and bright blue water.

Convenient smooth entry into the sea provides comfortable swimming for tourists of all ages. In addition to public beach areas, the Perhentiana archipelago has several luxurious private beaches, where water taxis deliver. The archipelago is famous for its amazing underwater world, interesting for diving and snorkeling. In its depths, turtles, whale sharks, clown and parrot fish, stingrays and other exotic underwater inhabitants are found.

Big Besar and Small Kechil are distinguished by developed infrastructure. Wealthy tourists prefer to stay at Besar, which attracts with its elite hotel service, gourmet cuisine of restaurants and a variety of nightlife. Small Kechil is somewhat inferior in terms of service, but will please unpretentious tourists with affordable prices.

Where is the best place to relax

Most travelers who choose Malaysia for a holiday are initially interested in a comfortable beach holiday, and then diving. The resorts located on the Malaysian islands will be able to provide a great vacation for every taste.

Langkawi is a resort with a flair of romance, famous for comfortable hotels, life-giving air and healing magnesium sand on the beaches that cure bronchitis, rheumatism and osteochondrosis. You can swim in Langkawi all year round without fear of storms. The abundance of exotic fruits in the markets, inexpensive goods in stores will delight you with shopping. Nature lovers will be delighted with Kilim Park, Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, Pulau Tuba Geopark and Burau Bay.

Admirers of outdoor activities, unique natural attractions, and exotic animals will fall in love with Borneo. Tourists interested in ethnic culture and gourmets will find a rest to their liking. There are many wonderful beaches and unique dive sites in different parts.

Penang is a resort island popular with young people and lovers of nightlife. Notable for cool restaurants, nightclubs, markets, exotic attractions. There are few good beaches here, as the coastal waters are chosen by jellyfish. From Penang, they go to relax for the whole day on the beaches of neighboring islands.

Redang has earned the reputation of an eco-friendly island, surrounded by lush greenery, captivating with the purity of white sandy beaches, crystal water and rare sea creatures. Romantics come here to admire the sunsets and the beauty of underwater reefs.

Pangkor, a relatively new resort, has been a hit with couples and families with children. Wonderful beaches surrounded by exotic nature, a smooth entry into the sea with a comfortable bottom, a light sea breeze that does not let you feel the heat are ideal conditions for a quiet, secluded vacation.

Islands for families with children

The best Malaysian resort for children's recreation is called Langkawi. The clean and quiet shallow sea near the coast gives a lot of pleasure to children of all ages. Soft white sand and a smooth descent into the water, great even for toddlers. Parents should take into account the presence of sharp shells at the bottom in places, so it is better for children to swim in special shoes, and in November-February, an abundance of jellyfish is observed in coastal waters.

There are many attractions in Langkawi that will interest children. A huge oceanarium with labyrinths of underwater tunnels, artificial waterfalls and lakes, with exotic fish, crabs, turtles and jellyfish living in them, literally fascinates children. The aquarium also has a mini zoo with penguins, birds and monkeys.

In the East Village, children will enjoy riding catamarans, elephants and ponies. A trip to the Oriental Village Geopark and returning from there on an amphibious duck will bring a lot of positive emotions. An unforgettable event will be a cable car trip over a 700-meter precipice and a visit to the bird park and parrot show.

Best time to go

The location forms a humid climate with hot weather throughout the year. The average annual temperature does not fall below +27°C, and sometimes rises to +32°C, the water temperature never drops below +25°C. The climate on different islands may vary. So on the eastern islands: Borneo, Tioman, Redang, Parhentiana in November – February, the weather is spoiled by rains, so it is better to relax there from March to mid-September.

In the west of Malaysia on Pangkor, a great vacation is guaranteed in April-May and from October to December. In the northern part – on Langkawi, a great time for a beach holiday is December – June, and a favorable time for diving is May and October, when the water becomes crystal clear. On Labuan, a comfortable holiday begins in April, lasting until early October, when the weather is sunny and dry.

As you can see, on the Malaysian islands it is possible to choose a good place for a vacation at any time of the year, with the weather ideal for a beach holiday and diving.