Located in Southeast Asia, the country of Malaysia is known for its many exotic islands that feature stunning beaches, tropical rainforests and diverse cultures. A great number of these islands present popular diving and snorkeling destinations because of their crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs. However, the islands of Malaysia are not just about beaches and diving. There is much more to experience here such as colonial villages, beautiful temples, vibrant resorts and adventurous activities. Find out more about the best Malaysian islands.

1.Langkawi Travel Guide

Located off Malaysia’s northwestern coast in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands boasting picturesque beaches, rainforest, mangroves and forest-clad mountains, making it one of Malaysia’s most popular destination. In recent years, resorts, hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities have developed in Langkawi, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the archipelago’s exceptional natural beauty.

By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 65,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi can be explored by taxi or renting a car, motorbike or scooter at the airport. Bicycles can be hired at many hotels. The island’s natural splendor is its number one attraction. Beaches offer powdery white sands, crystal clear waters, limestone cliffs and water sports. The most popular beach, Pantai Cenang, is busy with restaurants and bars. The beaches of Pantai Tengah and Pantai Kok are more isolated, offering peace and tranquility.

Several protected parks offer jungle trekking and mangrove tours where visitors can experience breathtaking views of the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and exotic birds and animals like monitor lizards and macaque monkeys. Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Cincang are Langkawi’s tallest mountains with lookout points presenting outstanding views of the area and across to Thailand. Gondola rides and the SkyBridge are fun ways to ascend the mountains and survey the surrounding beauty.

Other attractions not to miss are the Laman Padi Rice Garden, Eagle Square, the Underwater World aquarium and Oriental Village, which features snake charmers, elephant rides and traditional food, music and customs.

From food stalls to resort restaurants, food choices vary widely from traditional dishes of steamed rice and coconut wrapped in banana leaves to international cuisines of Indian, Chinese, Balinese and German.

2.Perhentian Islands Travel Guide

The Perhentian Islands are a small group of beautiful, coral-fringed islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia, not far from the Thai border. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). Kecil attracts more travellers as it has cheaper accommodation, while Besar is a little more expensive and caters more to families and those who want to avoid the backpacker party scene.

The Perhentian Islands offer some great diving and excellent snorkeling. In addition to coral and fish, the Perhentians are home to sea turtles and several species of shark. The islands are also crisscrossed by small paths connecting one beach to another, but be prepared to sweat and swat off bugs if you tackle any of these.

There is very little luxury accommodation on the Perhentian islands. with the top of the line being air-conditioned chalets and the bottom being a bunk in a longhouse. Discounts are usually negotiable in the off season but the better accommodation can get snapped up fast especially on weekends and holidays.

3Pulau Tioman

Considered by many as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Tioman served as a scenic backdrop in the 1958 movie, “South Pacific.” Although one of the most commercially developed Malaysian islands, Tioman still preserves much of its natural beauty and wildlife diversity that includes monitor lizards. Because Tioman is surrounded by coral reefs, the island is a hot spot for diving and snorkeling. Tourists here can also enjoy jungle trekking, swimming under waterfalls, visiting a turtle farm and experiencing the local culture at the traditional village on Juara Beach.

4Redang

One of the largest islands located off the east coast of Malaysia, Redang is favored for its beaches of powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters. The surrounding coral reefs are home to a variety of species like nemo fish, baby sharks and jellyfish, making Redang a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Visitors wishing to snorkel and dive here will find no lack of operations offering tours and equipment. While much of the island’s dense interior is impassable, there are several trails for jungle trekking.

5Pulau Mabul

A small island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah featuring fine beaches of coconut trees, soft white sand and turquoise water, Mabul Island is one of the world’s best destinations for muck diving. What’s more, Mabul Island also boasts one of the world’s most concentrated reserves of small marine life that includes species like frog fish, scorpion fish, cuttlefish, squids, gobies and various shellfish. Visitors here can easily walk around the island within an hour to explore attractions like the conventional villages with their thatched huts.

6Penang

Historically regarded as the Pearl of the Orient because of its important location among the sea trade route, Penang is a large and colorful island shaped by its diverse culture, heritage and world-famous cuisine. A must-do here is a stroll or rickshaw ride around the historic Georgetown to see its colonial buildings, stately mansions, lovely temples and impressive hotels. Visitors will find plenty of activities that range from excellent shopping and culinary experiences to horse riding on the beach, photographing snakes in the Snake Temple, and cable car rides up to Penang Hill.

7Pulau Kapas

Just off the coast of mainland’s Marang lies Kapas Island. Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island, a name given to it by locals, due to its soft white beaches. Snorkelers and scuba divers visit the island because of the beautiful, calm waters filled with a variety of marine life.

8Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor, meaning “beautiful island,” provides a scenic escape from the busy world. Most tourists visit Pangkor for its quiet atmosphere and gorgeous beaches that include Niphah Bay, Teluk Belanda, Pasir Bogak and Coral Bay. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing attractions here such as the Chinese Fu Lin Kong Temple, the Kali Amman Temple, and the remnants of a Dutch fort that shelters a historic rock called Tiger Rock. Plenty of leisure activities abound here like banana boating, jet skiing, jungle trekking and swimming at night amid the blue-glowing plankton. Just next to island of Pangkor is the smaller island of Pangkor Laut, home to one of the most luxuries resorts in all Malaysia.

Others Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

Georgetown Inner City

Mount Kinabalu