Malaysia is a realm of island marvels, where each one boasts its own distinctive charm and glory. Whether you yearn for pearly beaches, azure waters, emerald jungles, wondrous wildlife, or lively culture, you will encounter an island that caters to your desires and means. In this article, we will unveil the 25 most splendid islands in Malaysia for a heavenly vacation in 2024, showcasing their features, activities, and ideal times. These islands are not only gorgeous but are also brimming with experiences that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. Read on!
1. Langkawi
Langkawi is a cool and easy island in Malaysia, close to Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It’s a UNESCO place, famous for its awesome rocks, caves, falls, and mangroves. Langkawi is also a beach lover’s dream, with white sands, clear seas, and reefs. You can do water stuff, like jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and diving, or just chill at one of the many spas and resorts. Langkawi is also a place with culture, with a lot of history and stories, as well as a fun night and shopping scene. The best time to hit Langkawi is from November to March, when it’s sunny and dry.
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport (13 km from the city centre)
2. Tioman
Tioman is a blissful island in the South China Sea, near Malaysia’s east coast. It is renowned for its marine park, with a myriad of sea creatures, like turtles, sharks, rays, and corals. Tioman is a delightful spot for snorkeling and diving, and also surfing and kayaking. Blanketed by lush rainforest, this island makes for an enchanting destination where you can encounter monkeys, lizards, and bats or trek to waterfalls, explore ancient villages, or enjoy golf. Tioman has various places to lodge, from cozy hostels to lavish resorts. The best time to visit Tioman is from March to October, when the sea is serene and clear.
Nearest Airport: Senai Airport (140.5 km away from Tioman Island), Singapore Changi (161.4 km) and Hang Nadim (186.2 km).
3. Perhentian
Perhentian is a duo of islands in the South China Sea, near Malaysia’s northeast coast. They are Big and Small Perhentian, each with its own vibe and charm. Big Perhentian is for families and couples, with calm and private beaches, while Small Perhentian is for backpackers and soloists, with a fun and social mood. Both islands have gorgeous beaches, clear waters, and lots of sea life, perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can also do other stuff, like hiking, fishing, or island hopping. Perhentian is chill and simple, with no roads, cars, or ATMs, so get ready to enjoy the nature and the culture. The best time to see Perhentian is from March to October, when it’s sunny and dry.
Nearest Airport: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (60 km from Kuala Besut)
4. Sipadan
Sipadan is a small island in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is widely regarded as one of the best diving sites in the world, thanks to its unique location on top of an extinct volcanic cone. Sipadan is surrounded by a coral reef, which drops into a deep oceanic trench, creating a spectacular underwater scenery. Sipadan is home to more than 3,000 species of fish, including barracudas, trevallies, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks, as well as turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. Sipadan is a protected marine reserve, and only 120 divers are allowed per day, so you need to book in advance and stay on nearby islands, such as Mabul or Kapalai. The best time to visit Sipadan is from April to December, when the visibility is high and the currents are mild.
Nearest Airport: Tawau airport, Sabah
5. Penang
Penang is an island state in the Strait of Malacca, near Malaysia’s northwest coast. It is one of Malaysia’s most diverse and cosmopolitan islands, with a rich history and culture, shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Penang is also Malaysia’s food capital, with a range of street food, cafes, and restaurants, serving local and global dishes. Penang is not just a foodie’s dream, but also a culture and art lover’s delight, with a UNESCO site, which displays the colonial buildings, temples, mosques, and street art of George Town, the capital. Penang is also a nature lover’s wonderland, with a park, gardens, butterfly farm, and fruit farm. You can also have fun at the beaches, water sports, and nightlife of Batu Ferringhi, the hottest tourist spot. The best time to see Penang is from November to January, when it’s cool and dry.
Nearest Airport: Penang (PEN) Airport (15.1 km away from town center)
6. Pangkor
Pangkor is a tiny island in the Strait of Malacca, near Malaysia’s west coast. It is a tranquil and soothing island, with a fishing village vibe and a local charm. Pangkor has some of Malaysia’s finest beaches, with golden sand, clear water, and palm trees. You can swim, sunbathe, or bike around the island. Pangkor is also full of history and culture, with a Dutch fort, a Chinese temple, and a fishing museum. You can also check out Pangkor Laut, a private island resort, where you can relax at a spa, a golf course, and a fine dining place. The best time to see Pangkor is from October to March, when it’s dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Pangkor Airport and Kuala Lumpur Airport (264 km away from the island)
7. Redang
Redang, a jewel of an island in the South China Sea, near Malaysia’s east coast. It is a part of the Terengganu Marine Park, which protects the coral reefs and the marine life. The island is a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise, with clear water, fish, and turtles. You can also indulge in other things, like kayaking, sailing, or trekking. The island is sprinkled with a plethora of places to stay, from cheap chalets to fancy resorts. Redang is also known for its white beaches, especially Pasir Panjang, which is as long as a runway and has a breathtaking view of the sun. The best time to see Redang is from March to October, when it’s bright and dry.
Nearest Airport: Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmood (28.83 mi), Kota Bharu Pengkalan Chepa (55.66 mi)
8. Rawa
Rawa is a tiny island in the South China Sea, near Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. It is a private island, owned by the Sultan of Johor, and only reached by boat from Mersing. Rawa is a hidden and peaceful island, with only two resorts and nothing else. It is a great place to get away from the people and the noise, and enjoy the nature and the calm of the island. Rawa has a white beach, a blue water, and a coral reef, where you can snorkel and see the fish and the corals. You can also chill on a hammock, play beach volleyball, or slide down a water slide. The best time to see Rawa is from March to October, when it’s dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Senai (JHB) Airport (104.1 km away)
9. Sibu
Sibu is a symphony of islands in the South China Sea, near Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. They are Big, Middle, Little, and End Sibu. Big Sibu is the biggest and the most modern island, with many resorts and chalets. Middle Sibu is a private island, with only one resort. Little and End Sibu are empty islands, with nothing. Sibu is a serene and relaxing island, with a fishing village feel and a local culture. It has some of Malaysia’s best beaches, with silky sand, crystal water, and coconut trees. You can snorkel, dive, or fish in the water, or hike, bike, or camp on the land. You can also hop from island to island and explore other nearby tiny islands, like Tinggi, Aur, or Pemanggil, for more fun. The best time to see Sibu is from March to October, when it’s bright and dry.
Nearest Airport: Sibu Airport (SBW / WBGS), Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC / WBGT)
10. Kapas
Kapas is a tiny island in the South China Sea, near Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. It is a secret treasure, with a chill and easy vibe, and a local charm. Kapas has some of Malaysia’s prettiest beaches, with white sand, blue water, and coral reefs. You can snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water, or relax, read, or nap on the beach. Kapas is also a cool place to see the fireflies, the turtles, and the squid at night. Kapas has a few resorts and chalets, mostly on the west side of the island. Kapas is also reached by boat from Marang, a small town on the land. The best time to see Kapas is from March to October, when it’s dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Kuala Trengganu (TGG) Airport (25 km away)
11. Tenggol
Tenggol is a tiny island in the South China Sea, near Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of Malaysia’s hidden gems, with a wild and untouched scenery. Tenggol is a diver’s paradise, with over 20 dive sites, with coral gardens, rocky peaks, and shipwrecks. Tenggol is also a home to many sea creatures, like whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and nudibranchs. Tenggol has a few resorts and chalets, mostly on the west side of the island. Tenggol is also reached by boat from Kuala Dungun, a small town on the land. The best time to see Tenggol is from March to October, when it’s sunny and dry.
Nearest Airport: Kuala Terengganu Airport (about 1.5 hours to A'King Jetty)
12. Layang-Layang
Layang-Layang is a faraway island in the South China Sea, near Sabah, Borneo. Built by the Malaysian Navy, this island can be only reached by plane from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital. Layang-Layang is a diver’s paradise, with a coral atoll, which plunges into a 2,000-meter deep sea trench, making a stunning wall dive. Layang-Layang is also known for its big fish, like hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and tuna, and also dolphins, turtles, and rays. Layang-Layang has only one resort, which serves divers and has all-inclusive deals. Layang-Layang is also a bird haven, where you can see the red-footed boobies, the brown boobies, and the black-naped terns. The best time to see Layang-Layang is from March to August, when the water is clear and the hammerhead sharks are more common.
Nearest Airport: Fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, then board a domestic flight to Layang Layang.
13. Mabul
Mabul is a tiny island in the Celebes Sea, near Sabah, Borneo. It is a hot spot for divers and snorkelers, who come to see the amazing tiny creatures, like seahorses, frogfish, pipefish, and nudibranchs. Mabul is also a gateway to the nearby Sipadan, one of the world’s top diving sites. The island is dotted with a variety of places to stay, from cheap homestays to fancy water villas. Mabul is also a cultural and social island, where you can mingle with the local Bajau Laut people, who live in stilt houses and boats, and follow a traditional fishing way of life. You can also visit the Mabul Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where you can learn about the conservation work and adopt a turtle. The best time to see Mabul is from April to December, when it’s sunny and dry.
Nearest Airport: Tawau airport (TWU)
14. Lankayan
Lankayan is a tiny island in the Sulu Sea, near Sabah, Borneo. It is a hidden and peaceful island, with only one resort and nothing else. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy the nature and the calm of the island. Lankayan has a white beach, a blue water, and a coral reef, where you can snorkel and see the fish and the corals. You can also dive in the water, and see the whale sharks, the barracudas, and the wrecks. Lankayan is also a turtle haven, where you can see the turtles laying eggs and hatching on the beach. You can also visit the Lankayan Island Conservation Centre, where you can learn about the turtle care and recovery program. The best time to see Lankayan is from March to October, when it’s dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Fly to Sandakan Airport, then take a boat to reach the island
15. Mantanani
Mantanani is a trio of islands in the South China Sea, near Sabah, Borneo. They are Big, Small, and End Mantanani. Big Mantanani is the biggest and the most modern island, with many resorts and chalets. Small and End Mantanani are tinier and more hidden islands, with nothing. Mantanani is a lovely and calm island, with a white beach, a clear water, and a coral reef. You can snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water, or chill, read, or nap on the beach. Mantanani is also a home to the dugongs, the rare and cute sea mammals, also called the sea cows. You can also check out the close fishing village, where you can see the local life and culture. The best time to see Mantanani is from March to October, when it’s dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Labuan Airport (LBU), about 199 km away
16. Labuan
Labuan is a free island in the South China Sea, near Sabah, Borneo. It is a modern and diverse island, with a duty-free zone, and a mix of people and cultures. Labuan is also a historic and cultural island, with a WWII memorial, a peace park, a museum, and a mosque. The island is also a natural and fun island, with a marine park, a bird park, a water village, and a golf course. You can snorkel, dive, or fish in the water, or hike, bike, or ride on the land. You can also have fun with the shopping, dining, and nightlife of Labuan, which has a lot of local and global products and foods. The best time to see Labuan is from April to October, when it’s sunny and dry.
Nearest Airport: Labuan Airport (5 km away from town)
17. Gaya
Gaya is the biggest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a bunch of five islands in the South China Sea, near Sabah, Borneo. It is a beautiful and calm island, with a thick rainforest, a mangrove forest, and a coral reef. You can snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water, or trek, zip-line, or watch animals on the land. You can also check out the Gaya Island Resort, a fancy resort that has a spa, a yoga studio, and a fine dining place. Gaya is also a social and learning island, where you can mingle with the local Bajau people, who live in stilt houses and boats, and learn about their way of life. You can also visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre, where you can learn about the saving work and join the coral planting program. The best time to see Gaya is from March to October, when it’s dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (20 minutes from the airport to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal)
18. Pom Pom
Pom Pom is a small island in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is a secluded and tranquil island, with only one resort and no other facilities. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty and the serenity of the island. Pom Pom has a white sandy beach, a clear water, and a coral reef, where you can snorkel and see the fish and the corals. You can also dive in the water, and see the turtles, the sharks, and the rays. Pom Pom is also a turtle sanctuary, where you can witness the turtles laying eggs and hatching on the beach. You can also visit the Pom Pom Island Conservation Centre, where you can learn about the turtle protection and rehabilitation program. The best time to visit Pom Pom is from April to December, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Tawau Airport (90 minutes away)
19. Mataking
Mataking is a small island in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is a private island, owned by the Reef Dive Resort, which offers a luxurious and exclusive stay. It is a beautiful and romantic island, with a white sandy beach, a clear water, and a coral reef. You can snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water, or relax, spa, or massage on the beach. You can also visit the underwater post office, where you can send a waterproof postcard to your loved ones. Mataking is also a wedding destination, where you can have a beach wedding, a sunset wedding, or an underwater wedding. You can also visit the nearby islands, such as Sibuan, Bohey Dulang, or Mantabuan, for more adventure and exploration. The best time to visit Mataking is from April to December, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Get off at Tawau Airport, and then take a boat from Semporna Jetty (Harbor)
20. Tiga
Tiga is a small island in the South China Sea, off the southwest coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is famous for being the location of the first season of the reality show Survivor, which aired in 2000. It is a fun and adventurous island, with a variety of activities and attractions. You can snorkel, dive, or fish in the water, or hike, bike, or paintball on the land. You can also visit the snake island, where you can see the venomous sea snakes, or the mud volcano, where you can soak in the therapeutic mud. Tiga has a few resorts and chalets, mostly on the east coast of the island. Tiga is also accessible by boat from Kuala Penyu, a small town on the mainland. The best time to visit Tiga is from March to October, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport
21. Manukan
Manukan is the second largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a group of five islands in the South China Sea, off the west coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is the most developed and visited island in the park, with a range of facilities and activities. Manukan has a white sandy beach, a clear water, and a coral reef, where you can snorkel and see the fish and the corals. You can also dive, jet ski, or banana boat in the water, or play beach volleyball, soccer, or badminton on the land. You can also visit the Manukan Island Resort, a luxury resort that offers a pool, a spa, and a restaurant. Manukan is also a historical and cultural island, where you can see the remains of a World War II Japanese bunker, or join a cultural dance performance. The best time to visit Manukan is from March to October, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Labuan (LBU) Airport (112.5 km away)
22. Sibuan
Sibuan is a small island in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, which protects the coral reefs and the marine life of the area. Sibuan is a beautiful and peaceful island, with a white sandy beach, a clear water, and a coral reef. You can snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water, or relax, read, or nap on the beach. Sibuan is also home to the Bajau Laut people, who live in stilt houses and boats, and practice a traditional fishing lifestyle. You can also visit the nearby islands, such as Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, or Maiga, for more adventure and exploration. The best time to visit Sibuan is from March to October, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Sibu Airport (SBW / WBGS): 19 km away, Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC / WBGT): 70 km away, Mukah Airport (MKM / WBGK): 73 km away
23. Kapalai
Kapalai is a small island in the Celebes Sea, off the southeast coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is actually a sandbar, which was eroded by the sea and became a submerged island. It is now the site of the Kapalai Island Resort, a water village resort that offers a unique and luxurious stay. It is a stunning and romantic island, with a turquoise water, and a coral reef. You can snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water, or relax, spa, or massage on the water villas. You can also visit the underwater observatory, where you can see the fish and the corals. Kapalai is also a base for visiting the nearby Sipadan, one of the best diving sites in the world. The best time to visit Kapalai is from April to December, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Tawau Airport (TWU)
24. Aur
Aur is a small island in the South China Sea, off the east coast of Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. It is a remote and rugged island, with a dense rainforest, a rocky coastline, and a coral reef. Aur is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, with more than 20 dive sites, featuring coral gardens, rocky pinnacles, and shipwrecks. Aur is also home to a variety of marine life, including barracudas, trevallies, sharks, and rays. Aur has only a few resorts and chalets, mostly on the west coast of the island. Aur is also accessible by boat from Mersing, a small town on the mainland. The best time to visit Aur is from March to October, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Senai International Airport: 187 km away, Hang Nadim International Airport: 193 km away
25. Mamutik
Mamutik is the smallest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a group of five islands in the South China Sea, off the west coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is a quiet and relaxing island, with a white sandy beach, a clear water, and a coral reef. You can snorkel, dive, or kayak in the water, or relax, read, or nap on the beach. You can also visit the Mamutik Island Resort, a simple and cozy resort that offers a barbecue area and a volleyball court. Mamutik is also a cultural and educational island, where you can learn about the local Bajau and Illanun people, who live in stilt houses and boats, and practice a traditional fishing lifestyle. You can also visit the Mamutik Island Conservation Centre, where you can learn about the marine park and its conservation efforts. The best time to visit Mamutik is from March to October, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Nearest Airport: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (2.95 km away)
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